What is the 20 10 rule for buying a car?

Asked by: Verlie Grimes  |  Last update: May 15, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (12 votes)

To apply this rule of thumb, budget for the following: 20% down payment: Aim to make a 20% down payment on your new car. 4-year repayment term: Choose a repayment term of four years or less on your auto loan. 10% transportation costs: Spend less than 10% of your total monthly income on transportation costs.

How much is a $30,000 car payment for 60 months?

How much would a $30,000 car cost per month? This all depends on the sales tax, the down payment, the interest rate and the length of the loan. But just as a ballpark estimate, assuming $3,000 down, an interest rate of 5.8% and a 60-month loan, the monthly payment would be about $520.

Is it smart to do a 72 month car loan?

Pros: Lower monthly payments: Many choose to get a 72-month loan because the monthly payments are lower. And, borrowers may be able to get a more expensive used or new car and still stay within their budget.

What's a good down payment on a 30k car?

Typical Down Payment: Many people put down between 10% to 20% of the vehicle's price. For a $30000 car, this would be between $3000 and $6000.

How much is a $40,000 car loan payment 84 months?

An example of the difference a loan's term can make: If you take out a $40,000 new car loan with an 84-month term at 9% APR, you would pay about $623 monthly and $12,369 in total interest over seven years.

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

26 related questions found

What credit score is needed to buy a 30k car?

Generally, a good credit score to buy a car falls within the range of 660 to 720 or higher. However, it's important to note that each lender has different criteria, and some may consider lower credit scores as well.

How much does the average millionaire pay for a car?

Also, I mention the median price paid for the most recent motor vehicle purchased by a millionaire was $31,367 [for decamillionaires-$41, 997]. It is understandable why so many people relate wealth with the price tag of a motor vehicle.

What is the car buying rule?

20% down — be able to pay 20% or more of the total purchase price up front. 4-year loan — be able to pay off the balance in 48 months or fewer. 10% of your income — your total monthly auto costs (including insurance, gas, maintenance, and car payments) should be 10% or less of your monthly income.

What is the 50 30 20 rule?

Those will become part of your budget. The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

How to pay off a 7 year car loan in 3 years?

If you want to pay off your loan early, here are six ways to make it happen:
  1. Refinance your car loan. ...
  2. Make biweekly payments. ...
  3. Round up your payments. ...
  4. Put extra money toward a lump-sum payment. ...
  5. Continue making your monthly payments. ...
  6. Opt out of any unneeded add-ons.

What is a negative of having a 36 month car loan?

Lenders consider long-term loans riskier and consequently charge higher interest rates for them. You'll also spend more time paying down interest at the start of the loan before reducing the principal, adding to your loan's overall cost.

Who offers 96 month auto loans?

With terms up to 96 months*, Axos Bank can help you buy the car you want at a monthly payment that works for you. A smarter auto loan that puts the power in your hands. Get PrequalifiedLearn More.

How much should my car payment be if I make $60000 a year?

Bank underwriting guidelines allow for the monthly car payment to be 15% of the total monthly income. With a salary of $60000, and a monthly income of $5000, the maximum car budget is $750 per month, which can afford a maximum priced vehicle of $44302 using a 72 month term with a 6.75% APR.

What are 5 questions you should ask the dealer before you buy a car?

Just the List for the TLDR Crowd:
  • When may I test drive the car, preferably by myself?
  • May I have my mechanic inspect the car?
  • May I see a CURRENT car history report, such as Carfax? ...
  • Has a qualified mechanic inspected the car, and may I see that report?

What is the car finance golden rule?

The 20/4/10 Rule

This rule recommends making a downpayment of no more than 20% of the vehicle's cost, not taking a loan with a longer term than four years, and not allowing the monthly payment to exceed 10% of gross monthly income, said Peter C.

What car would a rich person drive?

Which car brand is driven most by millionaires? Though wealthy consumers are known for buying luxury car brands like Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, or Porsche, you might also find them driving mainstream brands such as Honda, Toyota, and Ford.

What is a silent millionaire?

The people who have all the money often go by unnoticed, dressing well, but without flash, driving used cars and living in the first house they bought in a modest neighbourhood. The authors called them the quiet millionaires. They often work in, or own, unglamourous businesses that spin off steady streams of cash.

What pay is considered rich?

Based on that figure, an annual income of $500,000 or more would make you rich. The Economic Policy Institute uses a different baseline to determine who constitutes the top 1% and the top 5%. For 2021, you're in the top 1% if you earn $819,324 or more each year. The top 5% of income earners make $335,891 per year.

How to build credit quickly?

9 ways to build credit fast
  1. Dispute credit report errors. ...
  2. Pay down your credit card balances. ...
  3. Become an authorized user. ...
  4. Deal with delinquent accounts. ...
  5. Open a credit card account. ...
  6. Take out a credit builder loan. ...
  7. Request a credit limit increase. ...
  8. Keep a mix of different account types.

What is a 639 credit score?

Your score falls within the range of scores, from 580 to 669, considered Fair. A 639 FICO® Score is below the average credit score. Some lenders see consumers with scores in the Fair range as having unfavorable credit, and may decline their credit applications.