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With some people tightening their belts, consumers are holding onto vehicles longer and looking for alternatives to traditional purchases. Recent reports say even used cars, once thought of as more economical options, are seeing higher prices. So, what is best for you and your budget? The answer can be different, depending on several factors.

Just the thought of buying a car can make your heart race – it can be quite exciting. Part of the process of learning how to budget for a car is understanding what you can actually afford compared to what you might really love to have. Navigating the car buying experience will go much smoother once you clearly know what fits into your overall financial plan.

Keep Total Costs in Mind

Once you understand what you can afford, remember the other costs tied to getting a vehicle. The goal is to make sure you can stay within your budget and get reliable transportation.

Beyond the price in the window, here are some other considerations as you create your car expense budget:

• Do you have a down payment or trade?
• How reliable is the car? Have you gone online to search for information and reviews of the model you want to buy?
• How much will your insurance cost?
• How much are annual license plate fees?
• Will your fuel costs increase or decrease?
  

Set aside extra cash for both expected and unexpected expenses.

It can be helpful to begin creating a budget for a car:

• Keep total transportation expenses below 25% of your take-home pay.
• Set your budget and stick to it. When you start looking, resist the temptation to go above what you know you can afford.
  

When all the monthly costs are added up, you will get a better idea of what kind of car you can comfortably afford. Also, remember an offer of a low monthly payment doesn’t always mean a better deal for your bottom line. An offer of a lower payment could be because of a longer-term loan or higher interest rates. This can mean you may pay much more for the car than you expected.

Should You Lease or Buy a Car?

Have you thought about leasing? Depending on your situation and goals, leasing might work best for your specific situation. Before signing on the dotted line, think about your overall budget and long-term money goals.

One of the advantages of leasing can be lower monthly payments than if you secured financing from a lender. Another is your out-of-pocket costs will be lower. When thinking about the outlet of cash, a down payment for a vehicle purchase can be as high as 20%. With a lease, there can be little to no down payment required.

Another consideration is repair costs. Since lease terms tend to be short, most repairs are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.

Both leasing and buying can have advantages and disadvantages. The main point is to make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into and how your decision can impact your finances.

Understand Your Total Financial Picture

Budgeting for a car is a big decision. As you begin this process, it’s a great time to also look at your full financial picture. Keeping track of your income and expenses makes it easier to manage a major purchase like a car, while reducing the chance of getting off track financially. Use this to get a better picture of where you are and where every dollar is being allocated.

Be patient as you make a large spending decision like purchasing a car. Take the time you need to be confident about your choice.

Let’s Hit the Road Together

Ready to rev up your car budget? Use an online car loan calculator to give you a better idea of your loan payment and how much car you can buy. This will assist you in approaching a car purchase with knowledge of where you are financially and define your budget before even visiting a dealership for a test drive.

GreenPath offers several tools and a free financial counseling session to help as you plan your car purchase or to make other purchasing/budgeting decisions.