Those of us lacking a set of sweet wheels in which to go cruising on Saturday nights can take solace in the fact that they’re saving a record number of thousands every year. on Tuesday, revealing that the average American driver will spend $9,100 on their car this year.
Topping the list are SUV drivers, who are spending $0.77 per mile, or $11,600 a year. Sedan owners don’t have it quite as bad, clocking in at just $0.61 per mile.
The total figure is up from $8,900 last year, with the biggest increase coming from maintenance and repair, which rose by 11% due to increased labor costs for mechanics. AAA has published the study every year since 1950, when gas cost less than $0.30 a gallon.