ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — It will cost U.S. drivers an average of $8,776 to own and maintain their cars this year, up 3.4 percent from last year, according to a study released Tuesday by AAA.

The travel organization said rising gas prices, more expensive tires and depreciation costs are the main culprits. It estimates that maintenance and insurance costs will actually be lower in 2011.

AAA calculates the cost of a year of ownership at 58.5 cents per mile for 15,000 miles. Owning a small car costs an estimated $6,758, while owning a large sedan costs $10,982. A mid-size sport utility vehicle costs an estimated $11,239.

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