DREAM CAR COST CALCULATOR
The most transparent, enthusiast-focused way to justify a dream car. Show the real monthly cost, the value change, and the fun tradeoffs.
Compare against a new car
Toggle to include new-car inputs, totals, and the monthly difference. Use this to see the real cost of your dream car compared to a newer car.
Enthusiast car inputs
Financing
Operating costs
Value change
New-car comparison
Financing
Operating costs
Resale and depreciation
We convert this into a behind-the-scenes curve so the monthly costs stay realistic.
Global assumptions
Share this setup
Copy a link that stores the full calculator state (inputs, comparison, and fun metrics).
Enthusiast car totals
Based on a 5-year horizon.
Upfront cash: $14,650
Financed amount: $47,650
Resale value: $57,806
New-car totals
Based on a 5-year horizon.
Upfront cash: $10,550
Financed amount: $54,550
Resale value: $29,700
Enthusiast vs new-car monthly difference: -$388
Positive means the enthusiast car costs more per month after value change.
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WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED TO GIVE UP?
Based on the enthusiast car out-of-pocket monthly cost: $1,463.
Add your own metric
YOUR RESULTS
SOURCES
Defaults values are set from reputable public sources/data, but feel free to override them with your own real-world quotes.
Loan rate ranges for used, classic, and new vehicles
Classic and enthusiast insurance baselines
Maintenance baselines for ownership costs
Depreciation and appreciation references
Fuel price reference
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FAQ
How much does it cost to own an enthusiast car per month?
It depends on purchase price, loan terms, insurance, maintenance, fuel, fees, and depreciation. This tool estimates a monthly out-of-pocket cost and a monthly total cost including value change.
How does the calculator handle depreciation for new cars?
You set an expected resale value or total depreciation over the ownership horizon. We convert that into a behind-the-scenes curve so monthly costs remain realistic.
Why compare a dream car to a new car?
New cars often depreciate quickly. The comparison shows how value loss affects the true monthly cost of ownership.
Are the default numbers real?
Defaults come from public sources for loan rates, insurance ranges, maintenance benchmarks, and depreciation studies. Every number is editable.
Can I get alerts when my dream car lists?
Yes. Use the alert buttons to create a free account and receive daily emails when cars like this hit the market.
What if I pay cash or have a different loan?
Set APR to 0 and adjust the term and down payment to match your real-world scenario.
Is this financial advice?
No. This is a planning tool for enthusiasts and should be validated with real quotes and your budget.
Can I share my setup with a friend or partner?
Yes. Use the Share or Save option to copy a link with all your inputs.
Something missing from this calculator?
Let me know and I'll add it! I want this to be the most fun, realistic, and helpful calculator for enthusiasts. You can email me at max@maxfindscars.com.