True cost of owning a car may shock you

AAA says the average cost of a new car is $8,500 a year - and that's after you bought it. Smaller vehicles tend to cost less; larger vehicles tend to cost more. AAA says too many people buy a new car on emotion and they don't consider the cost over the long haul. A tip: following the carmaker's recommended maintenance may save you a lot of money in the long run.