Experts named the car model that is cheaper to drive than public transport in Kyiv

A used 2001 Smart Fortwo can consume less gasoline than the cost of a unlimited monthly pass in Kyiv. With a daily distance of 10 km, fuel costs will be about 898 UAH per month compared to 3656 UAH for the pass. However, this comparison does not take into account a number of mandatory expenses for car owners. This is reported by Telegraf.

This is not a conclusion of industry experts, but a calculation by the publication based on advertisements from AUTO.RIA. In Odesa, such a Smart Fortwo was sold for $2400, or about 107.8 thousand UAH.

Cost of trips on Smart Fortwo in Kyiv in August 2026

The car is equipped with a 0.6 l gasoline turbo engine and an automated transmission. The seller claims a city consumption of 5 l per 100 km, but the actual figure will depend on the technical state of the vehicle, traffic jams, and driving style.

With gasoline prices at 81.67 UAH, one kilometer will cost about 4.08 UAH. If driven for 22 working days in a month, fuel costs will be:

• 10 km per day: about 898 UAH per month;

• 20 km per day: approximately 1797 UAH;

• 30 km per day: about 2695 UAH.

An unlimited pass for all types of public transport in Kyiv after the fare change on July 15 costs 3656 UAH. With this comparison, gasoline for the Smart really turns out to be cheaper.

Why Smart Fortwo may not necessarily be cheaper than transport in Kyiv in 2026

Comparing fuel costs only with the unlimited pass is not accurate. A person who travels only from home to work does not necessarily need to buy the most expensive fare. For example, a pass for 46 rides costs 1088 UAH, while 44 single rides at 30 UAH each will cost 1320 UAH.

Thus, for a daily distance of 10 km, the savings of the Smart on fuel compared to the pass for 46 rides will be about 190 UAH. At 20 km per day, gasoline will be more expensive than that pass.

Additional expenses related to owning a car include:

• mandatory insurance;

• maintenance and repairs;

• tires and consumables;

• parking;

• registration and possible unforeseen breakages.

The age of the vehicle is especially important. A 2001 Smart Fortwo has a complex automated transmission, a turbocharged engine, and significant mileage, so even one serious repair can negate all calculated savings.

The initial calculation indicated that the car would supposedly pay for itself in 39 months. But this term was obtained only by comparing the price of the car with the difference between fuel and the most expensive pass. Taking into account the real ownership costs, the term will be significantly longer, and with a small number of trips, the car may not even be cheaper than public transport.

Let us remind you that on the night of August 5, Russia delivered a massive strike on Ukraine, specifically targeting the capital region. As a result of the attacks in Kyiv region, 14 people died, including eight passengers waiting for a train at the Kvitneva station in the Brovary district.