the cost of owning a car
 

If you had full ownership of a 2005 Sedan Motor vehicle and drove it every day of the year from Thirroul to Wollongong and return, 28.5km,  the average costs you would incur annually would be:

 

Full insurance & rego = $900.00
Mechanical/maintenance  = $600.00
Fuel Cost = $2153.31
Total Costs Annually (forever after) = $3653.31
Over 5 years = $18,266.58

Add to this amount, loan repayments and fees if you do not own your car outright.

Also add to this other trips you might make on the weekend. 
Fuel consumption was calculated from Aust Bureau of Stats information
Average fuel consumption of Australian vehicles = 13.8ltr/100kms @$1.50/ltr   =$20.70/100kms

 

the cost of owning a bicycle
 

Buying a bicycle to replace your daily commute from Thirroul to Wollongong on average will cost you:

Middle to Upper End Commuter Bicycle = $999.00

Accessories = $300.00 - rack, bags, lights, helmet, pump, toolkit, water bottle etc
Mechanical/maintenance in 1st year = $30.00  some oil and a couple of inner tubes if you're unlucky!
Total Cost in 1st Year = $1329.00
Annual mechanical/maintenance (every year after) = $110.00 - that's if you are diligent!
Over 5 Years = $1769.00
 

 
Now what makes more sense?

 
Here are some interesting sites related to alternative transport ideas.
 
 
 
 
 

Some Surprising Travel Times Stats