THE South West is one of the cheapest places to buy and run a car, it’s been claimed.

According to research by Hippo Motor Finance, the South West is the third cheapest region to own a car with overall of costs of £9,341.99.

The car finance company compared costs associated with owning a car from the average cost of insurance to the price motorists can expect to pay around the country for fuel.

The research found the South West was more expensive to buy a car, above the national average, however this was offset by factors such as cheap car insurance.

London is the most expensive place to own a car with costs of £10,432.37.

The cheapest place to run a car is Scotland with costs of £8,908.58.

Fahad Hussain of Hippo Motor Finance said: "While paying more based on location isn't something that can be remedied easily, the differing costs for repairs and buying a car help to really highlight the savings that can be made just by doing a bit more research or shopping around.”