Owning a Ford Taurus: How Much Does It Really Cost Per Year?
Owning a car is often compared to raising a child—it demands both time and money. To uncover the real cost of maintaining a classic B-segment sedan, we spoke with a Ford Taurus owner who broke down his annual expenses. Surprisingly, the total far exceeded 10,000 RMB…
Insurance: A Recurring Investment
The owner, one of the few Ford Taurus drivers in the city, shared that insurance has always been a significant part of his budget. Initially, the car and first-year insurance totaled over 230,000 RMB. Now, he pays around 5,000 RMB annually for full coverage. While many drivers see their premiums drop after a claim-free year, his wife’s frequent minor accidents have kept costs high—with collision coverage alone costing 2,700 RMB.
Fuel Costs: The Biggest Expense
As a daily commuter, his Taurus consumes about 50 liters of 95-octane gasoline per month. With an average daily drive of 20 km, he covers roughly 480 km monthly, spending approximately 450 RMB. That adds up to 5,400 RMB per year. Occasional long trips and leisure drives contribute an extra 2,000 RMB, bringing the annual fuel cost to around 7,400 RMB. For frequent drivers, the Taurus’s fuel economy may pose a challenge, especially as gas prices rise.
Maintenance: Ensuring Reliability
Routine maintenance is essential for keeping the Taurus in top condition. Services are required every 5,000 km or twice a year. A typical maintenance visit costs about 2,000 RMB, covering oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections. Major services, like transmission fluid changes, can cost up to 2,700 RMB. Annually, maintenance totals around 4,000 RMB.
Additional Costs: Keeping It Clean and Parked
Regular car washes—twice a month at 30 RMB each—add up to about 1,000 RMB yearly. Parking is another considerable expense: a rented residential spot costs 220 RMB monthly (2,640 RMB annually), plus occasional fees for mall or scenic-area parking, totaling around 2,800 RMB. Highway tolls for 2-3 trips per year add another 800 RMB.
Total Annual Cost: Beyond Expectations
Adding it all up:
- Insurance: 5,000 RMB
- Fuel: 7,400 RMB
- Maintenance: 4,000 RMB
- Car washes: 1,000 RMB
- Parking: 2,800 RMB
- Tolls: 800 RMB
The total comes to approximately 21,000 RMB per year—far beyond a 10,000 RMB budget. This doesn’t even include potential repair costs or depreciation.
Is It Worth It?
While the expenses are substantial, for those who value comfort, reliability, and a touch of classic elegance, the Ford Taurus offers a rewarding driving experience. A car is more than just transportation—it’s an expression of personal style and practicality. With careful budgeting, the joy of driving a well-maintained vehicle can outweigh the costs.
