DIMS SCORE® Calculator - First Car

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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.

Use sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds (U.S.) or the Canadian Black Book/ AutoTrader Canada to find average prices for specific models and years.

If you're buying a used car at the end of a lease, you may want to purchase an extended warranty.

How much does this car cost?*

This is the price tag at the dealership or online site. Things like maintenance and insurance will be added on later. Are you thinking of a new or used car?

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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For example, New York State sales tax is based on the price minus any trade-in, plus taxable dealer fees, using the local tax rate where the car is registered.

In the province of Ontario, HST is charged on the purchase price minus any trade-in, and private sales may be taxed based on the book value instead of the sale price.

How much will Sales Tax add?*

Sales tax on cars can add hundreds if not thousands to the total cost and is rarely just price x rate.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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Title and registration costs are easily discoverable online; both are state/ provincially (versus federally) regulated.

In the U.S., title and registration are separate; in Canada, ownership and registration are usually combined into one provincial document.

How much are the title and registration fees?*

These typically range from $30 to $250.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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Going to pick up a younger sibling from baseball practice, who rode their bike to the ball diamond? A bike rack makes it easy to bring the bike home as well.

Do you live where snow tires are helpful? Buying an EV? Need a charger? Try to anticipate these very real costs, so your car fits your location/ needs.

Will you need any after-market equipment or upgrades, such as snow tires, weather mats, a bike or roof rack?*

Snow tires run from $400-$1000. Roof cargo boxes from $300-$600. Premium weather mats can cost up to $250. No need for any of these? Enter zero.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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If you're buying a used car, inspection and/ or emission tests may be required by your state or province.

Even if it isn't required by law, you may want an experienced mechanic to check for problems you may not be able to see/ anticipate. You don't want the cheapest inspection; you want a thorough inspection from a reputable shop.

Are there any other initial (one-time) costs?*

Dealer documentation fees can vary widely ($100-$1000) as they sometimes include things like title and registration - but not always. Emission inspections (often required for used cars) are typically less than $100.

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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Because adding a teen can raise the family’s premium, it’s a good idea to compare prices from more than one insurance company — often the company your family already uses, plus at least one other.

Pro-Tip: Insurers often give "Good Student" or "Driver Training" discounts.

What are the annual insurance costs for this vehicle?*

One of the biggest costs of owning your first car is insurance — often thousands per year. Most new drivers start on a parent or guardian’s policy, which is usually cheaper than having their own.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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Sketch this out.

US: Weekly miles × 50 (you won't drive every week) = yearly miles
Reduce Miles Per Gallon by 10–15% (to reflect real-life driving)
Yearly Miles ÷ adjusted MPG = gallons per year (GPY)
GPY × gas price = yearly fuel cost

Canada: Weekly km × 50 (you won't drive every week)= yearly km
Increase advertised L/100km by 10–15% (real-life driving)
(Yearly klm ÷ 100) × adjusted L/100 km = litres per year (LPY)
LPY × fuel price = yearly fuel cost

What are the anticipated annual fuel costs?*

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

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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EV Charging Estimate

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

Pick an Efficiency that matches your vehicle.

Miles (U.S.):
Yearly miles ÷ chosen efficiency = kWh per year (KPY)
KPY × electricity price = yearly charging cost

Metric:
Yearly km ÷ chosen efficiency = kWh per year (KPY)
KPY × electricity price = yearly charging cost

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

Annual charging cost = (Miles driven per year ÷ Efficiency) × Electricity price. If you're buying a gas car, enter 0 as you've already calculated fuel costs. Hybrid cars can require both some battery-charging and fuel costs. Fast public charging costs much more — plan to charge at home most of the time.

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

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Regular oil changes are essential to keep gas cars running well. Tires wear out and need rotating and eventually replacing. Fluids (coolant/ windshield washer) need topping up. Routine servicing helps prevent bigger problems. These expenses add up, and repairs rarely happen at convenient times.

It’s also worth considering roadside assistance (for example, AAA/CAA membership), which can help if you break down.

Last recurring cost question! Please estimate annual maintenance/ operating 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-$1000.

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 gas 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 dollar spent.

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

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 the vehicles 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.

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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, tick/ flee and heartworm 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 in your home state/ province?*

Have you fully acquired your independent driver's license, or are you still on a learner's permit?

Yes

Learner's Permit

N/A

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Have you completed formal Driver's Education? 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 accompany you you while you drive the new vehicle - until you have earned your fully independent driver's license?

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Fair! Not everyone getting their own first car is a new driver.

Is there room at your home for a vehicle this size?*

Do you have a driveway or garage? Does your apartment building have designated parking?

Yes

No

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If there's no room in your driveway or building parking lot, do you know your municipality's street parking rules?

It's expensive to pay for regular parking tickets or retrieve a towed car!

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Good to know.

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Do you need to pay for overnight parking? Did you include those monthly costs when calculating recurring annual costs?

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

Yes

N/A

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Parents who have had a hatchback, coupe, pickup truck or small SUV can help you appreciate both how helpful, and how expensive/ difficult to maintain this new vehicle will be.

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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 ride than be the driver!

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So the need seems real. You might live where public transportation isn't accessible or you're unable able to ride-share with others in your school/ community/ neighbourhood.

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So then answer the rest of the questions, but really think about what makes the most sense right now.

Public transportation can be the most efficient way to get around many cities. And you can always rent a car for a special occasion or vacation.

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 college) who live nearby can find it helpful to have occasional access to a well-maintained and insured vehicle.

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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 driveway?

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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, drinking & driving, or driving under the influence of cannabis?*

Most crashes are linked to driver behaviour, not the car. Choosing not to text, drink, or drive high is one of the most important safety decisions you can make.

Yes

No

I'll Make One

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If you receive social pressure to put yourself and others at risk, what’s your move?

How about stating that you're the night's designated driver. Pre-agreed-upon plans can give you a reliable sense of direction when decisions are being made fast.

Never forget: Parents are always willing to pick kids up. Uber is another option.

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The key to making plans work well is to clearly communicate them in advance.

"I'm happy to drive on Friday night, but my family's driving rule is everyone's phone has to be in "Do Not Disturb Mode" when we're on the highway.

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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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Vehicle ownership is a big responsibility. If there are no circumstances under which you would be willing to use your car to help out, your parents may justifiably question your readiness for this milestone.

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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 buy a car isn't just about cost or convenience—you have to have a Driver's License and keep it in good standing.

You have to drive safely to ensure your own well-being and others when friends ask "for a ride".

It's a very different purchase than buying new clothing, sports equipment or electronics.

You want to make the decision "eyes wide open".

Is there anything else you want your parents 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, have you thought about this car's resale value if you take good care of 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 song sheet".

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OK - you just want to be as prepared as possible when you discuss such a big, expensive decision. Homes, college, cars...these are the big ones for most people.

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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 visualize the vehicle you're interested in.

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DIMSAnswers

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

DIMS SCORE^® Calculator – First Car

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