Cost of owning a car in Swindon

Owning a car in Swindon means budgeting for insurance, fuel, road tax, MOT, servicing, and parking. Costs vary by vehicle and how you use it. This guide brings together the main costs and links to our detailed articles so you can plan and compare.

Car – cost of owning and running a car
Budgeting for car ownership in Swindon. Credit: Unsplash
Insurance requiredBy law
VED + MOTOver 3 years – annual MOT
Fuel, parking, servicingVariable costs
Main car costs – links to our guides
CostOur guide
InsuranceCar insurance costs in Swindon
FuelAverage fuel prices in Swindon
Road tax (VED)GOV.UK – vehicle tax checker
ParkingParking in Swindon
CommutingCost of commuting Swindon–London

Main costs

Insurance
Required by law – see car insurance costs in Swindon
Fuel
Average fuel prices in Swindon
Road tax (VED)
Depends on vehicle – check GOV.UK vehicle tax
MOT & servicing
MOT required for cars over 3 years old
Parking
Parking in Swindon

Insurance

Car insurance is compulsory. Premiums in Swindon depend on postcode, age, vehicle, and history. Our guide to car insurance costs in Swindon explains what affects the price and how to compare.

Fuel

How much you spend on petrol or diesel depends on how far you drive and the price at the pump. See average fuel prices in Swindon for where to check current prices and how to reduce consumption.

Road tax (VED)

Vehicle Excise Duty is set by the government and depends on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions (or age/engine size for older cars). You can check the rate for your registration on GOV.UK. Electric vehicles currently pay no VED in the first year; rates change with government policy.

MOT and servicing

Cars over three years old must have an annual MOT. Servicing costs vary by garage and what’s needed. Budget for both to keep the car legal and reliable.

Parking

If you park in town, at work, or on-street, add parking costs. Our parking in Swindon guide covers town centre car parks, park & ride, and typical charges.

Other costs

Don’t forget: breakdown cover (optional), repairs, replacement tyres, and cleaning. If you commute by car to London or elsewhere, see cost of commuting from Swindon to London for train alternatives and cost comparison.

Car insurance in Swindon

What affects premiums and how to compare.

Car Insurance Guide

Information correct as of February 2026. Tax and fuel duty can change. Use GOV.UK and current fuel price sources for up-to-date figures.