Classic car running costs in Ireland: what a share really costs

Every listing on Mile Club shows an estimated monthly cost per share. It comes from a simple model with seven lines. Owners can replace our estimate with their real figures, and many do.

The seven lines

• Insurance. Classic policies are cheaper than you might expect. A modest classic with one older driver, garaged and on limited mileage, is often insured for €200 to €500 a year. Adding three or four named drivers and an agreed value pushes that up, so we budget €600 for an everyday classic and €2,200 for a blue-chip car.
• Motor tax. Cars over 30 years old qualify for the flat vintage rate of €56 a year, whatever the engine size.
• Servicing. One proper service a year at a specialist, plus the small jobs that come up.
• Tyres, brakes and battery. Spread across their working life rather than paid in one go.
• Storage. Dry and secure. Free if a co-owner has a garage, €75 to €150 a month for rented storage around Dublin.
• Breakdown cover. A classic recovery policy that covers every named driver.
• Repair reserve. Two to two and a half percent of the car's value each year, so a surprise bill doesn't turn into an argument.

The three tiers

What that means per share

Try your own numbers on the running costs calculator.

What is not in the fund

Fuel, M50 and other tolls, parking, fines, and anything you damage through your own fault. You pay those yourself, the same as with your own car. The rules explain how the return-it-as-you-found-it fuel rule works.