We analysed real UK vehicle data from official DVSA & DVLA records. Here’s what car running costs in 2026 actually look like

Not guesswork. Not marketing spin. Real government data combined with early user-logged costs and AI forecasting.

DVSA vs DVLA — what’s the difference?

DVSA gives us the full MOT history — every test result, mileage reading, pass/fail and advisory.
DVLA gives us the vehicle’s current status — tax, colour, engine size and registration details.

Wheels Matter combines both to give you the complete ownership picture.

What do we mean by “ownership costs”?

Ownership cost is everything you actually spend to keep a car on the road — fuel, tax, insurance, servicing, repairs, tyres, depreciation and lost investment returns. Most people only think about the monthly fuel and tax bill. The real cost is usually much higher — and often hidden until it hits your bank account.

Key Findings So Far

£0.10

Average cost per mile (logged data)

45.2

Average MPG (logged data)

£1,730

Average 3-year maintenance & running cost forecast (222 vehicles)

How we calculate the real cost

Our 3-year cost forecast combines official DVSA MOT history, mileage trends, vehicle age, fuel type and real user-logged service costs. We break it down into four clear categories so you can see exactly where the money goes:

Brakes & Suspension — pads, discs, bushes, shocks (£437 average)
Tyres & Wheels — replacement and alignment (£410 average)
Service & Fluids — oil, filters, coolant, timing belts (£596 average)
Other — exhaust, electrics, bodywork, unexpected repairs (£287 average)

Real examples from our test fleet

Vehicle	Avg Cost/Mile	3-Year Forecast
Subaru Impreza 2001	£0.06	£1,800 – £2,400
Porsche 718 Spyder (forecast based on DVSA data)	£0.22	£2,400 – £3,800
Land Rover Range Rover 2014	£0.28	£3,500 – £5,500

The hidden cost most owners miss

Depreciation, maintenance spikes, and lost investment returns often add thousands more than people expect. For example, the money you spend on a car could instead be growing in a Cash ISA, gold, or even Bitcoin — turning what feels like a normal ownership cost into a real opportunity cost over three years.

Want to know what your car will really cost?

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