How Much Money Should I Save To Buy A Car | Best • Roundup |

Experts generally recommend saving enough to cover a substantial down payment and immediate "out-the-door" costs.

: Save an additional 10% of the purchase price to cover sales tax, title, registration, and dealership documentation fees. how much money should i save to buy a car

: If buying outright, you should save the full purchase price plus the 10% in fees. As of early 2026, the average new car transaction price is nearly $50,000 , while a typical 3–5 year old used car is around $26,000 . 2. Standard Budgeting Rules Experts generally recommend saving enough to cover a