The Kia Forte is the replacement model for the Cerato. Compared to the Cerato, the Forte not only has a larger body size but also a longer wheelbase of 2650mm, which ranks it in the upper-middle range among its peers. Additionally, the Forte features Kia's new generation γ engine with CVVT technology, providing the vehicle with greater horsepower. In comparison to its competitors, the Forte comes with a relatively rich set of configurations; higher-end models include keyless start and an energy-saving driving prompt system for automatic transmission vehicles. It’s often said that Korean family cars are renowned for their cost-performance ratio, so today we will take a look at the approximate maintenance costs of the Forte model.
According to the usage cost survey of the Kia Forte, the average monthly expense is around 1950 yuan. Based on routine maintenance costs, the main operating costs for typical family cars focus on insurance, fuel fees, and maintenance costs. Although during the car usage process, many car owners may not drive 40,000 kilometers within two years or purchase all eight types of insurance, and those who wash their cars less frequently and travel shorter distances can save a significant amount of money. However, considering the habits of most car owners, we will calculate the car usage cost based on the standard of a new car driving 40,000 kilometers in two years + full insurance + regular maintenance + actual fuel consumption reported by netizens.
Analysis of Maintenance Costs for the Kia Forte 1.6 AT GLS:
Below, we will analyze in detail the sources of various maintenance costs: typically, maintenance costs = vehicle and vessel use tax + daily maintenance fee + tolls and parking fees + unexpected expenses + registration fee + insurance + regular maintenance costs + fuel costs.
1. Analysis of Regular Car Usage Expenses:
- Vehicle and Vessel Use Tax: The amounts vary across provinces and cities nationwide. According to the latest vehicle and vessel tax standards, taking Beijing as an example at 420 yuan/year, the total for two years would be 840 yuan. Additionally, for convenience, car owners can entrust insurance companies to pay the vehicle and vessel tax.
- Daily Maintenance Fees: Normally, a new car is washed three times per month. A new car does not need waxing within the first six months of purchase, averaging three waxings per year. Calculated based on an average car wash price of 15 yuan each time and waxing at 100 yuan each time. Total cost for two years = regular car wash costs + waxing costs = 3*24*15 + 100*6 = 1680 yuan.
- Toll and Parking Fees: The changes in toll and parking fees are unpredictable. Currently, using an example of 200 yuan per month, this equates to 2400 yuan per year, totaling 4800 yuan over two years.
- Unexpected Expenses: This part is usually unpredictable, such as fines for violating traffic rules. A considerable portion of car owners spend approximately 1000 yuan annually on this type of expenditure, meaning a spending of 2000 yuan over two years or even more. We'll use 2000 yuan as the benchmark.
- Vehicle Inspection and Registration Fee: Taking the Beijing area as an example, the registration fee (including inspection fee) is 300 yuan. This may differ slightly across provinces and cities, but the difference won't be too large.