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Car Affordability Calculator
Walk into a dealership and the salesperson will show you the biggest car your repayment can "fit". Walk in knowing your number instead. Here is what is sensible at different salary levels using the 15% rule.
| Monthly salary | Sensible repayment | Realistic car |
|---|---|---|
| R15,000 | R2,250 | Entry hatch, used |
| R25,000 | R3,750 | New small hatch |
| R40,000 | R6,000 | Mid SUV or sedan |
| R60,000 | R9,000 | Premium / large SUV |
Work out your own numbers in seconds:
Find your car budget →Why the dealer's number is too high
Dealers calculate the maximum the bank will approve — not what is healthy for your budget. Approval often allows 20–25% of income on a car. Living at that level for 6 years leaves little for saving, and any income shock becomes a crisis.
Match the term to the car
A 72-month loan lowers the monthly but means you pay far more interest and often owe more than the car is worth for years. Where possible, choose 60 months or less and a car you can comfortably afford on that term. See your take-home first with the salary calculator.