Car & Bike Affordability Calculator
Before you fall in love with a model, find out what you can actually afford. Enter your income and how much you can put down, and this shows your safe EMI, the maximum loan you should take, and the on-road price that keeps you within the sensible 20/4/10 rule — for a car or a two-wheeler.
How this works — the 20/4/10 rule
The healthiest way to buy a vehicle in India, without straining your finances on a depreciating asset:
- 20% down — put at least a fifth of the on-road price up front.
- 4 years or less — long tenures lower the EMI but you pay far more interest and stay "underwater" longer.
- 10% of income — your total monthly vehicle cost (EMI + fuel + insurance) should stay under 10% of take-home.
This calculator sizes the loan from your EMI capacity (we use up to ~15% of take-home for the EMI itself, and also show the more conservative 10% figure), then works backward to the on-road price — and the ex-showroom sticker to shop at, since on-road runs roughly 10% higher after RTO, road tax and insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How much car can I afford on my salary?
Keep the car EMI within about 10–15% of your monthly take-home (after existing EMIs), put at least 20% down, and cap the loan at 4 years. Enter your numbers above and it computes the on-road price that fits.
What is the 20/4/10 rule?
20% minimum down payment, a loan of 4 years or less, and total transport cost (EMI + fuel + insurance) under 10% of income. It stops you over-borrowing on a depreciating asset.
Does on-road price include insurance and RTO?
Yes — on-road = ex-showroom + RTO/registration + road tax + first-year insurance, typically ~10% above ex-showroom (varies by state). Always budget for on-road, not the sticker.