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Thanks for the great feedback guys!

Submitted by Will Chen on May 30, 2007 - 01:09.

Mr. Terrible Analysis, thanks for taking the time to enter that information. It was very helpful!

I agree with you that NPR's analysis isn't very sophisticated. The cost of operating a car is definitely more than just the fuel. But as Paul and Andrea pointed out, a lot of the costs you mentioned are there regardless of whether you drive or not.

Take depreciation for example. Some of the depreciation is linked to how much you drive. But your car takes a giant dip in value the moment you drive it off the dealer's lot. That has nothing to do with wear and tear. Fees, taxes, and financing also have little to do with the actul use of the car.

You do have a fair point when it comes to maintenance and repairs. I think those costs are directly correlated with how much you drive. As Paul pointed out, the original NPR story was focused on direct "out of pocket" costs.

"The actual operating costs translates into about $287 plus tolls for a total of about $312 for the DC to Boston drive."

Even at $312 it is still cheaper than flying. =)

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