It definitely can be a lot less, but national average for insurance alone is $815[0]. Obviously a lot of people have costs below average, but a car is going to be a major expense. If you can do it (legally) for under $1000/yr, you're probably driving very little, taking some risks (in having minimal insurance) and doing a lot more maintenance/repairs yourself than most people know how to.

Under $8000 is easy, seeing as $8000 is average. Under $1000, I'm not so sure about. Maintenance/repairs on a new car averages > $1000/yr[1]--I'd assume used cars to be at least as high. Insurance average cost is similar. Fuel is going to be several hundred unless you have a very efficient car you drive very little.

I think people just look at their monthly car payment and ignore most other costs associated with car ownership. There are a lot of not-so-little costs. There are also lots of not-so-little benefits, but you need to weigh both, not just the latter.

[0] https://www.thesimpledollar.com/how-much-does-car-insurance-... [1] http://newsroom.aaa.com/auto/your-driving-costs/

I was just pointing out that the reference used by GP is specifically about new cars.

Also, your second reference is also about new cars. I cannot believe anyone spending ~$1000/year on a maintenance of a 'new' car. First three years while it is still covered by warranty you will need an oil/filter change once a year and no new tires. $50/year at the official dealer was the maintenance cost of the last four new cars I owned.