Question 1

How much car can I afford?

Accepted Answer

A common guideline is the 20/4/10 rule: put at least 20% down, finance for no more than 4 years, and keep your total monthly car cost (payment + insurance + gas) under 10% of your gross monthly income. This calculator applies that rule.

Question 2

What is the 20/4/10 rule?

Accepted Answer

20% minimum down payment, a maximum 4-year (48-month) loan term, and total car expenses capped at 10% of your gross income. It keeps the car affordable and helps avoid being upside-down on the loan.

Question 3

Does my credit score matter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your credit score directly affects the APR (interest rate) you qualify for. Enter the realistic APR for your credit profile; a lower APR means you can afford a more expensive car for the same monthly payment.

Question 4

Is my financial data stored?

Accepted Answer

No. All calculations happen entirely in your browser. No income, loan, or payment information is ever sent to any server.