Washington D.C. couple finds car ownership costs triple their previous ride-sharing spend

A couple living in Washington, D.C., discovered that the cost of owning a used car significantly exceeded their previous spending on ride-sharing services. Alex Bitter and his wife purchased a used vehicle via Facebook Marketplace for $6,000 in August 2025, intending to gain more mobility and take advantage of free local parking.

However, within the first year of ownership, the couple spent approximately $5,000 on fuel, insurance, and maintenance. This operating cost nearly equaled the initial purchase price and was three times higher than the $1,600 they had previously spent annually on public transportation and ride-hailing apps. Despite owning a vehicle, the couple continued to use ride-sharing services for weekend outings and to avoid parking concerns.