What does a used car really cost you per month?
Almost everyone looking for a second-hand car runs into the same question: does this fit my budget? National averages rarely help, because a light city car and a family SUV differ by hundreds of euros a month. Pick the profile below that matches you best and see straight away what to expect.
11 August 2026 · 6 min read
Which situation do you recognise?
Three common profiles, with the range you can realistically expect once you factor in all fixed costs and fuel.
The City Driver
Short trips, low mileage, a small car such as an Aygo or Polo
€190 – €250 /mo
A light used car is by far the cheapest option here: low premium and low road tax.
The Commuter
On the motorway daily in a Golf or Focus
€275 – €380 /mo
Fuel becomes your biggest expense, so an efficient mid-size car pays for itself quickly.
The Family Driver
Needs space, think of a Qashqai or V60
€350 – €520 /mo
More weight means higher tax, tyre wear and consumption: budget for a wider range.
Average monthly costs of a used car in 2026
The amounts below are indicative for a second-hand car you use daily, assuming around a thousand kilometres a month. Your personal situation determines where you land within the range, so a monthly cost calculation for your car gives you the precise figures.
| Cost item | Compact care.g. Polo / Yaris | Mid-size care.g. Golf / Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated monthly spend | €190 – €300 /mnd | €275 – €415 /mnd |
| Car insurance (third-party / third-party+) | €35 – €65 /mo | €50 – €85 /mo |
| Road tax (motor vehicle tax) | €25 – €45 /mo | €45 – €70 /mo |
| Maintenance & MOT reserve | €40 – €60 /mo | €60 – €90 /mo |
| Fuel / electricity (1,000 km/mo) | €90 – €130 /mo | €120 – €170 /mo |
| Optional: depreciation (loss of value) | €70 – €120 /mo | €110 – €180 /mo |
What makes up the monthly cost of a used car?
Insurance
Your premium depends on your no-claims years, where you live and the cover you choose. For an older used car, third-party or third-party+ is usually enough; comprehensive cover pays off mainly for higher-value cars.
Road tax
Road tax is determined by weight, fuel type and your province. A light petrol car is significantly cheaper than a heavy diesel, and that difference adds up quickly over a year.
Maintenance and MOT
Maintenance comes in peaks: a service, brakes or tyres. Setting aside a fixed amount each month spreads these costs so you're never caught out.
Fuel or electricity
Your biggest variable cost. The number of kilometres you actually drive determines everything here. That's why our calculator uses your own trips instead of a national average.