hidden expenses when upsizing vehicles?

[heygrey]

I currently drive a Hyundai Elantra hatchback, but it is facing major engine issues and we've been advised to cut our losses and trade it in because the repairs are more than the car is worth. We're looking at Toyota Corolla Cross, so going from a relatively small car to a small SUV. We've always owned small cars and I'm a little nervous that with a bigger vehicle comes bigger costs. If you've made a similar switch, or if you own both styles, what costs are higher with owning the SUV? 

I've already gotten an estimate for insurance with the new vehicle.
I've researched the cost of tires because they are one size bigger. 
Obviously there will be some gas cost differences (unless we get a hybrid, but those are order only and we don't have the luxury of time).
Repairs will likely cost more, but that will be 5+ years down the line after the warranty runs out. 

What else am I not thinking of? 

[simpsongal]

Guessing you don't have this but we have a car tax based on vehicle value -it gets quite high! (like seriously $2K/yr...)

DH went from a Civic to a Bronco Sport last year, I don't think we've seen a huge difference other than in the categories you noted. The Bronco is a little less fuel efficient but not by much since it's a newer car.

[chpmnk1015]

I dont think that car would fall into it, but is some places its more expensive to park the larger cars (we will take my pathfinder to nYC because its cheaper than DHS full size pick up in the lots)... not that this is a normal expense.. but...

[fortnightlily]

I wouldn't think a compact SUV would cost that much different in repairs from a compact car based on size alone. More just about availability of parts, reliability of the vehicle, how hard you drive it, etc.

[pierogigirl]

Not money, but when I got my new mini van, it was too big to comfortably go through the drive through at one of my banks (it's a really old and narrow drive through lane with a tight turn), and it's a tight squeeze in a full parking lot.

[mainelyfoolish]

I think insurance, tires, and maybe gas (depending on the old car's mpg) are going to be the bulk of the cost difference. I wouldn't expect maintenance on a Corolla Cross to be significantly different from your prior car if you buy the FWD version.

We recently said goodbye to a 2010 Corolla and looked at the Camry, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Rav4, and Venza. The Corolla Cross is actually a little shorter (but taller) than the current Corolla sedan, so it's still a compact vehicle. (I ended up buying a used 2021 Venza.)

[wildrice]

Depending on your state, registration can cost more if it is based on weight or value of the car. I remember when I went to an SUV being shocked at the jump in price, but i don't think this is true everywhere (and are you in Canada? For some reason that's ringing a bell for me).

I went in the opposite direction again a few years ago and haven't noticed a huge savings unfortunately!

[heygrey]

Jun 20, 2024 13:12:39 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Depending on your state, registration can cost more if it is based on weight or value of the car. I remember when I went to an SUV being shocked at the jump in price, but i don't think this is true everywhere (and are you in Canada? For some reason that's ringing a bell for me).

I went in the opposite direction again a few years ago and haven't noticed a huge savings unfortunately!

Yes, in British Columbia! I should have mentioned that we don't have yearly registration or inspections. And no value tax, which sounds miserable to pay every year. 

[melmel4854]

Definitely gas, auto insurance, oil changes are more expensive for an SUV in my area. If you get it cleaned/detailed.. SUV's are more $$. I have a bigger SUV than what you are looking at though! The vehicle you want may not fall under the increased costs I have!