The cost of owning a car has been pushed to a record low thanks to cheaper petrol prices and lower interest rates, RACQ research shows.

Queensland's peak motoring body's annual survey of running costs this year put the spotlight on 125 popular vehicles and took into account running-related expenses including fuel, insurance and depreciation.

The Suzuki Celerio came out on top at a cost of almost $3000 each year - or $96 a week - to run.

It was the second year in a row the model was named the cheapest to run.

RACQ spokesman Steve Spalding said there was an overall reduction in running costs across all categories, partially due to an average fuel price drop of 11 cents per litre.

"It just shows that for less than $100 a week you can buy a new vehicle," he said.

The most expensive vehicle was the heavy-duty Toyota Landcruiser GXL at $18,836 per year.

Mr Spalding said families could save about $80 a week by switching from a prestige vehicle to a mid-size, mainstream car.

"The practical advice is really about how you can reduce those running costs, so one of them is to downsize wherever possible, secondly to look for the best-in-class."