Vehicle Cost Comparison
True cost of ownership · Keep vs. upgrade
Should you keep your car or upgrade?
Enter your current vehicle's costs and compare against a newer car. We'll calculate the true total cost of ownership — including depreciation, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and more.
Current VehicleWhat you drive now
Vehicle Details
What you could sell it for today
Fuel
Ongoing Costs (annual)
Oil, tires, brakes, etc.
Depreciation
Older cars: ~5–10% · New cars: ~15–20%
New / Newer VehicleThe upgrade option
Vehicle Details
If trading in current car
Fuel
Ongoing Costs (annual)
Depreciation
New cars lose ~15–20% in year 1, ~10–15% after
Cost of Ownership Analysis
Annual Cost Breakdown — Visual Comparison
| Cost Category | Current Vehicle | New Vehicle | Difference |
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Methodology & Assumptions: Depreciation is calculated as an annual percentage of current value. Loan payments use the standard amortization formula; interest paid is included as a cost. The opportunity cost of the down payment is not included. Fuel costs assume consistent gas prices over the period. "Keep" scenario still accounts for the opportunity cost of the car's current market value (foregone equity). All figures are nominal (not inflation-adjusted).
This tool is for estimation purposes only. Actual costs will vary. Consult a financial advisor for major purchasing decisions.
About This Calculator
Total Cost of Ownership: What the Sticker Price Doesn't Tell You
The window sticker tells you what you'll pay to drive off the lot. The total cost of ownership tells you what the vehicle actually costs you over the time you own it — and the difference between those two numbers is often substantial. For Columbus drivers comparing vehicles, understanding total cost of ownership is the most honest way to evaluate what a car or truck is really worth.
This calculator factors in the ownership costs that matter most: fuel or electricity, insurance, scheduled maintenance, estimated repairs, financing interest, depreciation, and fees. Together these give you a realistic picture of what two different vehicles actually cost per month, per year, and over a typical 5-year ownership period — numbers that can shift the comparison significantly from what the sticker price alone suggests.
Dave Gill Chevrolet uses this kind of total cost analysis every day with Columbus buyers who are deciding between a gas vehicle and an EV, between two trim levels, or between buying new and going used. If you want to run a comparison on specific vehicles we currently have in inventory, our team can pull the numbers for your exact situation.
Key Comparison
EV vs. Gas: How Total Cost of Ownership Changes the Math
The most common comparison Columbus buyers run in this calculator is EV versus a comparable gas vehicle. The sticker price on a Chevy Equinox EV is higher than a gas Equinox — but over five years of typical ownership, the math often narrows considerably or reverses entirely, depending on fuel prices, how many miles you drive, and whether you charge at home.
Fuel Cost
Electricity is cheaper per mile than gasoline in most Ohio driving scenarios. Columbus-area EV owners report saving $800–$1,500 per year on fuel versus a comparable gas vehicle — a difference that compounds over 5 years of ownership.
Maintenance Cost
EVs have fewer moving parts than gas engines — no oil changes, no transmission service, less brake wear due to regenerative braking. EV maintenance costs are meaningfully lower over a 5-year period, and at Dave Gill, the EZ EV program covers lifetime tire rotations and EV maintenance at no charge.
Depreciation
Depreciation is typically the largest single cost in any 5-year ownership calculation, often 40–50% of the vehicle's value. EV depreciation has historically been higher than gas vehicles, though this varies significantly by model and market. The Equinox EV is in the top 25% for 5-year cost-to-own among compact SUVs per KBB.
Insurance and Financing
Insurance varies by driver history, ZIP code, and vehicle value — not meaningfully by powertrain. Financing cost depends on rate, term, and amount financed. With 0% APR available on select gas Silverado models and competitive rates on EVs, financing structure can shift the 5-year cost comparison on specific vehicles.
The bottom line varies by buyer. For Columbus drivers who charge at home, drive 10,000–15,000 miles per year, and plan to keep the vehicle 5+ years, an EV typically wins on total cost of ownership. For buyers with limited charging access or lower annual mileage, a gas vehicle may remain the better financial choice. Run the numbers above — or call us and we'll run them together. (614) 626-7182
Calculator Components
What Goes Into a Vehicle's Total Cost of Ownership
Columbus, Ohio Context
Total Cost of Ownership for Central Ohio Drivers
Total cost of ownership calculations are not one-size-fits-all — local variables matter. Ohio's gas prices, AEP Ohio electricity rates, Central Ohio insurance markets, and typical Columbus commute distances all affect the numbers differently than national averages suggest. The average Columbus commute is approximately 24 minutes, and the metro area's flat terrain is favorable for both gas fuel economy and EV range efficiency.
For Columbus drivers comparing a gas Silverado to a gas Equinox, an Equinox to an Equinox EV, or any new vehicle to a used alternative, running a total cost of ownership calculation before you buy is the most financially sound step you can take. The vehicles that look most different on the sticker often look remarkably similar — or completely reversed — when you run them through a 5-year ownership model.
Dave Gill Chevrolet — Columbus, Ohio
4700 East Broad Street · Columbus, OH 43213 · (614) 626-7182
Mon-Thu 10-7 · Fri 10-6 · Sat 9-5 · Sun Closed · Family-owned since 1982 · 4.7 stars, 3,300+ Google reviews