Queensland - The Most Expensive State to Run Your Car

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, April 24, 2012

The annual cost of running your car is higher in Queensland than both NSW and Victoria, according to the new Bingle Cost of Motoring Index launched today.

Bingle spokesperson Melanie Vine said the reason for this is petrol, as the average cost is higher and Queenslanders cover more ground.

"On average, Queenslanders pay $411 more for petrol each year compared to New South Wales drivers," she said.

"Before you add petrol, Queenslanders pay less for fines, parking and tolls compared to Victorians, or NSW drivers' generally higher rego, maintenance and insurance costs.

"But as petrol makes up 52 percent of the total cost, it adds up quickly."

Overall the index found Queenslanders pay about $8.5 billion a year at the pump, and $15 billion across the entire cost of motoring.

The Bingle Cost of Motoring Index has been developed to measure and track the ongoing annual cost of motoring across NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

On an individual level, the average cost of keeping a single car on the road in Queensland is $5,433. Those with two cars will need to be frugal to keep the cost below $10,000 a year.

"Staying on the road is a necessity for most Australian families, but the increasing cost of living is making this more difficult," Ms Vine said.

"Understanding just what makes up the cost of motoring can help keep costs down for motorists.

"By driving in a more measured way to conserve petrol, looking for better-value insurance and obeying the road rules to avoid fines, drivers can make real savings."

"There is no doubt that when it comes to money, knowledge is power."

Bingles Cost of Motoring Index - 2012

The index tracks the cost of motoring both as an average for individuals and at an economic level across the states.

Index development note

The Bingle Cost of Motoring Index tracks and measures the ongoing costs faced by drivers annually. It includes a survey of 1,200 owner drivers, conducted in September 2011, covering VIC, NSW and QLD. This data, along with other costs sourced from the Government, underpins this index, which was created by research agency Nature. The sub groups have been cross referenced against the latest census data for drivers with state, region, age and gender figures to represent the results at a population level.

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Website: http://www.bingle.com.au