What Car Can I Afford With a $1.8M Net Worth?

Based on conservative financial guidelines, here's what you can comfortably afford with a $1.8M net worth.

You can afford cars that cost

Conservative:

Car ≤5% of net worth
$90,000 + tax

You can conservatively afford a car at this price

Safe:

Car ≤10% of net worth
$180,000 + tax

You can safely afford a car at this price

Stretch:

Car ≤15% of net worth
$270,000 + tax

Buying a car at this price is a bit of a stretch

Net Worth: $350,000
Conservative Car Value: $90,000 (5%)
Safe Increment: +$90,000 (+5%)
Stretch Increment: +$90,000 (+5%)
Net Worth Remaining: $1,530,000

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How We Calculate These Ranges

Financial experts recommend limiting car purchases to 5-15% of your net worth for cash purchases. This ensures you maintain financial flexibility and don't tie up too much of your wealth in a depreciating asset.

  • Conservative (5%): Recommended for those prioritizing wealth building and financial security
  • Safe (10%): A balanced approach that allows for a nice car without excessive spending
  • Stretch (15%): The upper limit before car spending becomes financially questionable

These guidelines assume you're buying with cash. If you're financing, make sure to follow the 20/4/10 rule (20% down, 4-year loan maximum, 10% of gross income for total car expenses).

Adjust Your Parameters

The results above use standard assumptions. Use the calculator below to customize parameters like down payment, trade-in value, and monthly expenses.

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Your Net Worth

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Cost Adjustments

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Additional Monthly Costs

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How We Calculate
Safe Range
The most financially responsible car price you can afford
Based on spending no more than 10% of your monthly income on car payments, including insurance and maintenance costs
Stretch Range
A more expensive option, but may strain your budget
Based on spending up to 15% of your monthly income on car payments, including insurance and maintenance costs
Lender Max
What lenders would likely approve, but financially risky
Based on debt-to-income ratio limits (36% including all debts), though this pushes your budget to the limit

Built to help you make informed car buying decisions. Always consult with a financial advisor for advice.

This calculator provides estimates only and should not be considered financial advice.

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