What is the 20/4/10 rule for car buying?
- Vindicated.ai
- Aug 25
- 1 min read

Heard of the 20/4/10 rule for car buying? Here’s the breakdown:
20% down payment
Loan term no longer than 4 years (48 months)
Keep total car costs (payment, insurance, fuel) under 10% of your monthly income
Example: If you take home $4,000/month, your car expenses should stay around $400.
Following this rule helps you avoid overpaying, keeps your loan manageable, and protects your equity. Smart buying starts here!
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