 TITLE: How to Calculate an Affordable Car Payment CONTENT: Consider Total Transportation Costs\n-----------------------------------\nBecause your car payment is only one part of your overall transportation costs, you should also be prepared to pay for gas, maintenance and upkeep, insurance, tolls and other related expenses. Your transportation budget should include everything listed above and a little buffer in case of an emergency or extra unforeseen costs.\nWhile your gas, insurance and maintenance budget will be partly based on what type of car you have, roughly estimate these costs and deduct them from your overall transportation allowance. The remaining portion should give you an idea of what you can afford to pay for a car payment each month. END