Driving a car for 38 cents per kilometer
We already know it, the helpless look at the price display of the gas station. And we know: there are additional costs if you want to own and drive a car. Driving and keeping a car really cheap is not easy in 2022. Nevertheless, there are some cars on the market that can even be owned and driven for 38 cents per kilometer or less. Including all costs. Whether gasoline, diesel, hybrid or electric drive. We have summarized why 38 cents and which cars are involved for you here.
Commuter allowance
38 cents corresponds to the current amount of the commuter allowance. This fixed value was not to be increased from 35 to 38 cents until 2024, this was brought forward and brought into force retroactively in the course of the energy relief package on 01.01.2022. The cent amount is multiplied by the number of working days and the commute to calculate the lump sum. It is important to note that only the one-way route to work (from the 21st kilometre) may be used, not the entire route for arrival and departure. An example:
| Factor | Example values |
|---|---|
| Commute | 22 kilometres |
| Workdays | 220 days |
| Lump sum | 0,38 Euro |
| Commuter allowance | 1,839.2 euros |
The shortest route to the place of work is used as the way to work. An exception to this may exist if a longer, more efficient route is demonstrably more worthwhile. The commuter allowance is claimed as part of the income-related expenses via the tax return in the following year. To find out how and whether you can take this into account in your next tax return, please contact tax law specialists.
Calculation basis and models
To calculate the cost per kilometer, we need to establish some parameters in advance, such as fuel costs and insurance, to ensure maximum comparability. To make the most of the commuter allowance, it is worth looking for cars with a very low cost per kilometer.
We have selected the following cheap cars:
- VW Golf (V) Variant 1.9 TDI DPF BlueMotion
- Honda Jazz (GE)
- Toyota Prius (ZVW30/ZVW35)
- VW Caddy (III Facelift) 1.6 TDI BlueMotion
- BMW 320d (E90, E91, E92, E93)
- Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus
We assumed the price for diesel or gasoline to be 2 euros per liter and an average of 0.51 euros per kilowatt hour for the charging current of the Tesla. As insurance, we chose partial comprehensive insurance with a 150 euro deductible for the following policyholder: 35 years old, employee, private property that can be concluded, marriage-like community. We have averaged and used the maximum and minimum price, if it exceeds 1,000 euros, a flat rate of 1,000 euros has been included instead. In addition to operating, repair and fixed costs, we plan a set of tires worth 500 euros as an example. According to current information, the annual depreciation of all models except the Tesla has fallen to 0 euros, which is why the cars should be saleable without any significant loss even after three years of use. The ownership period used is three years with an annual mileage of 15,000 kilometers.
VW Golf (V) Variant 1.9 TDI DPF BlueMotion
As one of the most versatile models produced by the VW Group, the Golf appears in this list as a diesel station wagon. In particular, it is about the VW Golf Variant 1.9 TDI BlueMotion, which was built from 2007 to 2009. Together with the 2.0 TDI, this is one of the most cost-effective engines in its series. With space for two Isofix child seats and a trunk volume of just under 1500 liters (folded rear seat), it is the ideal companion for families. If you want to pay 184 instead of 200 euros for tax, you should look for models with first registration in October 2008 and later.
| Cost | VW Golf Variant 1.9 TDI BlueMotion | Extrapolation 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| Average consumption | 5.73 l per 100 km | 5,157 euros |
| Repair/Inspection | 67 euros per month | 2,412 euros |
| Insurance (average) | 811 euros per year | 2,432 euros |
| Steer | 184 euros per year | 552 Euro |
| 1 set of tires (lump sum value) | 500 Euro per 3 years | 500 Euro |
| Current loss of value | 0 Euro per year | 0 Euro |
| Total cost (3 years) | Cost per km |
|---|---|
| 11,052.5 euros | 0,25 Euro |
In the table you will find an example calculation for the use and maintenance of the VW Golf Variant. At 0.25 euros per kilometre, the station wagon Golf is a real money saver. Despite diesel drive and larger displacement, it is only one cent per kilometer behind the hybrid Toyota Prius. In terms of repair costs, the Golf outperforms all the other vehicles on this list: Due to the parts available in masses, these costs amount to a low 67 euros per month. As an alternative to this model, you can also look for newer generations and other diesel engines.
Honda Jazz (GE)
The Honda Jazz is like a Swiss Army knife in small car format: it can do pretty much everything you need in your everyday car. With four doors and a trunk volume of 375 liters, you have comfortable transport options for passengers and cargo by small car standards. And even if you have to take the economical small car to the hardware store: Roof-high, it holds a whole 1341 liters with the rear seat folded down. This Honda Jazz is powered by a 1.2 l four-cylinder engine that produces 90 hp. Combined with Honda's variable valve timing (V-Tec), the Jazz has two faces: economy at low revs and driving pleasure at high revs.
| Cost | Honda Jazz (GE) | Extrapolation 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| Average consumption | 5.77 l per 100 km | 5,193 euros |
| Repair/Inspection | 69 euros per month | 2,484 euros |
| Insurance (average) | 653 euros per year | 1,959 euros |
| Steer | 34 euros per year | 102 Euro |
| 1 set of tires (lump sum value) | 500 Euro per 3 years | 500 Euro |
| Current loss of value | 0 Euro per year | 0 Euro |
| Total cost (3 years) | Cost per kilometer |
|---|---|
| 10,238 euros | 0,23 Euro |
In the insurance sector, the Jazz is the biggest saver on this list with an average of 653 euros per year. In terms of repair costs, the Honda is just behind the VW Golf at 69 euros per month. The depreciation per year, as with all the other cars on this list, except for the Tesla, is already at 0. At 34 euros per year, the little Japanese can also keep up in the area of taxes. If you are looking for alternatives to the 3rd generation or the 1.2 l petrol engine, you can also look around for the similarly economical 1.4 l petrol engine. The 3rd generation Honda Jazz is available pre-owned from 3,000 euros on mobile.de.
Toyota Prius (ZVW30/ZVW35)
Toyota has been building its hybrid flagship model Prius for over 20 years. In the meantime, it has become a role model for modern hybrid cars, known for its reliability and long range of up to 1,000 kilometers. The Prius works as follows: like many modern hybrids, it has a generator in combination with a four-cylinder engine. This is also connected to a generator via a gearbox, which generates electricity via recuperation and charges a 1 kWh battery. Its service life is considerable because it is never fully charged or discharged. The reliable technology is also demonstrated in tests: in 2008, the Prius was voted the "most environmentally friendly car in Europe" in the ADAC Eco-Test and the "car with the highest customer satisfaction" by its owners in the J. D. Power Report.
| Cost | Toyota Prius (ZVW30/ZVW35) | Projection (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Average consumption | 5.08 l per 100 km | 4,572 euros |
| Repair/Inspection | 76 euros per month | 2,736 euros |
| Insurance (average) | 908 euros per year | 2,723 euros |
| Steer | 36 euros per year | 108 Euro |
| 1 set of tires (lump sum value) | 500 Euro per 3 years | 500 Euro |
| Current loss of value | 0 Euro per year | 0 Euro |
| Total cost (3 years) | Cost per kilometer |
|---|---|
| 10,638.5 euros | 0,24 Euro |
Thanks to its full hybrid system, the Prius can score points in terms of consumption: 5 l per 100 kilometers is the lowest value on this list. The insurance company is in the middle of the field with an average of 908 euros. When it comes to repair and tax costs, the economy is again evident: in both areas, the Prius costs only a few euros more than the Honda Jazz. As an alternative to the full hybrid, there are even newer models with plug-in systems. The 3rd generation is available used from 9,000 on mobile.de.
VW Caddy (III Facelift) 1.6 TDI BlueMotion
If the space in the Golf Variant is not enough for you, this is the right place for you: the VW Caddy. With its different shapes such as panel vans and maxi, the well-known representative of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is at least as versatile as its direct relative. The panel van offers maximum transport options at the expense of the seats, while the Maxi stretches the Caddy a bit and comes with a third row of seats for two people. The most economical in the 3rd generation of the Caddy is the 1.6 TDI BlueMotion, a diesel four-cylinder with turbocharging. According to the manufacturer, the natural gas models are even more economical, but they are not known for their longevity compared to diesel engines.
| Cost | VW Caddy (III Facelift) 1.6 TDI BlueMotion | Projection (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Average consumption | 6.3 l per 100 km | 5,670 euros |
| Repair/Inspection | 85 euros per month | 3,060 euros |
| Insurance (average) | 1,000 euros per month | 3,000 euros |
| Steer | 200 euros per year | 600 Euro |
| 1 set of tires (lump sum value) | 500 Euro per 3 years | 500 Euro |
| Current loss of value | 0 Euro per year | 0 Euro |
| Total cost (3 years) | Cost per kilometer |
|---|---|
| 12,830 euros | 0,29 Euro |
With an average fuel consumption of 6.3 liters, the Caddy is slightly above the Golf. However, compared to the Golf, the Caddy is often used as a company vehicle or for transporting 5 people or more. The Caddy III also costs more than the Golf in terms of insurance, taxes and repairs, but is also a newer model with better interior fittings and multifunctional in its designs. If you are looking for an alternative to the 1.6 TDI Bluemotion, you can also look for other diesel-powered Caddies, in terms of economy you drive best with the 1.6 TDI and 1.9 TDI. The Caddy III (facelift) 1.9 TDI BlueMotion is available pre-owned from 5,000 euros.
BMW 320d (E90, E91, E92, E93)
A BMW 3 Series Coupé is a car that seems almost a bit too sporty for such a list, but: The Bavarian mathematically works. If you want to have the successor of the E46 generation as a diesel, all wishes are open to you from 2010 with the 320d. The sedan (E90) and the station wagon (E91) will be available with diesel engines from 2008, followed by the Coupé (E92) and the Convertible (E93) from 2010. In all forms, the 320d produces 184 hp from a diesel four-cylinder with turbocharging. This makes the BMW the most powerful combustion vehicle on this list. This means that if the absolute lowest consumption is dispensed with, there is also enough driving pleasure in the diesel 3 Series.
| Cost | BMW E92 320d | Projection (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Average consumption | 6.1 l per 100 km | 5,490 euros |
| Repair/Inspection | 84 euros per month | 3,024 euros |
| Insurance (average) | 1,000 euros per month | 3,000 euros |
| Steer | 200 euros per month | 600 Euro |
| 1 set of tires (lump sum value) | 500 Euro per 3 years | 500 Euro |
| Current loss of value | 0 Euro per year | 0 Euro |
| Total cost (3 years) | Cost per kilometer |
|---|---|
| 12,614 euros | 0,28 Euro |
The insurance for the 3 Series is relatively large and relatively expensive, with a range of around 700 euros to 4800 euros. This may be due to the fact that the BMW 3 Series is a popular platform for novice drivers and is therefore statistically more often involved in accidents.
In terms of repair costs, the BMW 320d is almost on a par with the Caddy at 84 euros per month. You pay 200 euros in taxes per year for both vehicles. If you are looking for an alternative to the 320d, you can also look around for 316d or 318d. Used, the E90 is available from 5,500 euros on mobile.de.
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus
The Tesla Model 3 is on this list, but only drivable with restrictions for 38 cents or less. Since the electric car went into production in 2019, it will lose value again sharply in 2023 with an expected loss of value of around 13,000 euros. These costs must be included in the calculation if you assume that the car will be sold again in three years. From 2024, the value will only fall by less than 2,000 euros per year. From 2027, the Tesla will hold a relatively high value of just over 30,000 euros. So if you want to invest in the future with an electric car, the Model 3 is the right choice. As a Model 3 Standard Range Plus, the Tesla accompanies you a whole 409 km (WLTP) on a single charge.
| Cost | Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus | Projection (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Average consumption | 14.3 kWh per 100 km | 3,282 euros |
| Repair/Inspection | 62 euros per month | 3,708 euros |
| Insurance (average) | 900 euros per year | 2,700 euros |
| Steer | 103 euros per year | 186 Euro |
| 1 set of tires (lump sum value) | 500 Euro per 3 years | 500 Euro |
| Current loss of value | 6,892 euros per 3 years | 6,892 euros |
| Total cost (3 years) | Cost per kilometer |
|---|---|
| 17,267.85 euros | 0,38 Euro |
In order to achieve the 38 cents or less, the insurance price must not exceed 900 euros during the period of use. In terms of consumption, the Tesla is far ahead: With an average of 14.3 kWh per kilometer and a price of approx. 0.51 euros per kilowatt hour, the Tesla generates consumption costs of 1093.95 euros per year (mileage: 15,000 km). The combustion engines start at around 1,700 euros, the Prius at around 1,500 euros, and the Tesla is available used from 40,000 euros on mobile.de.