Auto Loan Affordability Calculator

Calculate the maximum vehicle price you can afford based on your desired monthly payment. Includes down payment, trade-in, and sales tax.

Free to use
12,500+ users
Updated January 2025
Instant results

Auto Affordability

Max Vehicle Price
$20k
Max Payment
$300
DTI Ratio
55%

Find Your Perfect Vehicle Budget

Calculate what you can realistically afford based on your income, debts, and financial goals. We'll show you multiple affordability rules and recommendations.

Your Maximum Vehicle Price

Using 15% Rule

$20,333

Total vehicle costs should not exceed 15% of gross income

Max Payment
$300
With Down
$5,000

Affordability Rule

Total Monthly Income:$5,000
Total Existing Debts:$2,000

Vehicle Price Recommendations

Budget
Comfortable choice
$14,233
Mid-Range
Good balance
$17,283
Maximum
Upper limit
$20,333

Down Payment Impact

0% Down
$0
Payment
$398
Interest
$3,537
Total
$23,870
10% Down
$2,033
Payment
$358
Interest
$3,184
Total
$23,516
20% Down
$4,067
Payment
$318
Interest
$2,830
Total
$23,162
30% Down
$6,100
Payment
$278
Interest
$2,476
Total
$22,809

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Monthly Income:$5,000
Total Obligations:$2,750
Remaining:$2,250

Debt-to-Income Ratios

Total DTI
55.0%
High
Car Ratio
6.0%
of income

Compare Loan Terms

TermPaymentInterestTotal
36 months$470$1,585$21,917
48 months$364$2,121$22,453
60 months$300$2,667$23,000
72 months$258$3,225$23,557

Smart Car Buying Tips

  • Don't max out your budget: Leave room for unexpected expenses and life changes
  • Consider total ownership cost: Insurance, gas, and maintenance add up quickly
  • Put down 20% if possible: Avoid negative equity and lower monthly payments
  • Shorter terms save money: 36-48 month loans cost less in interest