Have you factored in all the costs of owning a car?
The annual cost to own and operate a car can run to nearly $10,0001 — well over 10% of the average after-tax household income.2
Use this worksheet to help you budget for the costs of car ownership. When you’ve finished, Your Savings Tool will help you set up a savings plan for your new set of wheels.
1. What kind of car will you be buying?
Make and model:
New or used? How old?
2. Estimate your financing costs
What is the estimated price range of the car? (Include extra features, accessories and taxes.)
$
Cash or loan?
If loan, what is the:
Down payment: $
Amount of loan: $
Monthly installment: $
Tip:Use the Auto Loan Calculator to work out how different car loan payments fit your budget.
Tip:Consider a 6- or 7-year car loan if you need to make the monthly payments more affordable. (But do be aware that you will pay more interest over the life of the loan.)
3. Estimate your monthly operating costs
Insurance: $
Tip:Read the Top 10 Secrets to Cheaper Auto Insurance
Tip:Request a quote from TD Insurance.
Licence and registration: $
Gas: $
Tip:Purchasing a fuel-efficient car will help you save money in this area.
Parking — at home: $
Parking — at work: $
Parking — other: $
Maintenance and repairs:
Scheduled service under warranty: $
Additional or unscheduled service and repairs: $
Tip:Read more about how to make operating your car more affordable.
2Statistics Canada, Average income after tax by economic family types (2006 to 2010), http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/famil21a-eng.htm, based on 2010 figures for the average of all economic families, two people or more.
You might also like:
Featured Tools
- Cash Flow Calculator An essential tool for effective household budgeting.
- Organize Your Financial Documents An interactive tool that helps you take inventory of essential paperwork.
- Your Savings Tool Find out how much money you need to save each month to meet your goal.
- Connect with TD:
