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When people budget for a car, they think about the price. Very few think about what it costs to keep the car on the road, and with petrol close to Rs 400 a litre, that number is often bigger than they expect.
We worked out the real running cost of four of Pakistan’s most popular cars over their first three years.
What we included
We counted petrol, insurance or takaful, the one-time registration cost and regular servicing. We left out loan costs, depreciation and parking, so these figures apply whether you buy with cash or on a loan.
We assumed 1,000 km of driving a month, a typical city commute, and petrol at Rs 398.30 a litre, OGRA’s price on 9 October 2026.
Three years of running costs
| Car | Price | Petrol per month | Petrol over 3 years | Insurance over 3 years | Registration | Servicing over 3 years | Total over 3 years | Average per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Alto VXR | Rs 29.95 lakh | Rs 22,128 | Rs 7.97 lakh | Rs 1.80 lakh | Rs 29,949 | Rs 75,000 | Rs 10.82 lakh | Rs 30,043 |
| Suzuki Cultus VXL | Rs 43.59 lakh | Rs 26,553 | Rs 9.56 lakh | Rs 2.62 lakh | Rs 43,592 | Rs 90,000 | Rs 13.52 lakh | Rs 37,542 |
| Honda City 1.2L CVT | Rs 47.37 lakh | Rs 28,450 | Rs 10.24 lakh | Rs 2.84 lakh | Rs 47,370 | Rs 1.50 lakh | Rs 15.06 lakh | Rs 41,821 |
| Toyota Corolla Altis X MT | Rs 60.99 lakh | Rs 33,192 | Rs 11.95 lakh | Rs 3.66 lakh | Rs 60,990 | Rs 2.40 lakh | Rs 18.62 lakh | Rs 51,719 |
Insurance is based on about 2.5 percent of the car’s value in the first year, falling as the car gets older. Registration is about 1 percent of the price, paid once. Servicing is a yearly average for oil, filters, brakes and tyres, and it rises with engine size.
So an Alto costs around Rs 30,000 a month to run before any installment, and a Corolla over Rs 51,000. Over three years, the running costs come to roughly a third of what you paid for the car.
Petrol is the cost that moves the most
Petrol is the biggest running cost for every car in the table, and it now changes several times a week. Each Rs 10 rise in the price adds about Rs 550 a month to an Alto’s bill and about Rs 830 to a Corolla’s.
Distance matters just as much. If you drive 2,000 km a month in a City instead of 1,000, petrol alone comes to about Rs 56,900 a month.
Ways to bring the cost down
- Match the engine to your driving. For city use, a smaller engine saves thousands every month.
- Keep tyres at the right pressure and servicing on time. Poor maintenance can cut your mileage by 10 percent or more.
- Drive smoothly. Hard braking and fast starts burn noticeably more fuel in city traffic.
- Use the Petrol Relief Scheme if your car qualifies. Cars up to 800cc, such as the Alto, can get discounted petrol on up to 30 litres a month. Send TOK to 9771 to get a token, then show it at the pump.
- Consider a hybrid for long daily distances, or a motorcycle for short solo commutes. Our electric bike guide compares the running costs.
If you are buying on a loan
Add the installment to these running costs to see your real monthly bill. An Alto on a five year loan comes to about Rs 90,000 a month in total, and a City or Yaris on a three year loan to about Rs 1.46 lakh. Our guide to Alto, Yaris or City on a car loan breaks this down, and the Car Loan Calculator adds petrol, insurance and tax to any car you pick.
Car prices are from our September 2026 rate sheet. Petrol is OGRA’s price of 9 October 2026. Insurance and servicing are typical averages; your costs depend on your city and how you drive. Adjust petrol to today’s price.
Frequently asked questions
How much is it to buy a car in pakistan?
Very few think about what it costs to keep the car on the road, and with petrol close to Rs 400 a litre, that number is often bigger than they expect. We worked out the real running cost of four of Pakistan’s most popular cars over their first three years.
Are cars expensive in pakistan?
Very few think about what it costs to keep the car on the road, and with petrol close to Rs 400 a litre, that number is often bigger than they expect. We worked out the real running cost of four of Pakistan’s most popular cars over their first three years.
How much do cars cost in pakistan?
Very few think about what it costs to keep the car on the road, and with petrol close to Rs 400 a litre, that number is often bigger than they expect. We worked out the real running cost of four of Pakistan’s most popular cars over their first three years.
How much does it cost to register a car in pakistan?
Very few think about what it costs to keep the car on the road, and with petrol close to Rs 400 a litre, that number is often bigger than they expect. We worked out the real running cost of four of Pakistan’s most popular cars over their first three years.
Work out your car installment
- Car Loan in Pakistan 2026: Bank Rates, SBP Rules and How the Process Works
- Bank Alfalah Car Loan Calculator
- Faysal Bank Car Finance Calculator
- HBL Car Loan Calculator