You don’t have to make six figures to afford a nice, new car. GOBankingRates found 30 cars that someone making $80,000 a year can afford, with many of these vehicles also affordable to people earning $60,000 or $70,000 annually.
These cars were selected from U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 rankings of the best cars. Monthly payments assume a 20% down payment, a 5% annual percentage rate and a term length of 60 months, and were calculated using each car’s starting MSRP for fair, good and very good credit. Affordability was based on vehicle purchase and finance charges that total up to 10% of an annual salary.
All data is accurate at the time the research was conducted in April 2019.
2019 Ford Fiesta
Starting MSRP: $14,260
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $2,852
Monthly payment with good credit: $283
The Ford Fiesta is affordable for people earning $60,000 or more with fair credit or better. This fuel-efficient small car is customizable, with 10 different exterior color options, and a choice of sedan and hatchback styles.
2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Starting MSRP: $17,995
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $3,599
Monthly payment with good credit: $356
Available in both hatchback and sedan styles, the 2019 Cruze is a compact car that’s affordable for anyone making $60,000 or more with fair credit or better.
2019 Nissan Frontier
Starting MSRP: $18,990
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $3,798
Monthly payment with good credit: $372
The Nissan Frontier is the most affordable truck analyzed for this study, so if you make $60,000 or more and have fair credit, this midsize pickup truck can be yours. The Frontier features a powerful engine and rugged design, and it’s built for off-roading.
2019 Honda Civic
Starting MSRP: $19,450
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $3,890
Monthly payment with good credit: $379
The Honda Civic was named best small car by MotorWeek, and with three styles — hatchback, sedan and coupe — it can fit anyone’s aesthetic. The Civic is affordable to own with fair credit whether you make $80,000, $70,000 or $60,000.
2019 Fiat 500
Starting MSRP: $21,910
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $4,382
Monthly payment with good credit: $425
The Fiat 500 comes standard with a number of premium amenities, including a rear backup camera, 16-inch polished aluminum wheels and a 5-inch, full-color touchscreen display. And, the classic Italian car is affordable if you make $60,000 or more and have fair credit.
2019 Ford Fusion S
Starting MSRP: $22,840
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $4,568
Monthly payment with good credit: $447
If safety is your priority, the Fusion S is a good choice. The midsize car comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which includes automatic high-beam headlamps, a blind-spot information system, a lane-keeping system, pre-collision assist with automatic braking and a rearview camera. Best of all, it’s affordable with an income of $60,000 or higher and fair credit.
2019 Honda Insight
Starting MSRP: $22,930
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $4,586
Monthly payment with good credit: $448
Not all hybrid cars are as expensive as you might think — the Insight is affordable with a $60,000 salary and fair credit. Its premium design and features make it an attractive option for those looking to buy a new car in 2019.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu
Starting MSRP: $22,965
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $4,593
Monthly payment with good credit: $449
Chevy redesigned the Malibu with a new grille and fascia for 2019, giving it a sleeker, sportier exterior. Available upgrades include phone integration, built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi and teen driver technology. The base model is affordable for those earning $60,000 or more with fair credit.
2019 Buick Encore
Starting MSRP: $23,200
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $4,640
Monthly payment with good credit: $452
This small luxury SUV boasts 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, seats up to five and has a cargo capacity of 48.4 cubic feet. Whether you earn $60,000 or $80,000, you can afford to make the Buick Encore your own.
2019 Honda Accord
Starting MSRP: $23,720
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $4,744
Monthly payment with good credit: $461
The Accord dates back to 1976 and has since become America’s best-selling car with 13 million sold. The midsize car is affordable for people making $60,000 or more with good credit or better, though you only need to make $70,000 or more to afford the Accord with fair credit.
Read more: Are These 8 Costly Car Repairs Worth the Money?
2019 Ford Escape
Starting MSRP: $24,105
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $4,821
Monthly payment with good credit: $467
This family-friendly SUV crossover can seat up to five and has 68 cubic feet of cargo space. With fair credit or better, you can afford the Escape if you make $70,000 or more; with good credit or better, you can afford the Escape if you make $60,000 or more.
2019 Honda CR-V
Starting MSRP: $24,350
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $4,870
Monthly payment with good credit: $471
Honda’s compact sport SUV has multiple seating configurations and plenty of storage, so it’s comfortable no matter who or what you’re transporting. The CR-V is affordable for those making $60,000 or more with good credit or better, and for those making $70,000 or more with fair credit or better.
2019 GMC Terrain
Starting MSRP: $25,000
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,000
Monthly payment with good credit: $482
This small SUV is affordable if you make $60,000 or more and have good credit, or $70,000 or more and have fair credit. The Terrain comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engine, high-intensity discharge headlamps, a traction select system and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Upgrades include lane change alert, adaptive cruise control, front pedestrian braking, a hands-free programmable liftgate and high-definition surround vision.
2019 Honda Accord Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $25,320
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,064
Monthly payment with good credit: $492
The Honda Accord Hybrid is an upgrade from the base model and comes with plenty of premium features, including Honda Sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start and a multi-angle rearview camera. This midsize car can be yours if you have good credit and make $60,000 or more, or make $70,000 or more with fair credit.
2019 Toyota Tacoma
Starting MSRP: $25,700
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,140
Monthly payment with good credit: $498
With the Toyota Tacoma, safety comes standard. All models carry Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision detection with brake assist, lane departure alert, automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control. The pickup truck can fit into your budget if you earn $60,000 or more and have good credit, or $70,000 or more with fair credit.
2019 Dodge Grand Caravan
Starting MSRP: $26,790
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
See AlsoHow to Budget an $80,000 Salary20% down: $5,358
Monthly payment with good credit: $515
The Dodge Grand Caravan is the most affordable minivan in this ranking — you can own it if you make $60,000 and have very good credit, or $70,000 with fair or good credit. This family-friendly car has a best-in-class storage system and can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
2019 Chrysler Pacifica
Starting MSRP: $26,985
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,397
Monthly payment with good credit: $519
If you want a minivan with all the bells and whistles, the Pacifica might be your dream car. Available upgrades include advanced safety features like forward collision warning with active braking, touchscreens with built-in games and apps, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and hands-free power sliding doors. It also comes in a hybrid model. With very good credit, this car is affordable if you make $60,000 or more; with fair or good credit, it’s affordable with an income of $70,000 or more.
2019 Kia Sedona
Starting MSRP: $27,200
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,440
Monthly payment with good credit: $523
This minivan comes standard with second-row Slide-N-Stow seats, and available upgrades include an eight-passenger seating configuration, forward collision warning and blind-spot collision warning. Depending on your credit, you can afford this car if you make $60,000.
2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE
Starting MSRP: $27,555
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,511
Monthly payment with good credit: $535
As with the Ford Fusion S model, the Hybrid SE comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360. It also comes with SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which provides real-time information to help enhance your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates you can get 43 mpg with city driving and 41 mpg with highway driving.
Because this is one of the pricier vehicles on this list, you need very good credit to afford this car making $60,000 a year, and good credit making $70,000 a year.
2019 Ford Taurus
Starting MSRP: $27,800
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,560
Monthly payment with good credit: $539
This spacious sedan is an affordable option for those making $70,000 or more with good or very good credit. The Taurus comes standard with several top-of-the-line features, including the Sync Enhanced Voice Recognition Communications and Entertainment System, a rearview camera and electronic stability control.
2019 Chevrolet Impala
Starting MSRP: $28,020
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,604
Monthly payment with good credit: $543
The Impala has a sleek exterior and an elegant interior, with premium chrome and wood grain accents. It also comes standard with Apple CarPlay compatibility, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi is an available upgrade. The full-size vehicle is affordable if you make $70,000 and have good credit.
2019 Ford F-150
Starting MSRP: $28,155
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,631
Monthly payment with good credit: $545
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck made with a lightweight, high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy cab and bed. The base model has seating for six, a V-6 engine and a rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist. If you make $70,000, you can afford the F-150 with good credit or better.
2019 Chevrolet Blazer
Starting MSRP: $28,800
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,760
Monthly payment with good credit: $555
The Chevy Blazer is a new car for 2019. It comes standard with an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen and is capable of up to 4,500 pounds of towing. All-wheel drive and a 3.6-liter V-6 engine are available upgrades for this sporty SUV. If you make $70,000, you will need good credit or better to budget for this vehicle.
2019 Chrysler 300
Starting MSRP: $29,220
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,844
Monthly payment with good credit: $562
A roomy interior makes this full-size vehicle both luxurious and family-friendly. Amenities that come standard with the Chrysler 300 include an 8.4-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM, a rear backup camera and bifunctional halogen projector headlamps. With good credit or better, this car is affordable with a salary of $70,000.
2019 Dodge Charger
Starting MSRP: $29,220
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Good
20% down: $5,844
Monthly payment with good credit: $562
The Dodge Charger has the sportiness of a muscle car with safety and driver assist features for the everyday driver. A rear backup camera and a rear park assist system come standard with this full-size vehicle. It’s affordable with a $70,000 salary and good credit.
2019 Buick LaCrosse
Starting MSRP: $29,570
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,914
Monthly payment with good credit: $568
Standard features of this full-size luxury sedan include 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, HID headlamps with LED accents, the Buick Infotainment System and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Buick LaCrosse can be yours if you make $70,000 and have good credit.
2019 Ford Edge
Starting MSRP: $29,225
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Fair
20% down: $5,999
Monthly payment with good credit: $575
The Ford Edge comes with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 smart driver assist suite. This SUV crossover can fit into your budget with a $70,000 salary and good credit.
2019 Honda Odyssey
Starting MSRP: $30,190
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Good
20% down: $6,038
Monthly payment with good credit: $584
The Honda Odyssey was designed with families in mind and features a multi-angle rearview camera, power front seats and 19-inch alloy wheels. It’s affordable for those making $70,000 who have very good credit.
2019 Ram 1500
Starting MSRP: $31,795
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Good
20% down: $6,359
Monthly payment with good credit: $610
The all-new Ram 1500 won Truck Trend’s 2019 pickup truck of the year award based on a 1,300-plus-mile performance test. It has a multifunction tailgate and a spacious, high-tech interior for a mix of comfort and function. Whether you make $70,000 or $80,000, you’ll need to have good credit to make the monthly payments affordable.
2019 GMC Canyon (4WD Extended Cab)
Starting MSRP: $32,195
Credit type needed with an $80,000 salary: Good
20% down: $6,439
Monthly payment with good credit: $617
The GMC Canyon is affordable if you make $70,000 and have very good credit. Features of this small pickup truck include LED lighting, a quiet and roomy interior, an integrated CornerStep rear bumper and available 4G LTE Wi-Fi.
Before making any car purchase, make sure you know a few things:
Have a clear understanding of the type of car that will work best for your needs
Do research on the reviews, financing options, fair market value and average selling price of the cars you are interested in
Make sure your credit is in good shape before purchasing to secure the lowest interest rate possible, which will get you the lowest monthly payments possible
Get preapproved for a car loan so that you have an offer to present to the dealer for negotiations
Shop within your budget
Keep reading to discover what car dealerships don’t want you to know.
More on Cars
How To Buy a Car
Pros and Cons of Rent-to-Own Cars
50 Ways You’re Throwing Money Away
Best Balance-Transfer Credit Cards of 2019
Note that photos are for illustrative purposes only. As a result, some of the photos might not reflect the actual model and year of the automobile listed in this article.
Methodology: GOBankingRates determined the cars in this study by first compiling a list of 2019 vehicles, sourced from U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Cars Ranking, with six vehicles taken for each of the following categories: small cars, midsize cars, large cars, SUVs, trucks and vans (only four vans fit the price parameters). The base MSRP was taken unless otherwise noted. The range of monthly car payments was determined based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2017 Consumer Expenditure Survey, which states that Americans have a mean income of $73,573 before taxes, and spend $4,054 on vehicle purchases (net outlay) plus $220 on vehicle finance charges; thus, Americans spend approximately 6% of their annual income on vehicle purchases and finance charges. This served as the low end of the price range, and 10% was used for the high end (assuming 50% of income is spent on necessities, with housing at a maximum of 30%, vehicles at 10% and then 10% for other necessities). Individual vehicle websites were sourced for their starting MSRPs, and CarMax’s car payment calculator was used to determine monthly payments with fair credit, good credit and very good credit. The salaries analyzed were $80,000, $70,000 and $60,000 before taxes; payments were based on 20% down payment, 5% APR and 60-month finance terms.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Great Cars You Can Own If You Make $80K a Year or Less
