MA drivers pay less to maintain cars

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A new study finds that where you live and drive determines how much of your income you spend on automotive maintenance.

The Automotive Misery Index looks at different factors to determine how much drivers spend on fuel and insurance, and according to the list, Massachusetts drivers spend much less than the majority of U.S. drivers.

Owning a car comes with many responsibilities -- from filling up the tank to keeping your insurance up to date -- and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics says how much you spend on maintenance depends on where you live.

Mississippi drivers drive a lot more miles and pay higher-than-average insurance rates.
They spend 11.6% of their income, placing Mississippi at the bottom of the list with the biggest misery index.

1. New Hampshire - 4.4%
7. Massachusetts - 5.1 %
12. Vermont - 5.9%
14. New York - 6.0%
50. Mississippi - 11.6%

Northeastern states have relatively low misery index. New Hampshire tops the list. Massachusetts is at number 7. Vermont, Maine and New York are all in top 20.

Western Massachusetts residents who have lived in New Hampshire and New York said the few spot difference isn't so bad.

Larry Gray of Colrain told 22News he recently moved from upstate New York.

“It seems pretty much same as here,” he said. “I moved back here a year ago, and it hasn't changed much.”

Mary Anne Rantlett of Shelburne said she lived in New Hampshire for 8 years.

“I don't feel any huge hardship as far as car repair either,” she said. “The price I paid for my car repair here seemed pretty much equal.”

But they said one expense still bothers them.

Judy Targhetta of Whately told 22News, “I mean... It keeps going up and up, and there's no reason why it should. You can go by gas station now... You go by 5 minutes later, and it's up again.”

The average price for a gallon regular gas in Massachusetts is $3.89 according to AAA.