The short answer
Plan for fuel, scheduled service, tires, insurance and trip extras. Tested efficiency is reported at about 10 to 14.7 km/l, lower with a load, roof gear, big tires or hard driving. Multiply litres by the price at the pump to get a real number.
Plan for
- Fuel, the biggest item
- Scheduled service every 10,000 km or 12 months
- Tires, which wear faster off-road
- Insurance, and its renewal
- Trip extras like permits and camping
Surprises
- Extra weight and roof racks cut efficiency
- Big tires raise cost and cut efficiency
- Repairs after hard use
- Higher insurance after modifications
- Fuel range limits in remote areas
Fuel
Reported tested efficiency is about 10 to 14.7 km/l with a 40-litre tank. Use the lower end for loaded, off-road or hilly driving. Divide the distance by efficiency to get the litres, then multiply by the price. See the picker for yearly litres.
Service and parts
Reported service is every 10,000 km or 12 months after the early services. See service schedule. Keep a log of each service and repair so you can see the real figure.
- Tires wear faster off-road and with a load
- Brake pads and fluids need regular checks, see brakes
- Battery life depends on use, see battery care
Insurance and extras
Insurance depends on your age, city and claims history, and on any modification you declare. Add trip costs such as permits, camping and tolls. See modifications and insurance.
Pick your yearly distance
Tap a distance to see the litres of fuel a year at the reported 10 to 14.7 km/l.
Tap a distance (4 to try)
Yearly fuel for 10,000 km
- Litres a year
- -
- Details
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Common mistakes
- Trusting a test figure. Measure your own.
- Forgetting load. Weight and roof gear cut efficiency.
- Ignoring tires. They wear faster off-road.
- Not tracking costs. Keep a simple log.
- Skipping insurance changes. Declare modifications.