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Why "Affordable" Cars Aren't Actually Affordable

Why affordable cars aren't actually affordable in the US—sticker and payment hide total cost; use data to see true affordability.

AutoPremo Team
January 31, 2026
2 min read

"Affordable" cars in the U.S. often aren't actually affordable—because sticker price and monthly payment hide total cost of ownership: depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance. Here's why affordable cars aren't actually affordable and how to see true cost.

TL;DR "Affordable" usually means low sticker or low payment—not low total cost. Total cost = depreciation + fuel + insurance + maintenance over 5 years. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership to see true cost. Use autopremo.com affordability to set a budget. Use autopremo.com so you buy a car that's actually affordable.

Sticker and Payment Are Misleading

A low sticker or low payment can hide high depreciation, poor fuel economy, or high insurance and maintenance. You think you're buying "affordable"—you're not. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership to see 5-year cost. Get total cost at autopremo.com.

Total Cost Is What Matters

True affordability = 5-year total cost fits your budget. Compare cars by total cost, not sticker. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership. See total cost at autopremo.com.

Set Your Budget on Total Cost

Decide how much you can spend over 5 years—then find cars that fit. Use autopremo.com affordability and total cost of ownership. Check affordability at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

"Affordable" cars aren't actually affordable when total cost is high. Use autopremo.com for total cost and affordability so you buy a car that's truly affordable over time.

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