Auto Costs are Hitting Your Wallet Harder, and It's Not Just Gasoline

Does it feel like your wallet is lighter every time you step out of your car?

It's not your imagination.

The California State Automobile Association estimates it now costs the owner of new sedan $8,776 a year to operate a car that's driven 15,000 miles annually. That's up $284 from last year.

That's despite the fact the cost of maintenance and insurance have dropped.

Higher costs for fuel and tires as well as quicker depreciation of automobiles are the main culprits for the increase.

Gasoline prices continue to be the driving force.

AAA reports the average cost for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline nationwide is now $3.69.

In California, the average price for regular unleaded is $4.07. It was $4.03 a week ago, $3.89 a month ago and $3.10 a year ago.

In the Oakland metro area, the average price for unleaded regular is almost $4.o9. It was $4.04 a week ago, $3.89 a month ago and $3.09 a year ago.

In addition, other costs are rising.

AAA reports the price of tires has risen 14 percent the past year.  The rate of depreciation of vehicles has edged up almost 5 percent from a year ago.

All together, the average cost nationwide for operating a new sedan is now 58.5¢ per mile. That's up almost 2¢ from a year ago.

In case you're wondering, when AAA began this annual survey in 1950, the cost of driving a new car was 9¢ per mile. Of course, gas was 27¢ a gallon then.

Everybody makes mistakes ... ! If there's something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, give editor Emilie Raguso a ring at 510-459-8325 or email her at emilier@patch.com.