The Real Cost of Owning a Car in Spain: Much More Than Petrol

Fixed vehicle costs

• •Insurance: €400–1,200/year depending on cover and driver
• •Road tax (IVTM): €50–200/year depending on municipality and engine power
• •MOT: ~€50 every 2 years (every 4 years for new cars, then every 2)
• •Annual service: €150–400
• •Tyres: ~€400 every 30,000–40,000 km

Variable costs: fuel

Fuel is the most significant variable cost. A diesel using 6 l/100 km at €1.45/l spends ~€8.70 per 100 km. A petrol car using 8 l/100 km at €1.60/l spends €12.80/100 km. An electric using 18 kWh/100 km at €0.20/kWh spends just €3.60/100 km.

Depreciation: the invisible cost

Depreciation is the biggest car cost but the most ignored. A new car loses 15–25% of its value in the first year and 10–15% in subsequent years. A €25,000 car you use for 10 years and sell for €5,000 has cost you €20,000 in depreciation alone: €2,000/year.

Cost per kilometre

Adding all items (fixed + variable + depreciation), the true per-kilometre cost of a mid-range car in Spain typically falls between €0.30 and €0.60/km. This means a 20 km journey costs €6–12 — similar to or higher than a shared taxi for the same trip.