How much car can you really afford? That depends. The general rule of car ownership is that your vehicle should cost you no more than 10-15% of your income, according to financial experts. And don’t forget, there’s more to owning a car than just buying it — gas, repairs, and insurance are all part of the cost. But do most people take heed and follow these guidelines? Here’s a sampling of what Redditors paid for their cars vs. how much money they make.
Subaru Legacy
The 2023 Subaru Legacy starts at around $25K. Car and Driver says it has “snooze-worthy handling, no manual transmission option, and an anemic base engine.”
2005 Corolla
Edmunds estimates a 2005 Corolla in outstanding condition with no options has a trade-in value of $1,765. Dealer retail price is $3,867.
2013 BMW 535i xDrive
2022 Porsche Macan GTS
Base price for a 2022 Porsche Macan GTS starts at around $81K. Maybe it’s worth it, as Car and Driver calls it “the best Macan yet.”
2015 Ford Fiesta S
The 2015 Ford Fiesta S is cheap, starting at around $8K, but it has poor ratings for reliability and crash safety.
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2017 Tacoma
The 2017 Tacoma starts at around $25K. Car and Driver calls it “a solid choice among mid-size pickup trucks.”
2023 Integra
The 2023 Integra is “a fun-to-drive small car,” according to Car and Driver. At a starting price of approximately $32K, it better be.
2019 Kia Stinger
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2010 Accord
You’ll pay on average a starting price of around $8K for a 2010 Accord, according to J.D. Power. “Powerful yes but every bit as environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient,” claims the review.
2013 Jeep Wrangler
“The Jeep Wrangler for 2013 delivers an excellent balance of power and fuel economy,” according to Kelley Blue Book. Pricing for a used one starts at around $19K.
