5 Year Cost of Ownership: New Van, Used Van or RV

The 5-year cost of ownership tells you more than the purchase price. Fuel, insurance, storage, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, and financing can change the real cost of a vehicle significantly. If you are comparing a new camper van, used camper van, or RV, this guide gives you a practical way to calculate the difference before you buy.

5 Year Cost of Ownership Calculator

Start with the numbers you can estimate most accurately for each vehicle.

Use the same assumptions for each vehicle whenever possible. Then change only the variables that differ, such as fuel economy, storage requirements, purchase price, repair expectations, and resale value.

For a broader look at the ongoing expenses of owning one camper van, see The Vansmith's camper van cost of ownership guide. This article takes a different approach by comparing multiple vehicle choices over the same five-year period.

What Counts as 5 Year Ownership Cost?

Purchase price is only one part of the financial picture. For a useful comparison, separate the costs into ownership expenses and financing.

Fuel

Fuel depends on annual mileage, real-world fuel economy, and local fuel prices.

Use:

Fuel cost = (annual miles ÷ MPG) × fuel price × 5

If you drive 8,000 miles per year at 18 MPG and fuel costs $4 per gallon:

(8,000 ÷ 18) × $4 × 5 = approximately $8,889

For additional context on fuel efficiency, see The Vansmith's vans with the best gas mileage guide.

Insurance

Insurance varies according to vehicle value, driver history, location, coverage, mileage, and how the vehicle is classified.

Use an actual quote whenever possible rather than relying on a generic estimate.

The Vansmith's camper van insurance guide explains the factors to consider.

Storage

Storage can become a major five-year expense, particularly for larger RVs.

Calculate:

Storage cost = monthly storage fee × 12 × 5

If storage costs $150 per month:

$150 × 12 × 5 = $9,000

A camper van that can be stored at home may avoid much of this expense, assuming local rules, driveway dimensions, and vehicle height allow it.

See the RV storage cost guide for more information.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance includes scheduled services, fluids, filters, brakes, and other predictable service requirements.

The actual schedule depends on the vehicle, mileage, age, drivetrain, and operating conditions.

For example, The Vansmith's Mercedes Sprinter maintenance schedule can help you understand the type of maintenance that should be considered when evaluating a Sprinter-based camper van.

Repairs

Repairs should be treated separately from routine maintenance.

A new vehicle may have lower repair exposure during the first several years, while an older vehicle may require more attention. Service history, mileage, previous use, and mechanical condition all matter.

For a used vehicle, consider getting a professional inspection before finalizing your assumptions.

Tires

Tires are easy to overlook in a five-year estimate.

Your expected tire cost depends on:

• Annual mileage
• Tire type
• Vehicle weight
• Driving conditions
• Alignment and rotation
• Off-road use
• Tread life

Rather than placing tires inside a generic maintenance estimate, enter the expected replacement cost separately.

Depreciation

Depreciation represents the value the vehicle loses during your ownership period.

Use:

Depreciation = Purchase price − expected resale value

For example:

$130,000 purchase price − $91,000 expected resale value = $39,000 depreciation

The expected resale value is an estimate, not a guarantee. Vehicle condition, mileage, market demand, equipment, maintenance history, and the broader used-vehicle market can all affect the final number.

The Vansmith's camper van depreciation guide provides additional context.

Registration, Taxes and Fees

Depending on where you live, ownership can include:

• Registration
• Title fees
• Sales or use taxes
• Vehicle property taxes where applicable
• Inspection fees
• Other state or local charges

Use your actual state-specific costs whenever possible.

Financing

Financing should be shown separately from the core ownership calculation.

Your five-year ownership cost measures what it costs to own and operate the vehicle. Financing adds the cost of borrowing the money.

Consider:

• Down payment
• Loan amount
• APR
• Loan term
• Total interest
• Origination or financing fees

The Vansmith's RV loan calculator and camper van financing rates guide can help you evaluate financing separately.

How to Calculate Your 5 Year Cost

Use these formulas for each vehicle.

Fuel

Annual miles ÷ MPG × fuel price × 5

Insurance

Annual insurance × 5

Storage

Monthly storage × 12 × 5

Maintenance

Annual maintenance × 5

Repairs

Annual repair reserve × 5

Tires

Expected tire replacement cost during five years

Depreciation

Purchase price − expected year-5 resale value

Registration and taxes

Annual registration/taxes × 5, plus applicable one-time fees

Then calculate:

5-Year Ownership Cost = Fuel + Insurance + Storage + Maintenance + Repairs + Tires + Depreciation + Registration/Taxes

Financing interest can then be added separately to calculate the total cost of financing the purchase.

Example: New Van, Used Van, and Class C RV

Consider a hypothetical comparison using the following assumptions:

• 8,000 miles per year
• $4.00 per gallon
• 40,000 miles over five years
• 60 travel days per year
• 300 travel days over five years
• Home or small-unit storage for the vans
• Paid storage for the Class C RV

The purchase and resale assumptions are illustrative rather than resale forecasts.

These figures are examples only. Replace the assumptions with your own purchase price, mileage, insurance quotes, storage costs, maintenance expectations, repair reserve, taxes, and resale estimate.

Cost Per Year, Mile and Travel Day

The five-year total becomes easier to understand when you break it into smaller units.

Cost per year

5-year ownership cost ÷ 5

Using the example above:

Cost per mile

The example assumes 40,000 miles over five years.

5-year ownership cost ÷ 40,000 miles

Cost per travel day

If you use the vehicle for 300 travel days over five years:

5-year ownership cost ÷ 300 travel days

This is the vehicle-related cost per day of travel. It does not represent your complete travel budget. Food, campsites, activities, tolls, and other trip expenses are separate.

What Changes the Result the Most?

A small change in one assumption can move the five-year result by thousands of dollars.

Annual mileage

Higher mileage increases fuel use, tire wear, and maintenance.

Consider three mileage scenarios:

If you expect to travel extensively, use your expected mileage rather than a generic annual figure.

Fuel economy

Fuel economy becomes increasingly important as annual mileage rises.

Compare your expected real-world MPG rather than relying only on an advertised rating.

Storage

Storage can become one of the largest differences between a camper van and a larger RV.

A vehicle that can be stored at home may avoid thousands of dollars in storage fees over five years.

Depreciation

Two vehicles with similar purchase prices can have very different five-year costs if their expected resale values differ.

This is why the calculator should use both:

Purchase price

and

Expected resale value

rather than comparing sticker prices alone.

Repairs

Repair costs are especially important when comparing a newer vehicle with an older used vehicle.

A lower purchase price does not automatically mean a lower five-year cost.

Financing

A lower monthly payment does not necessarily mean a lower total cost.

Compare the APR, loan term, total interest, and amount financed.

What If You Drive 5,000, 10,000 or 20,000 Miles a Year?

Your driving pattern can change which vehicle makes the most financial sense.

Someone who travels a few weekends per year has a different cost profile from someone who spends several months on the road.

For lower-mileage ownership, storage and depreciation can become more important relative to fuel.

For high-mileage ownership, fuel economy, tires, maintenance, and repairs become increasingly important.

The best comparison is therefore based on your actual annual mileage, not a generic national average.

New Van vs Used Van: When Does the Lower Price Actually Win?

A used van can have a much lower purchase price, but the purchase price alone does not determine the five-year result.

Consider:

• Purchase price
• Current mileage
• Service history
• Expected repairs
• Tires
• Insurance
• Financing
• Expected resale value

For example, a used van that costs $50,000 less than a newer vehicle may still require substantially more maintenance and repairs. On the other hand, a well-maintained used van with strong resale value can remain an attractive financial choice.

Before purchasing, use The Vansmith's official checklist for buying a used van and, when applicable, the pre-purchase checklist for used Sprinters.

You can also compare current used vans available through The Vansmith.

For a broader discussion of the purchasing decision itself, see buying new vs used vans. Use that guide for the purchase decision, while this article focuses on the five-year financial comparison.

Best Case, Expected Case and Higher-Cost Case

A single number can create false precision.

Instead, run your calculator using three scenarios.

This is especially useful when evaluating an older used vehicle.

The purpose is not to predict the exact future cost. It is to understand how sensitive your decision is to changes in the assumptions.

How Long Should You Keep the Vehicle?

Five years is a useful comparison period, but it is not the only period worth considering.

If you plan to keep a vehicle for a long time, calculate the cost over the period you actually expect to own it.

A vehicle that looks expensive over three years may become more competitive when the purchase cost is spread across seven or ten years.

How to Lower Your 5 Year Ownership Cost

The most effective savings usually come from controlling the largest variables.

Get insurance quotes before buying

Insurance can differ significantly between vehicles and locations. Get actual quotes before committing to a purchase.

Compare real-world fuel use

Use your expected annual mileage and realistic fuel economy.

A small MPG difference becomes more meaningful as annual mileage increases.

Keep service records

Documented maintenance gives you a clearer picture of operating costs and can also support future resale.

Evaluate repair exposure before buying used

A lower purchase price should be weighed against age, mileage, service history, tire condition, and potential near-term repairs.

Consider storage before choosing the vehicle

If you can safely store a camper van at home, compare that savings against the cost of storing a larger RV.

Compare APR instead of monthly payment

A longer loan can reduce the monthly payment while increasing total interest.

Choose equipment around actual travel needs

Adding equipment in stages can help spread expenses over time. The Vansmith offers installations and repairs for owners who need professionally installed systems or ongoing service.

What Is Included and What Is Not?

A five-year vehicle ownership calculation should remain separate from your overall travel budget.

Included in this calculation

• Fuel
• Insurance
• Storage
• Maintenance
• Repairs
• Tires
• Depreciation
• Registration and applicable taxes
• Financing interest when calculating total financing cost

Not included

• Food
• Campsites
• Activities
• Tolls
• Personal travel gear
• Entertainment
• Restaurants
• Lost income or opportunity cost
• Other personal travel expenses

This distinction keeps the calculation focused on the vehicle itself.

A Practical Five-Year Ownership Example

Suppose you are considering a new camper van priced at $130,000.

You estimate:

• Year-5 resale value: $91,000
• 8,000 miles per year
• 18 MPG
• $4 per gallon
• $1,800 annual insurance
• $600 annual storage
• $900 annual maintenance
• $300 annual repair reserve
• $1,000 in expected tire replacement
• Applicable registration and taxes calculated separately

Your depreciation would be:

$130,000 − $91,000 = $39,000

Your fuel cost would be approximately:

(8,000 ÷ 18) × $4 × 5 = $8,889

The important point is that every major assumption is visible.

If your mileage increases, update the fuel and maintenance assumptions.

If your expected resale value falls, update depreciation.

If you move from paid storage to home storage, update that line.

The result becomes a planning tool rather than a generic cost estimate.

What If You Want a Lower-Cost Entry Point?

A lower purchase price can change the five-year calculation, but so can the condition and equipment of the vehicle.

Some buyers may prefer a used vehicle. Others may prefer a newer platform with predictable early ownership costs.

The Vansmith also offers different ways to approach camper van ownership, including small camper vans and affordable camper vans.

For buyers who already have a suitable van, The Foundation provides another way to approach the interior and equipment investment over time.

The goal should be to match the vehicle and equipment to how you actually travel rather than paying for capacity you rarely use.

Choose a Camper Van Around the Way You Travel

The lowest five-year cost is not automatically the best choice.

Your vehicle needs to work for the places you go, how often you travel, where you store it, and how long you plan to own it.

A camper van that fits your driveway, works for everyday driving, provides the space you need, and supports your travel style can have value beyond the spreadsheet.

The Vansmith offers Tailored Models across different layouts and vehicle platforms. You can also explore current camper vans for sale when you're ready to compare available options.

For buyers focused specifically on Sprinter platforms, see Sprinter camper vans.

For Ford Transit options, explore Ford Transit camper vans.

If you are still determining the appropriate vehicle size, The Vansmith's van sizes comparison guide can help you compare the dimensions and practical differences between platforms.

Get Your Own Five-Year Number

The most useful five-year ownership calculation is based on your actual situation.

Before you buy, collect:

• Purchase price
• Expected resale value
• Annual mileage
• Realistic fuel economy
• Current fuel price
• Insurance quote
• Storage cost
• Maintenance estimate
• Repair reserve
• Tire replacement estimate
• Registration and taxes
• Financing terms

Then compare at least three scenarios: lower-cost, expected, and higher-cost.

That gives you a much clearer picture than comparing sticker prices alone.

If you want to discuss your vehicle requirements and ownership plans with The Vansmith, you can request a quote, learn about our process, or visit the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 5-year cost of ownership?

A five-year cost of ownership estimates what a vehicle costs to own and operate over five years after accounting for expenses such as fuel, insurance, storage, maintenance, repairs, tires, depreciation, and applicable ownership fees.

Does 5 year cost of ownership include the purchase price?

For an economic ownership calculation, you generally should not add the entire purchase price and depreciation together. Instead, depreciation represents the portion of the vehicle's value consumed during ownership.

For example, a $130,000 vehicle that is worth $91,000 after five years has $39,000 of depreciation.

Is a new camper van cheaper than a used camper van?

Not necessarily. A used camper van usually costs less upfront, but maintenance, repairs, financing, insurance, mileage, and resale value can change the five-year result.

The best comparison uses the same five-year calculation for both vehicles.

What costs should I include when comparing a camper van and RV?

At minimum, compare fuel, insurance, storage, maintenance, repairs, tires, depreciation, registration, taxes, and financing interest.

For a meaningful comparison, use the same annual mileage and ownership period for each vehicle.

Is fuel included in cost of ownership?

Yes. Fuel should be included when calculating the vehicle's five-year operating cost.

Use:

Annual miles ÷ MPG × fuel price × 5

Should I include financing in the five-year calculation?

Yes, but keep financing separate from core ownership costs.

Purchase price, depreciation, fuel, insurance, storage, maintenance, repairs, and tires describe the cost of owning and operating the vehicle. Loan interest represents the cost of financing that purchase.

How does annual mileage affect five-year cost?

Higher annual mileage generally increases fuel, tire, maintenance, and repair costs.

For example, driving 20,000 miles per year means 100,000 miles over five years, compared with only 25,000 miles at 5,000 miles per year.

Is depreciation guaranteed?

No. Depreciation in a five-year calculator is an estimate based on an expected resale value.

Actual resale value can vary based on mileage, condition, service history, equipment, market demand, vehicle age, and other factors.

Should I calculate cost per mile or cost per travel day?

Both can be useful.

Cost per mile helps compare vehicles based on how much you drive.

Cost per travel day helps frequent travelers understand the vehicle-related cost of each day they actually use the vehicle.

Neither represents your complete travel budget.

How can I lower my five-year camper van ownership cost?

Start with the largest variables: purchase price, expected resale value, fuel economy, annual mileage, storage, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and financing.

The best strategy is to choose a vehicle that matches your actual travel needs and ownership plans rather than focusing only on the initial purchase price.