How Much Car Can I Afford?
Based on your income and budget, see the realistic car price and payment you should target.
Your numbers
Target car price
$19,835
incl. your down payment
Affordable loan payment
$325
after insurance + fuel
Max you should finance
$16,335
Insight — The honest budget isn't just the payment — insurance, fuel and upkeep come out of the same paycheck. This tool reserves those first, so the price you target is one you can actually carry. The 20/4/10 guide (20% down, ≤4 years, total car costs under 10–15% of income) is a good sanity check.
What if % of income on car changes?
| % of income on car | Target car price |
|---|---|
| 8% | $4,003 |
| 10% | $8,526 |
| 12% | $13,050 |
| 15% · now | $19,835 |
| 20% | $31,144 |
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Good to know
Clear, practical answers about the car affordability calculator.
What percentage of income should go to a car payment?＋
Many financial planners suggest keeping the car payment under 10–15% of monthly take-home pay, and total car costs (payment, insurance, fuel) under about 20%. Going higher is the most common reason buyers feel 'car poor.'
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