Cost of driving

[sherrardk]

How much do you reckon it costs, per mile, to drive a 1.8 automatic Chrysler Grand Voyager at about 30mph (are we talking a couple of pence, 50p. etc), just want an 'ish' figure (to justify, to myself, getting the shopping delivered on Saturday!). Thanks.

[sunny-dave]

20p per mile for petrol/diesel plus another 5p for tyres/servicing etc

< assuming tax/insurance as a fixed cost already paid >

[Zacs-Master]

Justify it by saying that the van will be probably delivering to somewhere near to you anyway, therefore you are being more environmentally friendly by not using your car.

[gingejbee]

I was going to say about 25p per mile for "running" - but several times more including all the fixed costs.

[Gromit]

Tell him the body of your first husband is in the boot.

[sherrardk]

Thanks all - delivery on a Saturday is flipping £5.50! It's only £3.50 on a week day. I think it's justifiable (about a 9 mile round trip) especially as the weather might be bad.

[Gizmonster]

I would have guessed at 50p per mile but it all depends on how many miles per year you do and what the value of the car is.
You've got to allow for everything from fuel costs, insurance, servicing and depreciation of the car.
I managed to find the following (it's for 2010 but should give you a good idea):
http://www.theaa.com/...osts_petrol_table.jsp

[gingejbee]

gizmonster: for the purposes of this question, only fuel costs are that relevant. All the other "fixed" costs would have been paid anyway and don't really impact on this shopping trip.

[Andyvon]

If you are considering total costs Sherrard I would say quite a bit more. I'm not only taking into account the cost of fuel, but there's the wear and tear on tyres and mechanicals and increased insurance costs (the cost and hassle of any possible insurance claim in the event of an accident incurred during the shopping trip). It's hard to settle on a realistic figure though.

What you can safely say is that it's quite pricey to get your shopping whichever way you choose to get it to your home.

[sunny-dave]

I reckon the savings on "ooh while I'm here I think I'll just have..." purchases usually cover the cost of delivery anyway :)

[sherrardk]

I take the kids if I go on a Saturday and they always get sweets for a Saturday night treat so I will save about a fiver by just choosing something for them (and I've booked my slot now).