The American Automobile Association (AAA) calculates the 2008 average cost of driving a new mid-size passenger car 15,000 miles a year at 55.2 cents per mile or $8,280 per year.

This includes:

• Operating costs: gas, 0.1234 cents per mile or $1,852 per year, maintenance and tires at 5.5 cents per mile or $825 per year.

• Ownership costs: Full coverage insurance, license, registration, taxes, depreciation, and financing (10 percent down; six percent per 5-year loan) at $ 0.375 cents per mile or $5,636 per year.

Calculate your cost of commuting here