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Vehicle · Free calculator

How much car can I afford?

The most car price your pay supports under two guidelines, and the full monthly cost of owning it. No account needed.

Your numbers

Answer each Yes/No question, then fill in the amounts that appear. Use 0 only when an amount is truly zero. Want to see how it works first? Load example numbers below.

Will you borrow to buy the car, with a fixed payment?

This finds the most car price a loan payment fits. For a lease, the payment depends on the residual and money factor instead.

These are rules of thumb, not laws or lender limits. We show both; this one is the headline.
For example, 15 for a new car or 10 for a used car or a lease. Fuel, insurance and upkeep come on top, so a payment over 15% often feels tight.
Gross pay is on your offer letter or the top of your pay stub. Take-home is what reaches your bank account.
Add your partner’s pay if you share the car costs. For example, 6,500. Self-employed? Use your yearly profit ÷ 12.
Take-home ÷ pay before tax, from a pay stub. For example, 76. We use it to compare both guidelines, since each uses a different kind of pay.
Do you make payments on other debts?

Student loans, credit cards or other loans. They don’t change the guidelines, but we show how much of your pay all your debts would take.

Cash for the car itself, not counting the trade-in. For example, 4,000. Enter 0 for none.
Do you have a car to trade in?

Its equity (value minus what you still owe) counts toward the 20% down. In Minnesota the trade-in also lowers the sales tax.

For example, 6.875: Minnesota’s motor vehicle sales tax, figured on the price minus your trade-in. Use your own state’s rate if you register elsewhere.
For example, 950 in Minnesota for a newer car: about $40 to title it, $350 to $600 for the first year’s tabs, and a dealer documentary fee up to $350.
From a preapproval or an advertised rate for your credit. For example, 6.9. Used-car rates are usually higher.
The 20/4/10 rule uses 48 months or less. A longer loan lets you buy more car, but it costs more interest.
For example, 160 a month, a starting point for full coverage on a newer car. Replace it with a quote for the car’s year and model before you buy.
For example, 150: about 1,000 miles a month at 25 miles per gallon and $3.75 a gallon. Miles ÷ miles per gallon × price per gallon.
Oil changes, tires, brakes and repairs. For example, 90. Plan on more for an older car without a warranty.

Your answer shows up here.

Answer the questions, then press Calculate.
Or load example numbers to see how it works.

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Assumptions, sources & limitations

Planning estimates only. Not a tax return, filing, payment, lending quote or personalized advice. Results depend on complete and accurate inputs. No guarantee of savings or penalty protection. Tax figures checked October 31, 2026; changes and special rules may apply. This initial release needs firm validation before client reliance.