Hmm as someone above points out we pay $8/gallon in gas, actually probably higher than that now.

My car costs me ~400USD/year in road tax, (vehicles license/plates stay with the car for life) plus every 12 months it has to go for an 100USD MOT safety check.

Amongst various bits and pieces they check everything from the condition of your wiper blades to the underchassis/exhuast - no rust within 2" (dont quote that figure) of any mechanical/structural mounting point.

It's not easy to get a 10-15 year old car through an MOT - especially if it's ECU based and the sensors are starting to wear out. Vicious emissions tests...