Revealed: The Cheapest Cars To Own And Operate In Queensland

The RACQ has revealed Queensland's best and worst value cars for 2018 in their annual Vehicle Running Costs survey.

139 vehicle models were assessed by the motoring body, taking into account all expenses associated with private car ownership including maintenance, insurance, government charges, fuel, and depreciation.

At just under $6000 per year, the micro Mitsubishi Mirage ES (pictured) took the title for the cheapest car to own and operate, followed by the Suzuki Swift GL, Audi A1 Sportback, Kia Cerato S and BMW 118i Sportline.

While the Toyota Landcruiser V8 topped the list for the most expensive non-electric vehicle, setting owners back $19,527 per year.

RACQ Head of Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding said motorists can save thousands of dollars each year just by downsizing, or opting for the cheapest in class.

"If you want a particular class of vehicle, look for the cheapest to own and operate in that class and in some cases, you could pocket as much as $125 extra a week,” he said.

"Increased registration and fuel costs have driven up the price of car ownership. Queenslanders fork out the most in registration and licensing fees which have skyrocketed nearly 15 percent in the last four years."