UK - DIMS SCORE® Calculator - First Car

Name

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What type of car are you considering?

Be specific, this is the year/ make/ model that will go in your final DIMS SCORE^® Report.

Identify Your Car*

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What does a ticket to the event cost? Is there a daycamp/ tournament registration fee?*

PLEASE NOTE: You will think about the transportation, food and souvenir costs as you continue.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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Currency*

Let's think about initial costs first

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Buying a car is more complicated than most purchases. It's great to see that you're ready to do some research about the significant and often surprising phantom costs of car ownership.

Yes, start the initial costs questions!

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New cars cost more but have warranties; used cars are cheaper but may need repairs sooner.

Check the car’s value on sites like Parkers, see what similar ones are going for on Auto Trader UK, and use Glass's if you want to understand the sort of price a dealer would base their offer on.

Many brands have “Approved Used” cars — which typically include a 12-month warranty, a multi-point inspection, and sometimes MOT and breakdown cover.

How much does this car cost (£)?*

This is what you’ll pay to buy the car. Insurance and running costs come on top. Are you looking at new or used?

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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Road tax is both an initial and recurring cost: you pay it when you buy the car to make it legal to drive, and then renew it each year to keep it taxed through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).

How much is the Road Tax/ Vehicle Excise Duty (£)?*

This can range from almost zero to upwards of £395 for older cars.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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MOT is also an initial and recurring cost. Many cars are sold with a fresh 12-month MOT, but if it’s due soon, buyers often budget to pay for the next test or fix any issues it flags. Cars over 3 years old must have a valid MOT to be driven legally.

Does this vehicle have a valid MOT?*

If it already has a valid MOT, enter £0. If not, budget for the test and any fixes.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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These are one-offs/ upgrades you might choose to buy, things like roof racks, bike carriers or car mats, to make the car suit your life. You only pay for them once rather than every year.

Buying an EV? Need a charger? Going to pick up a younger sibling from rugby practice, who rode their bike to the pitch? A bike rack makes it easy to bring the bike home as well.

Will you need any extras, such as weather mats, a bike or roof rack?*

Car mats, bike carriers or roof rack bars can range from £20 to £250. Add up the cost of everything you think you might need. No need for any of these? Enter zero.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

Now, let's think about recurring costs.

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These are things like insurance, fuel, equipment and maintenance costs.

Yes, start the recurring costs questions!

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You'll want to get at least two quotes: one from your parent's insurer and one more.

Insurance is pricey at the start because you’re new to driving — but being honest and building up your no-claims history is what brings the cost down over time.

Adding a parent as a named driver can lower the price - but lying about who really drives the car ("fronting") is insurance fraud.

What are the annual insurance costs for this vehicle (£)?*

For new drivers, insurance is usually the most expensive part of having a car. Costs depend upon the car you drive, where you live and how much cover you choose. Choosing black box insurance can make it much more affordable.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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Grab something to sketch this out.

Weekly miles × 50 (you won't drive every week) = yearly miles

Reduce advertised MPG by 15% to estimate real-world driving (traffic, weather, short trips, etc.)

Divide yearly miles by this adjusted MPG = gallons used per year

Multiply by 4.546 ( the number of litres in a UK gallon) = litres per year

Litres used per year × fuel price per litre = yearly fuel cost

Why do some UK cars still show MPG?

What are the anticipated annual fuel costs (£)?*

If you're thinking about an EV, enter 0 as EV charging costs are next. Yearly fuel cost = (Miles/ km driven per year ÷ Real-world MPG) × Average fuel price.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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EV Charging Cost Estimate

EVs don’t use MPG or L/100km — they use kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Weekly miles × 50 (you won’t drive every single week) = yearly miles

Divide yearly miles by your EV’s efficiency (miles per kWh — usually shown in the car’s specs) = kWh used per year

kWh used per year × your electricity price = yearly charging cost

Thinking of an electric vehicle (EV)? What are the anticipated annual charging costs (£)?*

If you're buying a petrol car, enter 0 as you've already calculated fuel costs. Annual charging cost = (Miles driven per year ÷ Efficiency) × Electricity price. Hybrid cars can require both some battery-charging and fuel costs. If you can't charge at home, EV ownership can be much more expensive.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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Even if nothing major goes wrong, every car needs an annual service and (if it’s over 3 years old) a valid MOT — plus money set aside for Road Tax, as well as wear-and-tear items like tyres, brakes or batteries.

Keep a small emergency buffer — cars rarely break at a “convenient” time, and spreading the cost in your budget makes surprises less stressful.

Last recurring cost question! Please estimate annual maintenance/ running costs (£).*

This is an often-overlooked expense. New cars typically cost £150-£450 a year to maintain. For a used car, you'll want to budget £500-£1200. Breakdown Cover (AA/RAC) isn't required by law, but many drivers choose it so they're not stuck roadside.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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The longer you own a car, the more you spread out the upfront costs…but if you keep it too long, rising repair costs erase the savings.

Ideally, we own petrol cars for at least 7-10 years and EVs for 8-12 (as they have fewer moving parts). These timeframes let us get the most benefit per pound spent.

After 150,000 miles/ 7+ years, many vehicles require costly repairs. Safety features have also typically improved significantly.

How many years do you anticipate owning this car?

Most people keep their first car 6 years or less. First cars tend to have fewer features than those we enjoy driving later in life.

Please enter a number from 0 to 100.

You're almost halfway to your DIMS SCORE^®!
Here's your anticipated Total Cost.

0.00

Total Cost

Cost insights here

Cost Rating	Your Cost
Extraordinary 501+
Special 401 - 500
Annual 301 - 400
Average 201 - 300
Reasonable 0 - 200

Total Cost Breakdown

Initial Costs
Annual Recurring Costs
First Year Costs
Anticipated Remaining Lifespan
Possible Lifetime Cost

The Lifetime Cost of a pet is always much larger than merely its price thanks to equipment (beds, cages, bowls, leaches) and medical (vaccinations, spaying or neutering) costs, not to mention recurring costs such as food, grooming, booster shots and tick/flee medication.

The levels illustrated in the chart are approximate as every family will have different thresholds for what they consider to be a reasonable amount to spend on a pet's care and wellbeing. Whatever guidelines your family uses, you'll be better prepared to have a conversation after having calculated the DIMS SCORE^®.

The average life-time cost of a medium size dog assumes it takes roughly £200 a month to feed and care for a family dog, after initial costs such as spaying/ neutering and training.

DIMS - DOES IT MAKE SENSE? SCORE^® Rapid Fire Questions

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Great job. You've figured out your Total Cost. Now, let's dive into the DIMS – DOES IT MAKE SENSE?^® Score!

Ready to think more deeply about how a car fits into your life?

Yes, start the DIMS SCORE^® questions!

Are you legally allowed to drive on your own?*

Do you have a full UK driving licence? Are you still driving on L-Plates? Or, do you not even have a provisional license?

Full License

L-Plates

Neither

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Have you taken lessons with an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)? Do you feel comfortable driving at night? Do you feel comfortable navigating a town you've never visited before?

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Great. This puts you in the best position to sit down and talk with your parents about this big purchase.

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Can a fully licensed family member over the age of 21 accompany you you while you practice - until you have earned your full license?

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Does it really make sense to get a car before you even have your L-Plates?

Have you got room for a vehicle this size?*

Do you have off-street parking or a garage? Does your flat have designated parking?

Yes

No

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If you're going to rely on street parking, have you checked whether you need a resident parking permit from your local council? Most Controlled Parking Zones — CPZs — require one.

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Good to know.

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Without a permit in a restricted area, you could receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) — and fees add up quickly.

Vehicles can also be clamped or removed in some cases, which means extra release charges.

Has anyone in your family had a vehicle of this kind before?*

Yes

N/A

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If someone in your household already has a car, ask them what it’s really like to own one — from paying for fuel and insurance to servicing and repairs. It’s the best way to understand the real costs before getting your own.

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Great. Can they help you anticipate challenges or phantom costs?

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OK - so you'll really need to do your homework to make sure your family understands all that is involved in owning and maintaining this vehicle.

Do you need this vehicle at least once every other day?*

If you're going to use the vehicle at least 3–4 times a week, ownership can make sense. Below that, it’s mostly a convenience decision.

Yes

No

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If you don't regularly need a car to get to school or a job, buying one can result in seriously over-paying for "availability" versus usage.

Really think about how often you'll want to drive. Sometimes it's nicer to get a lift than be the driver!

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So the need for a car may well be genuine. You might live somewhere with limited public transport, or it’s not practical to get lifts with friends, family or others in your area.

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Public transport is often the easiest and cheapest way to get around many towns and cities. If you only need a car occasionally, an older family member who meets the hire company’s age and licence requirements may be able to hire one for their use, for example to help with a special occasion or holiday.

Are there other family members in your household who could use this car, today or in the future?*

Do you have siblings at home or nearby who might find "an occasionally available car" helpful?

Yes

No

Sometimes

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Even extended family members (e.g. cousins at uni) who live nearby can find it helpful to have occasional access to a well-maintained and insured car.

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Great! Consider defining how you'll decide who has "first dibs" on the car over for example holiday weekends, when road trips are more common.

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Even if a nearby extended family member can't use the car, might you be able to park it in their drive?

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Good to know. Make sure to let them know they are part of your decision to buy.

You don't want to assume higher total use than is likely, and end up paying for more car than you need.

Do you have a plan to avoid the risks of texting & driving, or drinking & driving?*

Most collisions are caused by driver behaviour rather than mechanical faults or traffic levels. Choosing not to use your phone or drink alcohol before driving is one of the most important safety decisions you can make.

Yes

No

I'll Make One

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If friends pressure you, decide in advance how you’ll handle it. Be the designated driver, arrange a lift home, or use a local taxi or ride-hailing service.

Planning ahead makes the safe choice much easier.

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The key to making plans work is talking about them beforehand with your friends.

“I’m happy to drive on Friday, but my family rule is that everyone’s phone has to be on silent when we’re in the car.”

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You’ll need a plan for what you’ll do if someone suggests an unsafe way of getting home.

No one has enough driving experience to make up for the lost focus and reaction time caused by texting while driving or driving impaired.

Speeding tickets can be expensive and may lead to the loss of driving privileges—especially for new drivers.

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Great idea.

Having a family-approved Driving Game Plan can really take the pressure off when even well-intentioned friends suggest something you know your parents wouldn't agree with.

Would you be willing to help your parents with driving tasks?*

Using your new car to help with occasional driving tasks shows you can be counted on when necessary.

Yes

No

Sometimes

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You may not realize, but parents often miss social events to get their kids/ other family members to lessons/ appointments or even a more compelling social event (for example, Graduation).

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Good to know!

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Owning a car is a big responsibility. As well as using it yourself, you may be expected to help out with lifts or errands — so make sure you’re ready for that commitment.

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It's fair to answer that it depends upon the circumstances. This shows you would be willing to be part of the solution if necessary.

Can you think of any other costs?*

You can go back and add the cost of anything you might want to add. You won't lose any answers. But you can also calculate another DIMS SCORE^® incorporating new costs.

Yes

No

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Is there anything you may have missed?

For example, many new drivers acquire valuable on-the-road confidence from completing a defensive driving course.

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Your answers will save if you need to go back and add in a new initial or recurring cost.

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Great!

Will you help pay for this vehicle with your own money?*

Yes

No

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Being willing to spend some of your own money is one way to let your parents know how much a vehicle would mean to you.

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This can be one of the most meaningful ways to show your parents how much a car means to you.

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This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker for the purchase of a car.

Have you been realistic when answering these questions?*

Yes

No

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Buying a car is unlike most other purchases; it involves a lot of responsibility and ongoing costs you need to anticipate to be able to fully enjoy.

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Great, your parents will appreciate it. They know getting a car can be a rite of passage, but also that it puts a lot of responsibility in your shoulders.

They just want you to be ready.

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Deciding whether to get a car isn’t just about cost or convenience — you need a full driving licence and you must keep it valid by driving responsibly and within the law.

You’ll also be responsible for your own safety and that of others, especially if friends ask you for a lift.

It’s a very different kind of purchase from buying clothes, sports kit or the latest tech.

Is there anything else you want your parents/guardians to know?*

Here's your chance to explain a relevant piece of information that may not have come up yet.

Yes

No

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For example, think about what the car is likely to be worth when you come to sell it.

You may be able to recoup some of your initial outlay - although future money won't be able to buy as much as it can today thanks to inflation.

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No time like the present to make sure everyone is "singing from the same hymn sheet".

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OK - you just want to be as prepared as possible when you discuss such a big, expensive decision. Homes, uni and cars...these are some of the biggest purchases most people make.

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Great job! You've completed all the questions for the DIMS SCORE^® calculator.

Uploading an image is optional, but it can help your parents/guardians visualise the vehicle you're interested in.

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TaxCost

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InitialCost

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FirstYearCost

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TotalCost

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TotalUse

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DIMSAnswers

UK – DIMS SCORE® Calculator – First Car

Let's think about initial costs first

Now, let's think about recurring costs.

Total Cost

Total Cost Breakdown

DIMS - DOES IT MAKE SENSE? SCORE® Rapid Fire Questions

UK – DIMS SCORE^® Calculator – First Car

DIMS - DOES IT MAKE SENSE? SCORE^® Rapid Fire Questions