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How Much Car Can You Afford?

Built by Kevin Glover · @gloverbuilds · Verified formula

Calculate the maximum vehicle price you can afford based on your income, expenses, and desired payment.

📅 Updated April 2026 ✅ Formula verified 📖 4 min read 🆓 Free · No sign-up

In this article

How Much Car Can You Really Afford?
The Real Cost of Overspending on a Car

Die 15%-Regel

Gesamte Autokosten (Rate + Versicherung + Sprit + Wartung) unter 15% des Nettoeinkommens. Bei 3.500 € netto: max. 525 €/Monat gesamt. Versicherung 80 €, Sprit 150 €, Wartung 50 €: bleiben ~245 € für die Rate. Bei 48 Monaten: ~11.000 € Finanzierung + Anzahlung.

Neuwagen vs. Gebrauchtwagen

Jahreswagen (1 Jahr alt): 70-80% des Neuwerts bei 95% der Nutzungsdauer. Die Wertverlust-Kurve ist im ersten Jahr am steilsten (15-25%). Ein 2-3 Jahre alter Gebrauchter ist fast immer die klügste finanzielle Entscheidung.

⚡ CalcWolf Insight

The IRS standard mileage rate for 2026 is 70 cents per mile, which represents the average total cost of vehicle ownership including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and financing. At 12,000 miles per year, that is $8,400 — the true annual cost most people underestimate.

Frequently asked questions

Wie viel Auto bei 3.000 € netto?▾

15% = 450 € gesamt. Nach Versicherung/Sprit/Wartung: ~150-200 € Rate. Besser: Gebrauchtwagen bar kaufen.

Neu oder gebraucht?▾

Gebraucht 2-3 Jahre: 70-80% Nutzungsdauer zu 50-60% des Neupreises. Finanziell fast immer klüger.

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Kevin Glover · @gloverbuilds

Founder, CalcWolf · GLVTS · Blickr

All formulas sourced from primary references — IRS publications, peer-reviewed research, and official standards. Results are tested against independent reference calculators before publishing. Rates and brackets updated when official sources change. Editorial policy →