Car Expenses

[CuppaJoe]

I'd be curious to know what it costs nowadays to own or lease, gass up, insure and repair a car in various parts of the country. I mean fill up the tank about once a week and hire someone to keep it in really good shape.

I bought a two-year-old red Maverick (named Ralph) in 1972 for $1,200 and sold it in 1980 for a song. Ever since, I've been telling myself that the money I would have spend on car ownership is funding my retirement account. Wondering what I would have to budget now and thinking I might retire to a place where I would want to own or lease an unimpressive car. I'm currently near enough to retirement that I'm enjoying myself and not living too cheaply; I'm saving about $700/month.

Thanks,
Cuppa