Your information stays in this browser. Last reviewed July 17, 2026

20% Put down Cash plus positive trade equity

3 Years or less Maximum 36 month loan term

8% Of gross income All household car payments combined

Income and payment room

Gross annual household income

Before taxes. Use household income only if buying jointly.

Other car payments that continue

$ /mo

Include another household vehicle that will not be traded.

Your current car

Year, make, and model

Current trade value

Original MSRP

Model year

Current mileage

Rough private-party estimate$0

Conservative trade estimate used$0

This broad depreciation model cannot see the make, trim, condition, accident history, or local market. Use it only for planning, then replace it with real dealer or pricing-guide quotes.

10-day loan payoff

Get the payoff from your lender. It can differ from the displayed balance.

Current payment

$ /mo

Months remaining

The next deal

Cash available for down payment

Do not count emergency savings you need to keep.

Expected APR

Loan term 36 months

20 / 3 / 8 analysis

Your buying limit

Current vehicle not listed

Trade position $0

Maximum responsible vehicle price

Before sales tax, registration, dealer fees, warranties, and add-ons.

New payment

Amount financed

36 mo at 0.0%

Available down

cash plus trade equity

Loan interest

if held for the full term

RESULT

See the full calculation

Trade and down payment

Current vehicle value$0

Less loan payoff$0

Trade equity$0

Plus cash down$0

Total available down payment$0

Payment and price limits

Gross monthly income$0

8% total car payment cap$0

Other continuing car payments$0

Available new-car payment$0

Maximum loan from payment rule$0

Price cap from payment rule$0

Price cap from 20% down rule$0

Binding limit20% down

The optional vehicle estimate assumes broad average depreciation, 12,000 miles per year, and a 10% dealer discount from estimated private-party value. It is a planning estimate, not an appraisal. The 20/3/8 framework is a conservative guideline, not a lender approval or a complete household budget.

MaxDoesFinance

About Calculators Articles Newsletter YouTube TikTok

Educational content only. Not investment, tax, or legal advice. Nothing on this site creates an advisory relationship. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions about your money.

Car Buying