Start with the on-road price
A new mid-size car is a useful benchmark, but the dealer’s on-road price includes registration, insurance and sometimes a service package. Ask for the itemised total, not the headline price.
Insurance depends on the driver and the car
A comprehensive policy for a new car costs more than third-party cover. Age, licence history, accident history and the car’s value change the premium. Get a quote before choosing the car.
Fuel is a monthly variable
Petrol is cheap by global standards in several Gulf markets, but a long commute still adds up. Use litres per 100km and the local per-litre price, not a vague “fuel is cheap” claim.
Parking and tolls are real costs
Salik in Dubai, toll gates elsewhere, paid parking and building permits are recurring costs. A cheap car with no parking space is not a cheap commute.
Depreciation is the largest long-run cost
A new car can lose a large share of its value in the first three years. If you keep cars for a long time, a well-maintained used model can be the lower-cost choice; if you change often, lease or resale value matters more.