There are many factors to consider when buying a car, including annual costs of ownership, gas mileage, safety records, and preferences like size and features. Statistics show the average annual costs of car ownership in the US exceed $7,000 per year. Drivers also typically get lower gas mileage than estimated and gas prices are currently around $2.89 per gallon. Nearly 6.4 million car accidents occurred in 2005 and vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death. Teenage drivers face higher risks, with 16-17 year olds 3 times more likely to die in crashes than average.