Question

Kristen Lu purchased a used automobile for $16,750 at the beginning of last year and incurred the following operating costs:

Depreciation ($16,750 ÷ 5 years) $3,350
Insurance $1,700
Garage rent $900
Automobile tax and license $450
Variable operating cost $0.06 per mile

The variable operating cost consists of gasoline, oil, tires, maintenance, and repairs. Kristen estimates that, at her current rate of usage, the car will have zero resale value in five years, so the annual straight-line depreciation is $3,350. The car is kept in a garage for a monthly fee.

Required:
a. Kristen drove the car 16,000 miles last year. Compute the average cost per mile of owning and operating the car. (Round your answers to 2 decimal places.)
b. Kristen is unsure about whether she should use her own car or rent a car to go on an extended cross-country trip for two weeks during spring break. What costs above are relevant in this decision?

Answer 1

Answer:

The average operating cost is $0.46 per mile

In deciding whether to to her use her own car or rent a car the costs are analysed below:

Variable operating cost is a relevant cost

Depreciation is not relevant as it is already cost and also it is sunk cost

insurance is not relevant as well

automobile tax and license is not relevant as it would be paid regardless of the option chosen

Explanation:

The average cost comprises of the variable operating cost per mile as well as the fixed operating cost per mile

variable operating cost per mile is $0.06

fixed cost operating cost=fixed costs/total miles driven=($3,350+$1,700+$900+$450)/16000=$6400 /16000=$0.40

average cost per mile=$0.06+$0.40=$0.46