Is it good to put half down on a car?

Asked by: Mr. Kiel Parker DVM  |  Last update: February 7, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (24 votes)

That's why experts suggest making a bigger down payment on a new car than on a used one. If you make a down payment of less than 20%, you could end up owing more than the car is worth. This is called being "upside down" or “underwater,” and it can put you in a precarious financial situation.

Is it worth putting half down on a car?

Many experts suggest putting at least 20% down on a new car. Among other benefits, a 20% down payment makes it less likely that you'll end up underwater on your car loan. In other words, a higher down payment means you're less likely to end up owing more on your auto loan than your car is worth.

Is it a bad idea to put 50% down on a car?

Yes, you can make a 50% down payment on a car. In fact, a larger down payment can have several benefits, such as reducing the amount you need to finance, lowering your monthly payments, and potentially securing better financing terms or interest rates.

What percentage is best to put down on a car?

One rule of thumb for a down payment on a car is at least 20% of the car's price for new cars and 10% for used — and more if you can afford it.

Is putting a down payment on a car smart?

The answer is usually yes. This is because it could often provide specific benefits to a borrower. For example, a higher down payment can help you secure a lower interest rate and better loan terms. In the long run, you can enjoy a more affordable cost of borrowing.

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What are the disadvantages of a large down payment on a car?

Making a large down payment on a car may also limit your financing or refinancing options. Some lenders may not offer financing if you propose to make a down payment that the lender deems too large. You might not meet a lender's financing requirements if you're seeking to put 90% down on a vehicle that costs $25,000.

How much should your car payment be?

It depends on how much income you have after your bills and expenses. But as a rule of thumb, your car payment should not exceed 15% of your post-tax monthly pay. For example, if after taxes, you make the U.S. median income of $37,773, you could shop for a car that costs up to $472 per month.

What is a normal car down payment?

In general, you should strive to make a down payment of at least 20% of a new car's purchase price. For used cars, try for at least 10% down. If you can't afford the recommended amount, put down as much as you can without draining your savings or emergency funds.

Is 1200 enough to put down on a car?

A rule of thumb for down payments on new car loans is 20% of the purchase price, which helps you avoid owing more on the loan than the car is worth. It's best to put as little money down as possible when leasing a car.

How long should you finance a car?

Because of the high interest rates and risk of going upside down, most experts agree that a 72-month loan isn't an ideal choice. Experts recommend that borrowers take out a shorter loan. And for an optimal interest rate, a loan term fewer than 60 months is a better way to go. You can learn more about car loans here.

Should I put 50% down?

It's not always better to make a large down payment on a house. When it comes to making a down payment, the choice should depend on your own financial goals. It's better to put 20 percent down if you want the lowest possible interest rate and monthly payment.

Is it good to put 40% down on a car?

How much should you put down on a car? A down payment between 10 to 20 percent of the vehicle price is the general recommendation. But if you can afford a larger down payment, you can save even more money on interest payments over the life of the loan.

How low should you offer for a car?

Based on your pricing homework, you should have a good idea of how much you're willing to pay. Begin by making an offer that is realistic but 15 to 25 percent lower than this figure. Name your offer and wait until the person you're negotiating with responds.

Is 50% down on a car too much?

Experts recommend paying at least 20% of the total cost of the car as a down payment. However, if you don't have the extra funds, paying in the 10-12% range might be a better choice. The amount you decide to put down should consider your current financial situation, savings, and future financial plans.

Can I get a loan for a down payment on a car?

Lenders and dealerships require that your down payment on a vehicle is from your own funds. If you're borrowing money to put cash down on a car, it could be seen as risky and could hurt your auto loan approval odds.

What is a good interest rate for a car?

On average, a new car buyer with an excellent credit score can secure an average interest rate of 5.25%, but that average jumps to 15.77% for borrowers with poor credit scores. For used car buyers, those averages range from 7.13% to 21.55%, depending on the borrower's credit history.

Is it smart to put a large down payment on a car?

It's good practice to make a down payment of at least 20% on a new car (10% for used). A larger down payment can also help you nab a better interest rate. But how much a down payment should be for a car isn't black and white. If you can't afford 10% or 20%, the best down payment is the one you can afford.

How many years is 72 months?

72 months equals 6 years. To figure this out, we recognize the well-known relationship between months and years. That is, there are 12 months in 1 year.

What car can I afford with a 100k salary?

To calculate an affordable car payment, use the recommended 20% down and 60-month maximum loan term. Based on those terms, a person making $100,000 a year can afford a $61,000 car, assuming their other expenses allow for a monthly payment of approximately $931.05.

Does the down payment go to the dealer?

A down payment is a sum of money you give to the dealer upfront before buying a new car. While you don't have to hand over a down payment, there are benefits to doing so. Many people turn to financing when buying a new or used car.

What is a normal car payment?

The average monthly car payment is $737 for new cars and $520 for used. Several factors determine your payment. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website.

How much should a car down payment be?

Financial experts recommend a down payment of at least 20 percent when financing a new or used vehicle. This amount is steep for many, especially with the recent spike in new and used car prices. For example, a 20 percent down payment on a $40,000 vehicle is $8,000.

How do you know if a car is too expensive for you?

To make sure you can comfortably afford the car you want, you'll need to account for:
  1. Income. Spend no more than 10% of your salary on transportation expenses, including car payment, insurance, and fuel. ...
  2. Existing Debt. ...
  3. Financing. ...
  4. Taxes and Fees. ...
  5. Car Insurance Premiums. ...
  6. Maintenance Fees. ...
  7. Fuel.

What do I do if my car payment is too high?

What to do if your car payment is too high
  1. Refinance your loan: Refinancing your vehicle loan is taking out a new loan to replace your current one, but with rates and terms that better fit your budget. It's smart to calculate potential savings ahead of time to find one that best suits your needs.
  2. Trade in your vehicle.