Free Car Affordability Calculator

What's Your True Car Budget?

Discover the maximum car price you can afford without going broke—using the proven 20/4/10 rule that keeps your finances healthy.

Car Affordability Calculator

Discover the maximum car price you can afford without going broke—using the proven 20/4/10 rule that keeps your finances healthy.

20/4/10 Rule:
20% down • 4 yrs max • 10% of Gross Income

Enter your income and expenses below to see what car you can actually afford

Your Financial Details

$

Before taxes and deductions

%

Percentage of car price • $0 actual amount

%

Current average: 6-8% for good credit

Shorter terms = less interest paid

$

Gas, insurance, maintenance, registration, parking

What You Can Afford

$0

Maximum Car Price

Including taxes and registration

Down Payment

$0
Loan Amount $0
Monthly Loan Payment

Principal + Interest to Bank

$0
Total Interest Paid

$0
Max Monthly Car Cost

Payment + Gas + Insurance + Maintenance

$0

⚠️ Warning: Your down payment is less than 20% of the car price. Consider increasing your down payment percentage or looking at less expensive cars.

⚠️ Warning: Loan terms longer than 4 years increase total interest paid and risk of being upside-down on the loan.

❌ Alert: Your car expenses exceed the 10% rule. Reduce expenses or increase income to afford a car safely.

Smart Car Buying Tips

Follow these rules to avoid getting financially trapped by car payments

20% Down Payment

Put down at least 20% to avoid being upside-down on your loan and reduce monthly payments.

4-Year Max Loan

Keep loans to 4 years or less. Longer loans mean more interest and being underwater longer.

10% Total Budget

Total car expenses (payment, gas, insurance, maintenance) should be 10% or less of gross income.

Additional Car Buying Tips

Before You Buy
  • • Get pre-approved for financing from banks/credit unions
  • • Research the car's reliability and resale value
  • • Factor in insurance costs before purchasing
  • • Consider certified pre-owned over new for better value
Hidden Costs to Consider
  • • Registration, taxes, and documentation fees
  • • Higher insurance for newer/more expensive cars
  • • Maintenance and repair costs (increase with age)
  • • Parking, tolls, and potential tickets

Stop Stressing. Start Succeeding.

Broader Pro shows you exactly where your money will take you

See Your Financial Future

"Will I have enough to retire by 65?" Stop the sleepless nights. Your entire financial future, crystal clear in one view—wedding fund, retirement, emergency savings all mapped out clearly.

Make Big Decisions With Confidence

"Can I afford this $800 Tesla payment?" End the financial anxiety. Play out every scenario before you commit—that dream job, new car, or cross-country move won't derail your goals.

Stop Feeling Guilty About Spending

"Am I ruining my future with this $200 dinner?" Kill the spending shame. Know your exact "yes" number each month—spend freely within your safe zone.

See the Life Your Money Can Buy

"Will I ever afford that Europe trip?" Stop hoping, start planning. Watch abstract goals become calendar dates—Europe 2026, mortgage-free 2029, early retirement 2045.

The difference is clear

❌ Traditional Apps: Where did my money go?

âś… Broader: Where will my money take me?