What is the money guys car rule?

Asked by: Hortense Pollich Sr.  |  Last update: September 28, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (75 votes)

If you need to purchase a reliable vehicle to get you to work and take care of your family, we have a Money Guy 20/3/8 rule of thumb that allows you to take on a car loan in a wise and financially responsible way. The 20/3/8 rule stands for: 20% down. Finance no longer than 3 years.

What is the car money rule?

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.

What is Dave Ramsey's rule on cars?

“Your cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles and other vehicles should not have a total value that exceeds half your annual income. Why? You don't want too much of your wealth tied up in things that depreciate. And cars, trucks and things with motors depreciate big time,” Ramsey posted on X.

What is the 20 8 3 rule for car buying?

The 20/3/8 car buying rule says you should put 20% down, pay off your car loan in three years (36 months), and spend no more than 8% of your pretax income on car payments. As we go into depth to determine how realistic this rule is, you may consider whether it can actually help you budget for your next car.

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 Buy a Car the RIGHT Way! (20/3/8 Rule)

45 related questions found

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 10 second rule cars?

To give yourself time to react, avoid last minute moves and hazards, always keep your eyes moving and scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle.

What is the 35% car rule?

To get an idea of how much car you can afford, a good rule of thumb is to pay no more than 35% of your annual pre-tax income. So, if you make $50,000 before taxes per year, your car purchase price should not exceed $17,500.

What is the money guy rule for buying cars?

The 20/3/8 rule stands for:

20% down. Finance no longer than 3 years. Total car payment is no more than 8% of gross income.

Why is it not smart to buy a new car?

A used car experiences less depreciation.

A vehicle is a depreciating asset, meaning it tends to lose value over time. According to Kelley Blue Book, a new car loses 20% of its value in the first year after purchase. Within the first five years, that number grows to 60%.

Do 90% of millionaires make over $100,000 a year?

Ninety-three percent of millionaires said they got their wealth because they worked hard, not because they had big salaries. Only 31% averaged $100,000 a year over the course of their career, and one-third never made six figures in any single working year of their career.

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.

Is $2000 a good down payment 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.

What is the 3000 cash rule?

Funds Transfer Rules — MSBs must maintain certain information for funds transfers, such as sending or receiving a payment order for a money transfer, of $3,000 or more, regardless of the method of payment.

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 1 10 car rule?

Remembering that total car costs include insurance, maintenance and gas (not to mention parking and traffic tickets!), if you can manage to spend only one-tenth of your gross income on a new-to-you car, the financial benefits are plentiful. Here are three reasons to try the 1/10th rule the next time you buy a car.

What's a good down payment on a 30k 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.

What is the 25 year old car rule?

A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS.

What is a good time for 1/4 mile?

In general, a quarter-mile time below 12 seconds is considered quite fast for a sports car. Cars that can achieve quarter-mile times in the low to mid-11-second range or even faster are often regarded as high-performance or "fast" in terms of straight-line acceleration.

What is the 25 rule car?

The 25 year car import rule, in simple words, keeps a check on the imports of vehicles that are not officially sold in the United States by the car brands operating in the nation. The rule states that one can only import a vehicle to the US when the vehicle in question is at least 25 years old.

Which is the fastest car in the world?

1st place: Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, 531 km/h

Because the manufacturer's claimed speed is one thing, and the actual speed is quite another. Koenigsegg claims that their new Jesko Absolut can reach 531 km/h, but under certain conditions.

What car does Jeff Bezos drive?

Bezos also owns a car collection reportedly worth around $20 million. His collection includes several high-end vehicles such as a Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz S450, Ferrari Pininfarina Sergio, W Motors' Lykan HyperSport, Bugatti Veyron Mansory and Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita.

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 is a good salary to be 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.