Phoenix, Ariz., April 8, 2010. Ever wonder what the true cost is to own and operate your vehicle? AAA has the answer. Today, the auto club released the 2010 edition of its annual ‘Your Driving Costs’ study, which compares the costs of different vehicle makes and models in order to give motorists a realistic idea of the true cost of vehicle ownership.

“By incorporating the cost of fuel, maintenance, tires, insurance, license, registration, taxes, depreciation and financing, ‘Your Driving Costs’ serves as a valuable resource for motorists,” said Jim Prueter, senior vice president for AAA Arizona. “The study aims to help consumers looking to make informed vehicle purchases or those who simply want to budget their annual automotive expenses.”

According to the study, the average cost to own and operate a sedan, based on 15,000 miles of driving has risen 4.8 percent from last year. This translates to $8,487 per year, which is an increase of $392 from last year.

An increase in the costs of fuel was the primary factor causing a rise in ownership costs, followed by an increase in the cost of parts, including tires. These factors rose 12.7 percent and 8.7 percent respectively, according to the study.

“The higher fuel prices we’ve experienced this year impact both operational costs and depreciation values,” said Prueter. “With the growing appeal of more fuel efficient vehicles, small sedans are experiencing less depreciation and holding their value longer while less fuel-efficient vehicles are experiencing a notable rise in depreciation costs.”

According to the study, motorists can expect to pay the following for vehicle ownership, based on vehicle type and 15,000 miles of driving per year:

Though not part of the composite average, the study also calculated the costs to own and operate a sport utility vehicle and a minivan. As illustrated, categories of vehicles not known for good fuel economy were hit with more sizable increases in depreciation compared to smaller and medium sedan classes listed above.

The 2010 ‘Your Driving Costs’ brochure is available for download. The brochure offers motorists a worksheet which can help determine their automotive expenses, based on their personal driving costs.

AAA’s ‘Your Driving Costs’ analyzes the cost to own and operate a vehicle in the U.S. Ownership costs factored into the study include the cost of insurance, license and registration fees, taxes, depreciation and finance charges. Operational costs in the study include fuel, maintenance and tires. Actual driving costs will vary based on individual driving habits, location, operating conditions and other factors. AAA has published ‘Your Driving Costs’ since 1950, when driving a car 10,000 miles annually cost only nine cents per mile and a gallon of gasoline cost just 27 cents.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.