The right car budget starts with what you can pay each month for everything: the loan, insurance, fuel and maintenance.
A simple check
- Add up the expected monthly payment, insurance, fuel and maintenance
- Compare it with your monthly take-home pay
- Many people aim to keep total car costs well under 20% of take-home pay
- Make sure you can still save and cover other bills
Try it
Our car loan and true cost calculator adds it all up.
General educational information. Loan terms and fees vary. Thrifty Horizon isn't paid by any dealer, lender, insurer or warranty company.