Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NADAguides.com Lists the Vehicles With the Best Cost of Ownership

The cost of ownership value takes into account depreciation, fees and taxes, financing, insurance, fuel, maintenance and repairs over a five-year period.

by Staff
September 9, 2010
3 min to read


NADAguides ranked the top vehicles with the best cost of ownership based on its "Cost of Ownership" tool. The cost of ownership value takes into account depreciation, fees and taxes, financing, insurance, fuel, maintenance and repairs over a five-year period. 

"Far too many consumers get into a vehicle that is beyond their means. Not because they are unable to afford the monthly payments, but because they are unable to financially keep up with the ongoing costs associated with a vehicle - insurance, repairs, oil changes, etc." says Don Christy Jr. president of NADAguides. "Our team at NADAguides specifically developed the Cost of Ownership tool to help consumers determine what they can really afford." 

Ad Loading...

The NADAguides top picks by body style with the best cost of ownership in relationship to their MSRP are:

Coupes

2011 Ford Mustang 2 Door GT Premium: MSRP of $32,845 with a total cost of ownership of $54,281 over a 5-year period, averaging $10,856.20 per year.

2011 BMW 1 Series 2 Door Convertible 128i SULEV: MSRP of $34,200 with a total cost of ownership of $58,385 over a 5-year period, averaging $11,677.00 per year.

Crossovers

Ad Loading...

2010 Honda CR-V 4WD 5 Door EX-L w/ Navigation: MSRP of $29,745 with a total cost of ownership of $46,166 over a 5-year period, averaging $9,233.20 per year.

2011 Ford Edge 4 Door Limited: MSRP of $34,220 with a total cost of ownership of $54,048 over a 5-year period, averaging $10,809.60 per year.

Luxury Vehicles

2010 Audi A3 4 Door HB S Tronic 2.0 TDI Front Track Premium: MSRP of $29,950 with a total cost of ownership of $48,703 over a 5-year period, averaging $9,740.60 per year.

2010 Volvo S40 4 Door Sedan Automatic FWD: MSRP of $31,150 with a total cost of ownership of $51,791 over a 5-year period, averaging $10,358.20 per year.

Ad Loading...

Sedans

2010 Honda Civic 4 Door Auto GX: MSRP of $25,340 with a total cost of ownership of $39,915 over a 5-year period, averaging $7,983.00 per year.

2010 Chevrolet Impala 4 Door Sedan LTZ: MSRP of $29,930 with a total cost of ownership of $47,397 over a 5-year period, averaging $9,479.40 per year.

SUVs

2010 Nissan Xterra 4WD 4 Door Auto Off Road: MSRP of $30,700 with a total cost of ownership of $46,517 over a 5-year period, averaging $9,303.40 per year.

Ad Loading...

2010 Hyundai Veracruz FWD 4 Door Limited: MSRP of $34,195 with a total cost of ownership of $53,587 over a 5-year period, averaging $10,717.40 per year.

Trucks

2010 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD Crew Cab 126.0" LT w/1LT: MSRP of $27,395 with a total cost of ownership of $42,461 over a 5-year period, averaging $8,492.20 per year.

2010 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD Crew Cab 143.5" Xtra Fuel Economy: MSRP of $33,595 with a total cost of ownership of $52,447 over a 5-year period, averaging $10,489.40 per year.

Actual cost of ownership values are based upon average miles driven per year, years of driving experience and ZIP code including the costs of depreciation, fees and taxes, financing, insurance, fuel, maintenance and repairs over a five-year period. For this comparison, metrics were based off of a driver with more than six years experience that drives an average of 15,000 miles/year in the ZIP code of 92626. 

More Small Fleet

SponsoredMarch 9, 2026

Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections

AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

How One Fleet Cut Motor Pool Costs by $45K With Smarter Key Control and Automation

Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

Artificial Intelligence in Field Service: North America

48% of field service leaders are investing in AI to manage customer communication and self-service. Get the latest on how fleets are using AI and thinking about the future.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SafetyFebruary 4, 2026

Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries

There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 14, 2026

It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report

What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.

Read More →
Wreaths Across America graphic highlighting the role of small fleets in delivering wreaths to honor veterans, featuring wreath icons and the American flag.
Small Fleetby Lauren FletcherDecember 8, 2025

Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America

Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A stressed person covers their face, illustrating that 65% of small fleet managers handle all operations alone, according to a Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) survey.
Small Fleetby StaffNovember 12, 2025

VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone

A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.

Read More →
Safe Driving on Halloween over spooky fall road
Safetyby StaffOctober 20, 2025

Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night

This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.

Read More →
VMS Co-CEO David Prusinski highlights the company’s AI-powered virtual fleet manager designed to improve uptime and reduce operating costs for fleets.
Green Fleetby Lauren FletcherOctober 6, 2025

AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski

VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of tire tracks and winter scenes.
Small FleetMay 24, 2025

Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!

Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.

Read More →