myrridin, the only AAA number I referenced was the $8000/year. The rest of my data was from the EPA, which is non-speculative.

I said your numbers were an exception: better fuel economy and little travel. Also, your maintenance indicates you didn't have to deal with any of the regular and/or major services. For perspective, here's some of my numbers, which should tell you one of the many reasons I'm going car-lite. Note: I plan on owning this car until either it dies or I'm in a position where I can go car-free without crippling myself. (requires moving.)

Car: 2000 Subaru Forester.
purchase price: $4500
duration of ownership: 17 months so far.
Miles driven: 30,000, currently either almost 170,000 on the odometer or just past that.
Fuel economy: 25 mpg, averaged per tank. That makes it about 1,200 gallons: about $4,250 so far, running average rounded.
Oil changed every 5,000 miles at ~$40 per. $250
Insurance: ~$800 so far.
Registration/inspection: $35/year, so $70.
Maintenance: about $800, with several routine things being neglected that will need to be addressed soon. (Timing belt, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant flush, rear axle...thingit that needs lubricant changed, etc.)

$6170 + $4500 = $10670 to date.
$363/month without purchase price.
A note: All of that maintenance was routine and none of it major services.

Getting away from the car is definately a no-brainer for me. The goal is to go from 1500 miles a month to 400 or less.