Skip advert
Advertisement

Handbags, hairdryers and the iPhone X: cars vs everyday objects

Buying a car is expensive, but just how costly, and what else could you get instead?

Besides property, cars are the most expensive objects most of us will ever buy. Not only are they made up of around 30,000 individual parts each, but manufacturers have to recoup the millions, or even billions, invested in developing and engineering each new model.

A worker paid the minimum wage would need to spend more than 2,200 hours saving up for a £15,000 city car – that’s 275 days' work. But what if you wanted one of 2018s most anticipated cars. what would one of those set you back? And how many other things could you buy if you decided to ride a bike or take a taxi instead?

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Citroën C3 Aircross review - the most comfortable small SUV?
Citroen C3 Aircross front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Citroën C3 Aircross review - the most comfortable small SUV?

The best small cars and superminis in 2024
The best small cars and superminis
Best cars
17 Oct 2024

The best small cars and superminis in 2024

The most reliable small cars on sale in 2024
Most reliable small cars
Best cars
21 Jun 2024

The most reliable small cars on sale in 2024

New Citroen C3 Aircross: full specs for hybrid and electric 7-seater SUV revealed
New Citroen C3 Aircross
News
19 Jun 2024

New Citroen C3 Aircross: full specs for hybrid and electric 7-seater SUV revealed

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
20 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

New BYD Atto 2 electric SUV to hit the UK, rivalling the Vauxhall Frontera
BYD Atto 2 front quarter
News
19 Dec 2024

New BYD Atto 2 electric SUV to hit the UK, rivalling the Vauxhall Frontera

2025 Skoda Enyaq: first official look at updated family EV
2025 Skoda Enyaq Coupe sketch
News
17 Dec 2024

2025 Skoda Enyaq: first official look at updated family EV

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024