An analysis of the maintenance cost of a car in Argentina for September 2024
The maintenance cost of a car in Argentina has been a key issue for motorists, especially given the constant economic and price changes. As of September 2024, maintaining a vehicle has become increasingly expensive, with a significant rise in expenses such as fuel, registration, insurance, and maintenance. In this context, it is crucial to understand how these expenses break down and what factors can influence them, thus aiming to provide clear information for decision-making in the purchase and use of vehicles.
The cost of maintaining a car in Argentina has experienced a significant increase in recent years, especially in the last twelve months. Taking the Fiat Cronos as an example, one of the best-selling models, it is estimated that its monthly maintenance amounts to $381,025. This amount is the result of a thorough analysis that includes fixed and variable expenses. In this article, each of these costs will be detailed, providing a clear view of the expenses involved in owning a vehicle in the country.
Fixed costs: expenses that do not depend on the use of the car
Fixed costs are those that must be faced regardless of whether the vehicle is used or not. These include registration, insurance, and Technical Vehicle Inspection (VTV).
Registration
The vehicle registration is a tax that varies according to the fiscal value of the vehicle. For the Fiat Cronos, whose fiscal value is approximately $10 million, the annual expense for registration in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires is $312,000. This translates to a bimonthly payment of $52,000 or $26,000 monthly.
Insurance
Liability insurance is mandatory and must be included in fixed costs. As of September 2024, the insurance for the Fiat Cronos is estimated at $33,391. This insurance covers material and physical damages to third parties, as established by the Traffic Law in Argentina.
Technical Vehicle Inspection (VTV)
The VTV is a mandatory inspection that ensures that the car meets safety and environmental requirements. The cost of the VTV is $38,014.57, which is approximately $1,584 per month, considering it is necessary to perform it every two years.
Parking
The cost of parking can vary considerably depending on the location and type of garage. It is estimated that the average monthly parking expense is $74,000, a notable expense that should be considered in the monthly maintenance of the vehicle.
Variable costs: expenses that depend on the use of the car
Variable costs are those that fluctuate depending on the usage of the vehicle, such as fuel, washing, maintenance, and tolls.
Fuel
The Fiat Cronos consumes an average of 10 liters every 100 km in urban use. At a cost of $1,059 per liter, the monthly fuel expense for two tanks would be $99,550, a significant economic increase in the budget allocated to maintaining the vehicle.
Washing
The cost of washing services, including body and interior cleaning, is estimated at $34,000 for two monthly washes.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of the car, which includes alignment, balancing, and changing filters and oil, incurs an average cost of $12,500 per month, with a total estimated annual cost of $150,000.
Tolls
For trips within the City of Buenos Aires, a monthly toll expense of around $100,000 is estimated, based on regular vehicle use during the workweek.
Cost increases in the last year
In the past year, the maintenance cost of a car has grown significantly. According to expert data, expenses associated with maintenance, including fuel, insurance, and registration, have increased by 210% year-on-year, exceeding the inflation rate in the same period, which was 236.7%.
Buying perspectives in the automotive market
In the current context, individuals opting to acquire a new car are those who have postponed the decision for a long time, seeking more efficient models that offer savings in fuel consumption. Manufacturer promotions, along with the price reduction of some domestic vehicles, generate renewed interest in the sector.
The behaviors of drivers also play a crucial role in optimizing fuel and maintenance expenses. Applying a complete maintenance guide can help minimize costs and maximize fuel efficiency, which translates into substantial long-term savings. Thus, a future is envisioned where motorists can influence their expenses through their choices and driving habits.
Additionally, finding new routes to save on fuel may be another effective strategy. Considering these variables is essential for proper economic planning in vehicle ownership.
Summary of the maintenance cost analysis of a car in Argentina for September 2024
In September 2024, the cost of maintaining a car in Argentina has reached figures that reflect the complexity of the national economic context. Taking the Fiat Cronos as a reference, this expense is around $381,025 monthly, implying a considerable financial effort for vehicle owners in the country.
The fixed expenses, such as registration, insurance, and parking, are obligations that must be assumed regardless of the use of the car. The registration, for example, can vary by province, while insurance becomes a basic necessity to legally operate a vehicle. In particular, in the City of Buenos Aires, the registration cost can be as much as $26,000 monthly.
On the other hand, variable expenses greatly depend on the use of the car. The cost of fuel has increased significantly, and its impact is apparent in a country where inflation daily affects product and service prices. In the case of the Fiat Cronos, the monthly fuel expense is around $99,550, representing a significant burden for motorists.
As the maintenance cost of a vehicle continues to rise, motorists are encouraged to conduct a detailed analysis of their finances before acquiring a new car or maintaining their current one. The key lies in being informed about all associated expenses and adopting appropriate financial planning that allows for facing these obligations more sustainably over time.
