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What Does a Used Car Really Cost Per Month in the Netherlands?

A practical monthly-cost guide for used cars in the Netherlands: depreciation, insurance, road tax, fuel, charging, maintenance, tyres and finance.

By Tom Hoenderdos · Last updated 2026-06-29 · 7 min read

RideIQ is the tool I built to solve the problems in this guide: a used-car search for internationals in the Netherlands. Try it free

Table of contents

The purchase price is not the real cost of a used car. Your monthly cost includes depreciation, insurance, road tax, fuel or charging, maintenance, tyres and finance.

The ANWB car-cost tool is useful for checking your own assumptions.

The seven cost categories

Include:

  1. Depreciation.
  2. Insurance.
  3. Road tax.
  4. Fuel or electricity.
  5. Maintenance and repairs.
  6. Tyres.
  7. Finance interest.

Parking and permits depend on your city.

Depreciation

If you buy for €15,000 and sell three years later for €9,000, depreciation is €6,000, or about €167 per month.

Newer, premium and large cars can lose value quickly. Older simple cars lose less value but may need more repairs.

Insurance

Insurance depends on the car, driver, postcode, claims history and coverage. Always get quotes before buying, especially for EVs, premium cars and young drivers.

Road tax

Dutch road tax depends heavily on weight, fuel type and province. Diesel and heavy cars can be expensive. Use the official Belastingdienst calculator.

Fuel or charging

Use your own annual mileage and realistic consumption. Factory figures can be optimistic.

EVs are cheapest if you can charge at home or work. Public fast charging changes the calculation.

Maintenance and tyres

Reserve money monthly even if repairs arrive irregularly. Large wheels, heavy SUVs and premium cars can make tyres expensive.

Example

A €12,000 compact petrol car might cost:

  • Depreciation: €150/month.
  • Insurance: €55/month.
  • Road tax: €45/month.
  • Fuel: €130/month.
  • Maintenance and tyres: €90/month.

Total: about €470/month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a used car cost monthly?

It varies widely. A small petrol car can be far cheaper than a large SUV or premium diesel.

What cost do people forget?

Depreciation and tyres.

Is a cheap car always cheaper?

No. A cheap car with overdue maintenance can cost more than a better car with a higher price.

Should I finance?

Only after comparing the total interest cost, not just the monthly payment.

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