A used Volkswagen Golf proved cheaper to operate than a new Renault Duster
Purchasing a car based solely on the price tag does not reflect its real cost during daily use of new and used vehicles in Ukraine. For comparison, experts chose a new Renault Duster costing approximately 1,000,000 UAH and a used Volkswagen Golf produced in 2019 priced at around 600,000 UAH. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine (Ігор Широкун) citing Motor Gas, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
European drivers actively use the concept of total cost of ownership in their practice, which covers all possible expenses for a vehicle. The calculations are based on a five-year operation period and two annual mileage scenarios of 10,000 and 20,000 kilometers.
Depreciation and market price loss
The largest share of vehicle depreciation is usually borne by the first owner, making the secondary market more economically advantageous for the next buyer. Over a five-year period, the Renault Duster crossover loses about 40 percent of its initial price and will cost 600,000 UAH, with an annual loss of 80,000 UAH. At the same time, the Volkswagen Golf loses roughly a third of its value, dropping in price to 400,000 UAH with an annual depreciation rate of 40,000 UAH.
Fuel expenses and maintenance
In terms of fuel expenses, the diesel engine demonstrates noticeable savings compared to the gasoline equivalent even under conditions of higher fuel costs itself. However, maintaining a used vehicle requires creating a special reserve fund for unexpected repairs of units and assemblies. As noted by Motor Gas project manager Roman Matveev, when choosing a car, the future owner should take into account the possibility of converting a gasoline car to gas fuel. If you install LPG on a gasoline car, you can save up to 40% on fuel.
Repair reserve and additional costs
The maintenance budget also includes compulsory civil liability insurance costing about 2,000 UAH per year for each model. A set of summer and winter tires along with seasonal tire fitting services requires additional financial investments throughout the entire operation period. Parking expenses and maintaining a parking space amount to about 1,000 UAH per month for both options.
Financial conclusions of the comparison
The general mathematical model confirms the economic advantage of the used family hatchback of the German brand over the new Romanian crossover. At the same time, the owner of a new vehicle receives predictability of expenses and confidence on the road without the risk of sudden expensive repairs at a service station.
Photo: freepic.com
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