How much car can I afford?
Planners often cap the car payment at about 10–15% of gross income. This turns that cap into a sticker price after tax and down payment.
How this car fits your paycheck
Payment cap versus the rest of monthly income.
How the price is funded
Cash, trade-in, and the amount you would finance.
How this car-affordability calculator works
Dealers start from a payment and work backward to a price. This page does the same on purpose: you set a payment cap as a share of income, then we solve for the vehicle price that fits after down payment, trade-in, and sales tax. The output is a ceiling to take to the lot, not a recommendation to spend up to the line.
A popular U.S. rule of thumb is 20% down, a loan no longer than four years, and total vehicle costs (payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance) under about 10% of gross income. This tool focuses on the payment piece. Insurance, gas, and repairs are extra — a cheaper car with cash leftover is often the better household decision even when a larger payment “fits.”
Use take-home pay if you only know salary, then type a payment cap you could still live with after rent or PITI. Use the auto-loan calculator when you already have a price and need the monthly number with your state’s tax.
FAQ
Is this 10% of take-home or gross?
You choose. Gross is the usual rule-of-thumb base; take-home is stricter and closer to what the checking account feels. If housing already eats a large share, use a smaller percent.
Does the max price include tax?
The price shown is the vehicle price the payment can support after tax is layered in. Rolling tax into the loan reduces how much car you can buy for the same monthly cap.
Should I stretch to 72 or 84 months to “afford” more car?
A longer term raises the price tag this page will print and raises interest. Negative equity shows up faster if the car depreciates. Prefer a shorter term and a lower ceiling.
Payment calculatorTake-home pay