AAA says it cost $8000 a year to own a car

The cost of driving: AAA estimates automobile owners pay an average of $7,834 per year to drive
Some Butte County residents were surprised Sunday to learn how much AAA says it costs to drive a car every year, while others expected the expense would be high.
The auto association estimates automobile owners pay $7,834 on average to drive their cars about 15,000 miles a year. That cost breaks down to about 52 cents every mile.
The cost includes vehicle maintenance, depreciation, insurance, fuel and tires.
Chico resident John McNichols said he guesses he spends $4,200 a year on his Toyota Tacoma because he has paid it off.
"There are a lot of hidden expenses," he said. "I spend $250 on fuel. It's just an expense you have to bear."