Cost of ownership

What owning a premium car really costs in 2026

On an expensive car the purchase price is often the least surprising item. The real bill comes later: dealer servicing, insurance, tyres, depreciation and taxes. Two cars at a similar purchase price can differ in annual running cost by tens of thousands of złoty. This guide breaks down the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a premium car — so you count the whole, not just the invoice price.

In short: the real cost of owning a premium car isn’t the purchase price but the sum of: depreciation (usually the biggest item), dealer servicing, insurance (OC+AC), tyres, fuel and taxes. On an expensive car, depreciation and servicing can exceed all the other costs combined. Count TCO, not just the price.

Depreciation — usually the biggest cost

On most expensive cars, the fall in value “costs” the most, not fuel or servicing. A new premium car can lose a large share of its value in the first years; an example bought at 3–4 years old loses more slowly. That’s why the timing of the purchase and the specific example so strongly affect the total cost. The exception is collector classics, which can hold or gain value — but that’s a different category and a different risk.

Dealer servicing — expensive and unavoidable

Servicing a premium car at an authorised centre is a cost incomparable with a mainstream car: the inspections, oils and materials are dearer, and a single bigger job (air suspension, gearbox, drivetrain) is an outlay in the low-to-mid tens of thousands. On top, expensive cars have expensive consumables — pads, discs, large-size tyres. When budgeting, set aside a reserve for upcoming, costly items.

Insurance — OC, and especially AC

The OC+AC premium for a premium car can be significant, and on some models insurers apply prohibitive rates (see the separate premium AC piece). For an expensive car, AC with agreed value and a sensible excess isn’t a whim but real capital protection — but also a real, recurring annual cost to include in TCO.

The full list of TCO items

Depreciation — usually the biggest item (except classics).
Dealer servicing and repairs — inspections, materials, costly jobs.
Insurance — OC + AC (agreed value) + Assistance + NNW.
Tyres and consumables — large sizes, more frequent changes on powerful cars.
Fuel or energy — higher consumption on powerful engines.
Taxes and formalities — excise on import; caps and VAT for a company car (see the company-car piece).
Storage — a garage, especially for classics and seasonal cars.

Buying an expensive car? Count its real cost and value

An independent valuation of the example — the basis for a sound TCO calculation and buying decision.

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How to estimate TCO realistically before buying

Before you buy an expensive car, calculate not the instalment or price but the expected cost over 3–4 years: projected depreciation + servicing + insurance + running + taxes. Only that shows what the car really costs. A key element of this calculation is the example’s real value today and the forecast of its change — and that starts with a credible valuation, not the listing price. It’s the same foundation that protects you at purchase, insurance and sale.

This material is informational. The cost categories listed are typical TCO items — real amounts depend on the model, use, servicing and market situation. Before buying, estimate the cost for the specific example.

Budgeting for an expensive car? Compare financing and products: Finumero →

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What costs the most in owning a premium car? On most expensive cars the biggest item is depreciation, not fuel or servicing. The next big costs are authorised-centre servicing and AC insurance. The exception is collector classics, which can hold value or gain.

How much to add beyond the purchase price of an expensive car? To the purchase price add: depreciation, dealer servicing and repairs, OC+AC insurance, tyres and consumables, fuel or energy, taxes and storage. On an expensive car, depreciation and servicing can exceed all the other costs combined.

Why is premium car servicing so expensive? Because at an authorised centre the inspections, oils and materials are dearer, consumables come in large, costly sizes, and a single bigger job (air suspension, gearbox, drivetrain) is an outlay in the low-to-mid tens of thousands of złoty.

How do you estimate the total cost of ownership (TCO) of an expensive car? Calculate the expected cost over 3–4 years: projected depreciation plus servicing, insurance, running and taxes — not just the instalment or price. The basis of this calculation is the example’s real value today and the forecast of its change, which starts with a credible valuation.