How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Ford Taurus for One Year? An Owner’s Breakdown Reveals $10,000 Isn’t Enough
Owning a car is often compared to raising a child—it demands both time and financial investment. To uncover the real cost of maintaining a classic B-segment sedan, we spoke with a Ford Taurus owner who meticulously calculated his annual expenses.
According to the owner, driving a Ford Taurus in his city is a relatively rare sight. Though not a common choice among B-segment models, he opted for it for practical reasons: reliable shelter and daily convenience. Below, he breaks down his yearly costs, including insurance, fuel, car washes, parking, maintenance, and toll fees.
Insurance Costs: A Persistent Expense
The owner highlighted that his insurance premiums remain consistently high, potentially due to regional factors or his driving history. Initially, insurance combined with the purchase price exceeded ¥230,000. Annually, he spends around ¥5,000 on insurance. Even with comprehensive coverage and some rebates this year, the cost stayed at ¥5,000. He admitted that his driving record might be a contributing factor, preventing any significant reductions.
Fuel Expenses: A Major Consideration
His Taurus is primarily used for daily commutes. He refuels once a month with about 50 liters of 95-octane gasoline. With discounts and average mileage, monthly fuel costs approximate ¥450, summing to ¥5,400 annually. Additionally, long-distance trips and extra drives add roughly ¥2,000, bringing the total yearly fuel expenditure to ¥7,400.
Clearly, the Ford Taurus isn’t the most fuel-efficient vehicle, and fuel costs constitute a substantial portion of ownership expenses. As gas prices continue to rise, this financial outlay becomes even more significant, posing a challenge for frequent drivers.
Maintenance: Essential for Longevity
To keep the car in optimal condition, the owner schedules maintenance every 5,000 kilometers or twice a year. Each service costs about ¥2,000, covering oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections. Basic maintenance runs ¥800, while a transmission fluid change can spike to ¥1,907. With two services annually, maintenance totals approximately ¥4,000.
Additional Costs: Car Washes, Parking, and Tolls
Car wash expenses can’t be overlooked. Due to high cleanliness standards at home, the Taurus gets washed every two weeks at ¥30 per session, accumulating to ¥1,000 yearly.
Parking fees also add up. While workplace parking is reimbursed, renting a residential spot costs ¥220 monthly, or ¥2,640 annually. Occasional parking at malls and other venues raises the total to around ¥2,800. Yearly road trips incur about ¥800 in toll fees.
Total Annual Cost: Beyond Expectations
Adding it all up—insurance (¥5,000), fuel (¥7,400), maintenance (¥4,000), car washes (¥1,000), parking (¥2,800), and tolls (¥800)—the total comes to approximately ¥21,000. Evidently, a budget of ¥10,000 falls short, and this doesn’t even account for depreciation or other hidden losses.
In summary, while maintaining a Ford Taurus involves considerable expense, for those valuing comfort, reliability, and a touch of classic appeal, the investment is justified. A car is more than mere transportation; it reflects personal taste and enhances life’s journeys. By budgeting wisely, every owner can fully enjoy the driving experience.
