Car budget calculator

Choose the car budget before the car chooses it for you.

Model the payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance and parking together, then work backward to an approximate purchase price.

Complete monthly costEditable assumptionsNo unexplained budget rule
Editable assumptions

Monthly ownership budget

Modeled maximum purchase price$24,656.34
Affordable loan payment$435.00
Total monthly ownership$900.00
Monthly budget remaining$1,550.00
Modeled principal$22,232.28
Modeled total interest$3,867.72
Loan$435.00
Insurance$180.00
Fuel$160.00
Maintenance$90.00
Parking + other$35.00

This is a configurable planning model, not a lending decision or personalized financial advice. Lower the desired budget to model a more conservative scenario.

Results update from your inputs and remain in this browser. They are estimates, not a quote.
Calculation guide

Budget for ownership, not only the loan

The modeled maximum price is calculated from the payment left after your entered insurance, fuel, maintenance, parking and other vehicle costs. Your desired total car budget is always visible and editable.

Conservative, balanced and aggressive are personal choices

Instead of silently imposing a fixed percentage of income, enter a lower or higher desired car budget and compare the effect. Keep room for irregular repairs and changing insurance or fuel costs.

This is an educational budgeting estimate, not personalized financial advice or a credit decision.