Honda City Running Cost Breakdown: 5-Year Service Cost, Fuel Cost

The Honda City is a commonly seen sedan car on Indian roads. Its popularity is driven by its performance, affordability, and brand reputation. The company’s reports indicate that 9,460 units were sold in December 2024. This soaring sale sheds light on the buyer’s preference for the Honda City in the sedan segment. Although the ex-showroom price for the car starts from ₹ 12,38,000, it is not where the expenditure ends.

As an owner, you should also be aware of the running costs associated with it. From the Honda City service cost to fuel and insurance, getting a complete idea of future expenses helps you plan ahead.

The blog discusses the entire running cost breakdown and different ways to reduce it.

Honda City: Fuel Type and Mileage Overview

The Honda City is available in 20 petrol-based variants with automatic and manual transmission options. The ARAI mileage depends on it:

The real-world mileage, as spotted by the owners, is as follows:

Honda City Fuel Cost per Km (Based on 5-Year Usage)

Based on the petrol cost as of June 2025, you can calculate an estimated expense for the upcoming five years.

Assumptions for fuel cost calculation

The fuel cost is determined by the petrol cost and the average distance covered every day.

• Current Petrol Cost: ₹ 94.77 per litre
• Average Mileage (Manual): 17.7 kmpl
• Average Per Day Distance: 100 km

Annual and 5-year fuel cost estimate

• Monthly Fuel Cost: ₹16,050
• Yearly Fuel Cost: ₹1,95,275
• 5-Year Fuel Cost: ₹9,76,375

The calculations are estimated and are subject to change according to driving habits, petrol rate, and real-world average.

Honda also offers a strong hybrid variant of the Honda City. The Honda City e:HEV variant offers better fuel efficiency while providing the same sedan experience the Honda City is known for.

• Estimated Mileage: 18.4 kmpl
• Yearly Fuel Cost: ₹1,61,330
• 5-Year Fuel Cost: ₹8,06,650

Honda City Service and Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years

Honda City service costs contribute a major chunk to running expenses. Here is an overview of what is included in the service and maintenance and what the estimated 5-year expenditure is.

Basic Service Inclusions: Engine oil change, drain washer, engine oil filter, pollen/air filter, and spark plug. Further costs can vary after inspection.

Upon a regular maintenance checkup, the service centre checks for faulty parts or signs of repair. The final cost would be provided by your dealer.

Estimated Service Cost for MT and CVT Cars

Honda City Manual Service Cost:

Honda City Automatic Service Cost:

The prices are for the 2014-20 model of  Honda City in metropolitan cities. You can find out the exact cost by contacting the service centre agent.

Insurance and Other Recurring Expenses

Insurance is an add-on yet crucial part of the running cost for the Honda City. The exact premium for your car would depend on the variant and the coverage you choose.

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage (3-year third-party + 1-year own damage):

• Honda City V (Petrol): ₹20,000 to ₹25,000
• Honda City ZX CVT: ₹28,500 to ₹34,000

Comprehensive insurance includes the following:

• Theft coverage
• Complete loss; irreparable damage to the car
• Man-made or natural damage
• Third-party damage
• Coverage under add-ons by you
• Fire or explosive damage

Other expenses included in the Honda City running cost:

PUC (Pollution Under Control) Test:

• Yearly Cost: ₹110
• 5-Year Cost: ₹550

Wheel alignment and tyre rotation (as estimated by an owner):

• Yearly Cost: ₹1600
• 5-Year Cost: ₹8000

Total Ownership Cost of Honda City (5-Year Estimate)

As per the calculation above, one can get an estimate of a 5-year ownership cost for the Honda City.

The final charges depend on your additional expenses. For instance, repair, spare parts, and add-on coverage can increase the running cost. Also, the fuel cost depends on driving habits and can fluctuate according to usage.

How to Reduce Your Honda City’s Running Cost

The Honda City service cost and running expenses depend on fuel efficiency, driving practices, and service frequency. Here are a few steps you can take to bring down your expenditure:

• Maintain Tyre Pressure: Underperforming tyres can significantly impact your driving performance. They put additional load on the engine and reduce your grip on the wheels. A poorly working engine hampers fuel efficiency, increasing your overall running cost.
• Plan Before Driving: Make sure you take the shortest and most convenient route to save petrol. Longer paths or roadways with heavy traffic lead to more halts, increasing your car’s fuel consumption.
• Drive Smartly: Maintain your car in a top-notch condition by using the accelerator nicely. Avoid sudden breaks or continuous switching between acceleration and the clutch. Such practices hamper mileage and make your car parts prone to damage.
• Ensure Regular Service: Servicing is an important part of keeping your Honda City in prime condition. Make sure you visit the service centre once a year, or if you have covered a 10,000 km distance after your last maintenance. Such practices also prevent your oil from blackening or your air filter from getting choked.
• Use Original Spare Parts: Duplicate parts seem attractive due to their cost. However, they can be unreliable in the long run. With a car like the Honda City, it is advisable to only use genuine parts for long-lasting and optimal performance.

Apart from the above-discussed tips, you can also be mindful of your other driving habits, like:

• Minimal idling
• Optimal use of air conditioning
• Maintain the prescribed city/highway speed
• Compare service cost
• Use a good-quality fuel

Summary

The running cost of the Honda City can be expensive in the long run. However, you can reduce it by taking the right steps. Factor in the service cost, fuel expenses, insurance premium, and add-on charges like accessories, PUC, modifications, and repairs. Maintain fuel efficiency and choose the right service and insurance partners to bring down your expenditure. Although the Honda City is a high-end choice for luxury lovers, you can reap its benefits in the long run and enjoy its worth.

FAQs About Honda City Running Cost