Car Buying Calculator Edmunds -

: Edmunds recommends that your monthly car payment should not exceed 15% of your post-tax monthly take-home pay . For used cars, they suggest staying closer to 10% .

Whether you are debating between a lease or a loan, or trying to see if that used SUV truly fits your monthly budget, here is how to leverage these professional-grade tools to gain the upper hand at the dealership. 1. The Reality Check: Car Affordability Calculator car buying calculator edmunds

2. The Heavy Lifter: Auto Loan & "Simplified Pricing" Calculator : Edmunds recommends that your monthly car payment

Before you fall in love with a specific model, you need to know your "buyable" range. : It prevents "payment shopping," a tactic dealers

: It prevents "payment shopping," a tactic dealers use to stretch loan terms (sometimes to 72 or 84 months) just to meet your monthly number, which ends up costing you thousands more in interest.

Once you’ve found a car, the Auto Loan Calculator helps you visualize the total impact of your trade-in and down payment.