The cost of owning a car in Australia has risen three times more than the national rate of inflation, according to new research.
Car owners are on average having to fork out $435 a week for transport nationally, the Australian Automotive Association has calculated, making up roughly 17 per cent of the average income.
Drive content director James Ward has said it was leading to families limiting themselves to having one car.
“We’re seeing rises like this changing the Australian family dynamic,” Ward told 9News.
“The days of the two-car household may be going.”
While the benchmark CPI rose 4.1 per cent in the past year, car-related costs jumped more than three times that amount.
The biggest cost is car loans, with repayments now eating up $190 per week for the average household.
Fuel costs have also tipped over $100 a week and tolls are now approaching $70.
Can this car turn left in between road crossers?
Not only are the rising costs a problem for households but logistics companies say they’re pushing up the price of consumer goods.
“If transport costs go up they’re going to flow on to whatever those goods and services they’re delivering are so everything starts to rise,” Ward said.
“Do your research, have a look and see what’s going to work not only well as a car for your family but well for your household budget.”
