Why a five-year window?

Five years matches the typical car loan tenure in India, the manufacturer warranty on most vehicles, and a common ownership cycle. Resale value drops are also well understood at this point.

How is depreciation calculated?

You enter the percentage of the on-road price you expect to retain after five years. Petrol hatchbacks typically retain 55–65%; SUVs and luxury vehicles depreciate harder.

5-year cost reckoner

What will it actually cost?

Verified 20 May 2026, 05:30 am IST

The sticker price is one number. Five years on the road is another. This calculator adds fuel, insurance, scheduled service, and depreciation to give you a real total cost of ownership for an Indian buyer.

Insurance basis: Mumbai · 3.4% of price/yr

On-road price (₹)FuelFuel price (₹/L)Mileage (km/L)Driving (km / year)Insurance (% of price / year)Service (₹ / year)Resale after 5 yrs (% of price)

5-year total cost: ₹11,21,500
Cost per km: ₹19
Fuel / year: ₹79,500
Insurance / year: ₹40,800
Depreciation: ₹4,80,000
Operating (5 yr): ₹6,41,500

Defaults reflect typical Indian-market figures for 2026. Edit any field to match your own situation. Resale is calculated from the percentage you keep after five years.

What is included

Acquisition. The on-road price you enter.
Fuel. Annual driving ÷ mileage × fuel price, over five years.
Insurance. A flat percentage of the on-road price per year.
Service. Your estimate of annual service spend (see the service calculator).
Depreciation. The portion of the on-road price you do not get back when you sell at year five.

What is not included

Loan interest — use the EMI calculator.
Accidents, fines, and one-off repairs.
Tyres and battery replacement — captured in the service calculator instead.

Rules of thumb

City petrol hatchback: ₹12–15 per km, all-in.
City diesel SUV: ₹16–20 per km, all-in.
City electric car (home charging): ₹6–9 per km, all-in.
150cc commuter bike: ₹2.5–3.5 per km, all-in.