How much should I spend monthly on a car?

Asked by: Tracey Hodkiewicz  |  Last update: August 9, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (18 votes)

Calculate the car payment you can afford
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recommends spending no more than 10% of your take-home pay on your monthly auto loan payment. So if your after-tax pay each month is $3,000, you could afford a $300 car payment.

How much does the average person spend on their car a month?

In 2021, the average car costs $42,258 with an average payment of $563 per month, according to data from Kelley Blue Book and LendingTree. Beyond the sticker price and payments, however, there are the costs of gas, insurance, oil changes and other expenses car owners need to consider.

How much of your salary should you spend on a car?

It's simple: Spend no more than 10% of your gross annual income on the purchase price of a car. Why? Because the upfront cost of a vehicle isn't going to be the only thing you pay for, and cutting down your base price budget is the most effective way to save money.

Is 500 a month too much for a car?

How much should you spend on a car? If you're taking out a personal loan to pay for your car, it's a good idea to limit your car payments to between 10% and 15% of your take-home pay. If you take home $4,000 per month, you'd want your car payment to be no more than $400 to $600.

Is $400 a month good for car payment?

The result is that the car will be a lot more expensive in the end. In the example we've given, a car payment of $400 per month for five years (60 months) equates to $24,000. But the same $400 per month spread out over six years (72 months) is $28,800, while it's $33,600 over seven years (84 months).

How Much Car Can I Afford (20/4/10 Rule)

27 related questions found

What car can I afford with 75k salary?

If you make $75,000 per year, your total loan payments shouldn't exceed $2,250 per month. The 20/4/10 rule: Put down 20% on a car, finance the car for no more than 4 years, and keep your car payment less than or equal to 10% of your salary.

What car can I afford on 40k salary?

Whether you're paying cash, leasing, or financing a car, your upper spending limit really shouldn't be a penny more than 35% of your gross annual income. That means if you make $36,000 a year, the car price shouldn't exceed $12,600. Make $60,000, and the car price should fall below $21,000.

What car can I afford with 60k salary?

It's typically recommended that you buy a car worth no more than 35% of your gross annual income— so if you make $60k per year, you can afford a new car that is worth $21,000 or less.

How much car can I afford on 50k salary?

Expert estimates range broadly. Greg McBride, a senior vice president, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com, advises that a car payment should equal no more than 15 percent of your pretax monthly pay. That means that if you make $50,000 a year, your monthly car payment could be as much as $625.

How much should I spend on a car if I make $100000?

To find out how much car you can afford with this 36% rule, simply multiply your family's income by 0.36. So if you earn $100,000, for example, you could afford to take out a car loan of up to $36,000 — assuming you don't have any other debt.

How much car can I afford based on salary?

Financial experts say your car-related expenses shouldn't exceed 20% of your monthly take-home pay. So, let's say you bring home about $2,500 each month. The total amount you should spend on your car — including loan payment, gas, insurance and maintenance — is right around $500.

How much should you spend on a first car?

Experts recommend that you spend $5,000 to $10,000 on your first car. But honestly, it all comes down to what you can afford. Here are a few simple tips to help you calculate a figure that would work well for you: Don't spend more than 15% of your gross pay or 20% of your take-home pay.

Are cars a waste of money?

It's the single worst financial decision millennials will ever make.” That's because the moment you drive it off the lot, the vehicle starts to depreciate: Your car's value typically decreases 20 to 30 percent by the end of the first year and, in five years, it can lose 60 percent or more of its initial value.

How much does Dave Ramsey say you should spend on a car?

As a general rule of thumb, the total value of your vehicles (anything with a motor in it) should never be more than half of your annual household income. Dave doesn't recommend buying a new car—ever—until your net worth is more than $1 million.

How much is too much for a car?

Financial experts say to not spend more than 35% of your annual income on the car itself and the costs that come with your purchase. Below you'll find a breakdown of what to consider when buying a new or used car and how much you should spend.

Is a $600 car payment too much?

According to experts, a car payment is too high if the car payment is more than 30% of your total income. Remember, the car payment isn't your only car expense! Make sure to consider fuel and maintenance expenses. Make sure your car payment does not exceed 15%-20% of your total income.

Is 50k too much for a car?

While it depends on factors like your credit score, loan terms, down payment and any potential trade-in value, you may find that a vehicle in the $20,000 to $35,000 range will fit your budget.

How much should I spend on a car if I make $70000?

The 50% rule

Some experts believe that spending 50% of your salary on a vehicle should be affordable. With a salary of $75k this would give you $35,000 to spend on a car which is enough for a brand new car.

How much would a 30000 car cost per month?

A $30,000 car, roughly $600 a month.

How much car can I afford monthly?

Calculate the car payment you can afford

NerdWallet recommends spending no more than 10% of your take-home pay on your monthly auto loan payment. So if your after-tax pay each month is $3,000, you could afford a $300 car payment.

How much a month is a 40k car?

Your monthly payments would look like this for a $40,000 loan: 36 months: $1,146. 48 months: $885. 60 months: $737.

How much should I spend on a car if I make 80k?

For many people, I think that will be between 10–15% of their income. So if you earn $25,000 a year, that's going to be a high-mileage used car for $2,500–$3,000. If you earn $80,000, that's a used car for around $10,000 or $12,000.

When should you buy a car financially?

Fortunately,there is a basic rule one can follow to buy a car i.e.,20/4/10.20 stands for the down payment. One should be ready with 20% of down payment of the on-road price of the car. 4 stands for loan tenure,it should not be beyond 4years.

Is new or used car cheaper?

New cars come with the latest safety features and are very likely to be reliable, though they can come with a higher price tag and higher insurance costs. Used cars are generally cheaper because the high depreciation of their early years is already behind them and you may not need as much insurance coverage.

When should you buy a car?

In terms of the best time of the year, October, November and December are safe bets. Car dealerships have sales quotas, which typically break down into yearly, quarterly and monthly sales goals. All three goals begin to come together late in the year.