Beyond the cost of monthly car loan payments, vehicle ownership costs can add up.   Car insurance. Make sure you understand car insurance rates and the best car insurance companies available in order to select the best car insurance coverage for your needs.  Maintenance and repairs. These costs can start at around $100 per visit but vary by the make and model of your vehicle. Use Edmund’s car maintenance calculator to get an estimate of how much you’ll spend to maintain your vehicle.    Fuel expenses. If you’re unsure of how much to budget, visit FuelEconomy.gov to view the fuel economy or gas mileage and projected annual fuel costs for the year for the make and model of the vehicle you select.    Vehicle registration. To legally drive your vehicle you must pay registration fees, documentation fees and taxes that you’ll pay when you purchase the car. You’ll also pay to renew your registration every one, two or three years. Renewal fees and cycles vary by state.