How Much Money Do You Spend On Car Maintenance?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Experts recommend setting aside

at least $100 per month

for car maintenance and adjusting to reflect the actual condition of your car.

How much does the average person spend on car maintenance per month?

But more importantly, the agency’s latest research shows the average American owner is spending approximately $9,282 per year on their vehicle, which equals to

$773.50 a month

. That’s significantly higher than last year’s $8,849, which only comes to show new car expenses are going up year after year.

How much is the average car payment?

The average monthly car payment for

new cars is $609

. The average monthly car payment for used cars is $465.

What is the monthly cost of owning a car?

Finance payments $350 Car administrative fees $10 Parking fees $50 Car insurance $300 GRAND TOTAL

$955/month

(or $11,460 annually)

How much should I save a month for car maintenance?

Experts recommend setting aside

at least $100 per month

for car maintenance and adjusting to reflect the actual condition of your car.

What does car maintenance include?

Car maintenance includes

changing the oil, rotating the tires, checking the fluids, and more

. Timing and serpentine belts are often overlooked by car owners, however, these belts need to be replaced periodically. Most mechanics agree that timing belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles or so.

How much does the average family spend on cars?

Cost of Car Ownership in the U.S.: the Average American Household Spends

$5,435 a Year

on Auto Loans and Auto Insurance Combined.

Is a $600 car payment too much?

How much should you spend on a car? If you’re taking out a personal loan to pay for your car, it’s a good idea to limit your car payments to between 10% and 15% of your take-home pay.

If you take home $4,000 per month, you’d want your car payment to be no more than $400 to $600

.

Is 800 too much for car payment?

Experts say your total car expenses, including monthly payments, insurance, gas and maintenance, should be about 20 percent of your take-home monthly pay. For non-math wizards, like me – Let’s say your monthly paycheck is $4,000. Then

a safe estimate for car expenses is $800 per month

.

Is 500 a month a high car payment?


The average new car payment in America has crept above the $500 per month mark for the fist time

, settling in at $503, according to a recent study by Experian. And if that weren’t bad enough, the average length of a car loan now stands at 68 months.

Is owning a car expensive?

Buying a car can be expensive, but

owning a car will still cost you even if you only buy a cheap clunker

. Insurance, registration, and emissions tests are all fees that many states require drivers to get. In addition, there are ongoing and routine costs such as gasoline, replacement parts, and repairs.

How much does a car cost 2020?

The average price rose just under $1800 in 2019, then

just over $3301

in 2020, and then an incredible $6220 in 2021. That’s the kind of rate of increase that gets you to new car prices hitting $47,077 in December after they climbed to $46,329 in November.

Is car cheaper than public transport?


Public transport is likely to be cheaper than driving

. However, there are still ways to save significant amounts of money – mainly by planning ahead.

How much should a car cost per year?

For vehicles driven 15,000 miles a year, average car ownership costs were

$9,561 a year

, or $797 a month, in 2020, according to AAA. That figure includes depreciation, loan interest, fuel, insurance, maintenance and fees.

How much is an oil change?

Typically, an oil and filter change using conventional oil will cost

between $35 and $75

, depending on your area. If your car requires synthetic oil, you should expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $125. Some people are handy and have the time and tools to replace their own oil and filter.

How much should you budget for a car?

Many financial experts recommend keeping total car costs

below 15% to 20% of your take-home pay

. So while your car payment is 10% of your take-home pay, you should plan on spending another 5% on car expenses.

How much is a tune up?

Spark plugs and wires can be replaced for $40-$150 or more for a basic tune-up, but a standard tune-up can cost

$200-$800 or more

. This may also include oil changes, a fuel system inspection, and computer diagnosis.

How often should you do car maintenance?

Most car repair technicians will recommend a full inspection about

every 12,000 miles, or every 12 months

, whichever comes first. At that time, the technician will evaluate the operating systems and their components for general wear and tear.

How often do I need car maintenance?

Generally, most carmakers suggest a period of

10,000 km or about 12 months

, whichever is earlier, but depending on your driving style, you can also inspect your car every 5,000 km to be cautious. On a new vehicle, here’s what you need to check when servicing your car at 5,000 km, 10,000 km and 15,000 km.

How much is too much for a car?

How much you should spend on a car is all about your annual income and monthly budget. Financial experts say to

not spend more than 35% of your annual income

on the car itself and the costs that come with your purchase.

Can I afford a 50k car?

Rather than looking at monthly transportation costs, Dave recommends buying cars that cost

no more than 50% of your annual income

. So if you make $50,000 a year, you should not spend more than $25,000 for a car(s).

How much should I spend on a car if I make 100k?

So, theoretically, if your salary is $50,000 you could afford a car payment of $430 or less. With a $100,000 salary, you could afford a mortgage payment of

no more than $2,500

. For those with a salary near $30,000 your home, car, and debt combine should be no more than $1,250 per month.

Is 300 a month a lot for a car?

When browsing your options, keep in mind that financial experts will typically tell you to spend less than 10% of your monthly take-home pay on your car payment. That means

if your take-home pay is $3,000 a month, plan to spend no more than $300 on your car payment

.

How much should I spend on a car if I make 60000?

Whether you’re paying cash, leasing, or financing a car, your upper spending limit really shouldn’t be a penny more than

35% of your gross annual income

. That means if you make $36,000 a year, the car price shouldn’t exceed $12,600. Make $60,000, and the car price should fall below $21,000.

Is it worth financing a car for 5 years?


With lower monthly payments, 5-year auto loans leave you more discretionary income to pay down other debt, save more, or just enjoy life

! A 5-year loan is usually more affordable month to month. Drawback: These loans cost more overall. 5-year loans tend to have higher interest rates.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.