Car Affordability by Credit Score
How much car can I afford with a 500 credit score?
A 500 score puts you in the Deep Subprime tier, where new-car APRs average around 18.0%. At that rate, on a typical $60k income you could comfortably target a $16,826–$22,434 car. Your rate is the biggest lever — improving your score even one tier can save thousands.
Likely APR
18.0%
Safe budget
$22,434
Monthly payment
$750
Approval
Low
Run your real numbers
$
Before taxes
$
Rent, debts, bills — not car
$
$
Credit score500
Deep Subprime · suggested 18.0% APR
Interest rate (APR)18%
Auto-set from credit score
Your result
Maximum car price
$34,265
Safe range $18,072 – $24,095
Monthly payment
$825
Total loan cost
$49,500
Total interest
$17,011
DTI ratio
73.0%
incl. new payment
Approval likelihoodLow
12/100 score
Get pre-qualified
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Most checks are a soft pull and won't affect your credit score. Shop your rate before you set foot in a dealership.
Best overallAutoApproveRefinance or new-purchase loans. Soft credit check, rates from 5.49% APR.Check your rate →Fast quotesmyAutoloanUp to 4 real offers in minutes from a lender network. All credit types.Compare offers →Bad credit OKCapital One Auto NavigatorPre-qualify with no impact to your credit score and shop participating dealers.Pre-qualify →Excellent creditLightStreamLow fixed-rate financing for super-prime buyers. No fees, same-day funding.See rates →
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