Keeping a car on the road now costs over €200 a month
Running a small hatchback costs more than €200 a month, according to the breakdown in the first Amovens 2026 Study. Depreciation, insurance and the ITV roadworthiness test drive up the bill.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Running a small car now costs more than €200 a month
The first Amovens Study on mobility habits and car use in Spain (2026) has confirmed what many drivers suspect: the car has become a money pit. 68% of Spanish drivers face ongoing costs for their vehicle, and the breakdown for an ordinary compact car explains why.
The maths is quick. An €18,000 Seat Ibiza sold after ten years for €8,000 loses €100 a month in depreciation. Add €30 for insurance, €4 for the ITV roadworthiness test, €18 for maintenance, €6 for the vehicle tax and €10 for cleaning: €170. Any minor breakdown, a change of belts or brake pads, and you're past €200. Not counting fuel or the loan instalment.
Behind the figure lies a silent political war. While higher earners dodge the problem with car rental subscriptions, everyone else is reminded that public transport exists. The message is clear: the private car is a luxury, and those who can't afford it should get off the road. Nobody claims the cost of car ownership is a matter of urban design; the numbers say it.
The first Amovens Study on mobility habits and car use in Spain (2026) has confirmed what many drivers suspect: the car has become a money pit. 68% of Spanish drivers face ongoing costs for their vehicle, and the breakdown for an ordinary compact car explains why.
The maths is quick. An €18,000 Seat Ibiza sold after ten years for €8,000 loses €100 a month in depreciation. Add €30 for insurance, €4 for the ITV roadworthiness test, €18 for maintenance, €6 for the vehicle tax and €10 for cleaning: €170. Any minor breakdown, a change of belts or brake pads, and you're past €200. Not counting fuel or the loan instalment.
Behind the figure lies a silent political war. While higher earners dodge the problem with car rental subscriptions, everyone else is reminded that public transport exists. The message is clear: the private car is a luxury, and those who can't afford it should get off the road. Nobody claims the cost of car ownership is a matter of urban design; the numbers say it.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (28 replies).
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