Keep total monthly car costs (loan + insurance + gas + maintenance) under 10% of your gross monthly income. Higher than 15% and you're car-poor.

Should I include my partner's income?

If you're applying jointly and the car will be shared, yes. The calculator uses combined household income.

What if I have other debt?

Lenders look at debt-to-income (DTI). If your total monthly debt payments exceed 40% of gross income, lenders will likely reject the auto loan regardless of your affordability.

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How Much Car Can You Afford?

The 10% rule: total monthly car costs (loan, insurance, fuel, maintenance) should stay under 10% of your gross monthly income. Adjust the inputs to find your number.

Annual gross income$72,000

Down payment$3,000

Loan APR7.50%

Loan term (months)60 mo

In plain English

At $72,000/year of gross income, you can afford a car priced up to ~$22,463 ($3,000 down + $19,463 loan at 7.50% APR over 60 months). That's $390/mo for the loan, leaving ~$210/mo for insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

Max car price

$22,463

Monthly car budget (all-in)

$600/mo

Loan payment budget

$390/mo

Max loan principal

$19,463

Split assumes ~35% of your transportation budget goes to insurance, fuel, and maintenance — leaving ~65% for the loan payment. Adjust your budget if you have lower insurance costs or a paid-off second vehicle.

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Rates as of Jun 2, 2026

1,800+ compared this week

Top auto loan lenders we've audited

Live APR ranges from the lenders our editors evaluated using rates, terms, application, and support sub-scores. Apply through any to lock in your real rate.

Comparing 5 lenders· Rates verified Jun 2

Data last reviewed Jun 2, 2026. Source: CarSavr editorial methodology.

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Lender	APR	Min. credit	Loan amount	Term	Rated
1 Editor's pick	6.94–14.94% Total int. ~$4,659 · $25k · 60mo	660+	$5K–$100K	24–84 mo	Reviewed today	Free · Soft pull · No obligation
2 Best marketplace	5.69–17.99% Total int. ~$3,783 · $25k · 60mo	580+	$5K–$100K	24–84 mo	Reviewed today	Free · Soft pull · No obligation
3 Best credit union	5.24–17.99% Total int. ~$3,472 · $25k · 60mo	610+	$500–$150K	36–84 mo	Reviewed today	Free · Soft pull · No obligation
Fastest marketplace · 4 offers in minutes	5.99–22.99% Total int. ~$3,992 · $25k · 60mo	575+	$8K–$100K	24–84 mo	Reviewed today	Free · Soft pull · No obligation
Best soft-pull pre-qual	6.99–22.90% Total int. ~$4,695 · $25k · 60mo	540+	$4K–$75K	36–75 mo	Reviewed today	Free · Soft pull · No obligation