How Much Is Enough for Your Next Vehicle?
Paying cash for a car saves thousands in interest. Calculate your target and build a plan to drive away debt-free.
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Target car purchase fund
Adjust for Inflation
Show values in today's purchasing power
Your Custom Fields
No custom fields yet. Add your own expenses, income, or one-time costs to personalize your plan.
Your Enough Plan
Enough Number: $500,000
Projected: $19,071
Growth Projection
Timeline
Monthly Savings Target
$13,109
per month to reach your goal
Current: $500
You need $12,609 more per month
That's about $437 per day
What If?
+$100/mo
Add $100 per month
42 mo. sooner
$22,885
+$200/mo
Add $200 per month
76 mo. sooner
$26,699
-2% return
Bear market scenario
146 mo. later
$18,530
What If You Saved Your Next Raise?
| Scenario | Final Monthly | Total Saved (10yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Save Nothing | $500/mo | $73,348 |
| Save 50% | $640/mo | $81,521 |
| Save ALL | $814/mo | $90,814 |
Saving ALL your raises instead of nothing nets you $17,466 more over 10 years.
Life Seasons
Add upcoming life events to see how they affect your monthly budget.
Click an event above to add it to your timeline.
How You Compare
Key Insights
- At your current pace, you'll reach enough by August 2063.
- You're 4% of the way to your enough number of $500,000.
- At this rate, you'll reach your goal 34.1 years late.
- Increasing contributions by just $50/month could shave 22 months off your timeline.
- Your savings rate is ~8% — every dollar counts. Can you find $50 more per month to boost it?
Coach's Corner
Pay Yourself First
Transfer savings the day you get paid, not at the end of the month. You can't spend what you've already saved. This single habit separates savers from spenders.
Pay Yourself First
Transfer savings the day you get paid, not at the end of the month. You can't spend what you've already saved. This single habit separates savers from spenders.
Export Results
Prep for Your Next Role
Practice interview questions tailored to the salary you need to hit your "enough" number.
Your Enough Plan
Enough Number: $500,000
Projected: $19,071
Growth Projection
Timeline
Monthly Savings Target
$13,109
per month to reach your goal
Current: $500
You need $12,609 more per month
That's about $437 per day
What If?
+$100/mo
Add $100 per month
42 mo. sooner
$22,885
+$200/mo
Add $200 per month
76 mo. sooner
$26,699
-2% return
Bear market scenario
146 mo. later
$18,530
What If You Saved Your Next Raise?
| Scenario | Final Monthly | Total Saved (10yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Save Nothing | $500/mo | $73,348 |
| Save 50% | $640/mo | $81,521 |
| Save ALL | $814/mo | $90,814 |
Saving ALL your raises instead of nothing nets you $17,466 more over 10 years.
Life Seasons
Add upcoming life events to see how they affect your monthly budget.
Click an event above to add it to your timeline.
How You Compare
Key Insights
- At your current pace, you'll reach enough by August 2063.
- You're 4% of the way to your enough number of $500,000.
- At this rate, you'll reach your goal 34.1 years late.
- Increasing contributions by just $50/month could shave 22 months off your timeline.
- Your savings rate is ~8% — every dollar counts. Can you find $50 more per month to boost it?
Coach's Corner
Pay Yourself First
Transfer savings the day you get paid, not at the end of the month. You can't spend what you've already saved. This single habit separates savers from spenders.
Pay Yourself First
Transfer savings the day you get paid, not at the end of the month. You can't spend what you've already saved. This single habit separates savers from spenders.
Export Results
Prep for Your Next Role
Practice interview questions tailored to the salary you need to hit your "enough" number.
Enough Number
$500,000
Progress
4%
Why Save for a Car Instead of Financing?
The average new car loan is $40,000+ at 7–8% APR over 6 years, costing $10,000+ in interest alone. Paying cash or making a large down payment eliminates or reduces this cost significantly.
Even if you can't pay 100% cash, saving for a 50%+ down payment dramatically reduces your monthly payments and total interest paid.
Factoring In Your Trade-In
If you have a current vehicle, its trade-in value reduces the amount you need to save. Check Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a realistic estimate. Our calculator lets you subtract your trade-in to find your true savings target.
New vs. Used: The Math
New cars lose 20–30% of their value in the first two years. A 2–3 year old certified pre-owned vehicle often provides the best balance of reliability and value. Our calculator works for any vehicle purchase — just enter your target price.