Motoring News

RAC: Cost of motoring cheaper than in 1988

9 July 2008

This year`s RAC Report on Motoring found the cost of motoring has fallen in the past two decades, despite the rising price of fuel.

In real terms, motoring costs have decreased by 18 per cent since 1988, the research found. In the same time, fuel costs have risen 210 per cent.

Cars are now cheaper overall and are less expensive to maintain, said the RAC.

However, 60 per cent of those questioned in the survey believed higher costs were the biggest change in motoring in the last 20 years.

Meanwhile, financial website Fool.co.uk has recommended selling your car as a means to save money.

Fool, citing last year`s RAC figures, claims selling an average family car – for example, a Peugeot 406 – would save £6000 a year, or £125 a week.

Car clubs, car-sharing, cycling, walking and taking taxis are cheaper alternatives to running your own car, said Fool.

The RAC report also said Britain has seen a 39 per cent rise in households that own a car since 1988 and instances of road rage have also increased a "worrying" amount.