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Curated articles: How much should I spend on a used car?

Perspectives · 14 of 166 in the catalog

Gone for an Americano.

Top perspective

Daniel Miller

Here's how much Americans expect to pay for a used car, and how much it will actually costSeptember 2024

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“But 64% of prospective used-car buyers tell Edmunds they would like to spend less than $20,000 on their next vehicle, 50% said they want to spend $15,000 or less, and 27% said they would like to spend $10,000 or less on their next car. RELATED: Here are the top 20 cars selling for above sticker price, and those below”
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Elizabeth Rivelli

Elizabeth Rivelli

Find the Answer to the Question, “Should You Buy a New or Used Car?”January 2023 · Updated January 2026

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“While used cars typically have some wear and tear, as well as more mileage under their treads, buying used can be a smarter financial decision for those on a budget.”
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Funto Omojola

Funto Omojola

How to Buy a Used Car - NerdWalletMarch 2016 · Updated November 2025

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“Tools like pricing guides, online listings and vehicle history reports can simplify your used-car shopping experience. Best for borrowers with good or excellent credit who want fast approval and funding to buy a new car. Best for applicants who want to compare multiple new car purchase loan offers.”
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Gone for a latte.

Robert Janssen

How Much Should I Spend on a Car? - RateGeniusMay 2024 · Updated October 2024

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“It depends on your personal financial situation and comfort level. However, some personal finance insights offer some good know how and rough rules of thumb to guide to decision-making, especially for borrowers. Let’s explore them, and then provide a more accurate and guided approach below.”
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Gone for an Americano.

Armaan Mehta

How to Shop Used Cars by Price & Get a Great DealOctober 2025

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“Define your budget before you start looking: Know your total purchasing power by considering the full cost of ownership, including insurance and maintenance. This empowers you to shop with confidence and focus only on cars that truly fit your financial goals. Prioritize a vehicle's history over its mileage: A well-maintained car is a smart investment, regardless of the odometer reading.”
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Karen Axelton

Karen Axelton

How Much to Save Up for a CarSeen August 2026

Exact quote

“Saving up for a down payment of at least 20% for a new car and 10% for a used car is generally recommended. There's no magic number when it comes to how much to save up to buy a car.”
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Gone for an Americano.

Alex Perrone

7 Ways To Save When Buying A Car | Endurance WarrantySeen August 2026

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“When looking for your next car, whether it’s an old car, used car, or brand new vehicle, there are many ways to save. These methods range from negotiations with car dealers, finding the best purchase price from different sellers, to even finding help with an auto loan.”
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Gone for a latte.

Ira Wilder

How much can you afford to spend on a car?Seen August 2026

Exact quote

“According to Roosenberg, your car payment and other vehicle expenses shouldn't exceed 20% of your monthly income after taxes. The median household income was $83,730 in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, or approximately $72,330 after taxes. Using Roosenberg's formula, someone earning that much could afford to spend up to about $1,200 a month on vehicle expenses.”
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Gone for an Americano.

Amanda L. Grossman

5 Give Save Spend Banks (Plus a Free Money Jar Printable!)Seen August 2026

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“In other words, they start to categorize their money by things they want to spend it on (a savings goal is born!), money they want to donate (here are activities to teach giving), and money they’re setting aside for long-term savings (think: first car, college textbooks, or first apartment). It's the save-spend-give-money management strategy for kids.”
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Gone for a latte.

Hollyanna McCollom

How to Save for a New Car in 7 Smart Steps | Maps Credit UnionSeen August 2026

Exact quote

“Experts recommend aiming for a down payment of at least 10% on a used vehicle and 20% on a new vehicle. Most importantly, as you calculate, remember that the cost of owning a car goes beyond the sticker price. So, be sure to factor in other expenses like taxes, registration, insurance, interest (if financing), fuel, and maintenance.”
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Attorney Serena Siew

Attorney Serena Siew

Repossession Fees Explained: What You Need to KnowSeen August 2026

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“When a lender repossesses your car, you’re usually responsible for the fees they paid to take and store the vehicle, plus anything they spend to sell it. This can include towing fees, storage fees, auction costs, and sometimes legal or administrative charges. These repossession fees vary depending on where you live and how your lender handles the process.”
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Gone for a latte.

Lindsay Simpson

How to help families by getting involved in respite care - The Archibald ProjectSeen August 2026

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“This is why finding respite care is absolutely crucial if you want to thrive as a foster family. Respite care is the term used in the foster care world for a person who is trained and certified to provide babysitting to children in care. Respite is essentially self-care for foster families, and is short term.”
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Gone for an Americano.

Andrea Dekker

No-Spend Challenge: What It Is, Why It Works, What to ExpectSeen August 2026

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“At its core, a no-spend challenge means pressing pause on all non-essential spending for a set period of time (as short or as long as you want). You still pay your bills and take care of your family’s needs, but the extras take a back seat.”
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Gone for a latte.

Brittany VanDerBill

How to Save for a Car: Strategy & TipsSeen August 2026

Exact quote

The 20/4/10 rule may offer some guidance on how much to save, since it suggests making a 20% down payment, opening a loan with a term of four years or less, and spending up to 10% of your income on transportation needs.”
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