Why start from the monthly number
Dealers and lenders quote the car first and the monthly payment second, which is how people end up with a repayment that fits and a fuel bill that doesn't. Flipping it — budget first, price second — is the single habit that keeps a used-car purchase affordable in year two, when the novelty is gone and the tyres need replacing.
Budget, not price
Pick a monthly figure you would not notice. The calculator finds the price it buys.
Running costs first
Fuel, motor tax, insurance, servicing and tyres come off the top — by fuel type and mileage.
See the interest
Every extra year of term shows up as cost of credit, in euro, before you sign.
Once you have your number, the next step is an approval in principle. Our guides on getting approved for car finance in Ireland, the documents lenders ask for and PCP vs HP vs a personal loan cover the rest. Already know the car? Model the exact repayment with the finance calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much car can I afford on my salary in Ireland?+
Work backwards from what you can comfortably pay each month, not from the car you like. A common rule of thumb is to keep all motoring costs — repayment, fuel or charging, motor tax, insurance, servicing — to a share of take-home pay you would not miss, and to keep the loan term no longer than you plan to keep the car. This calculator turns that monthly figure into a maximum price after running costs, so the number you shop at is the honest one.
What APR should I use in the calculator?+
Typical Irish car-finance APRs in 2026 run about 5.9% to 10.9% depending on your credit profile, the age of the car and the product (AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB personal-loan and PCP rates, verified 21 July 2026). Dealer-arranged PCP on new cars can be lower with manufacturer support; credit unions often sit in the middle. If you have an approval in principle, use its rate.
Should I include running costs when working out what I can afford?+
Yes — it is the single most common mistake. A car that fits the repayment often does not fit the repayment plus fuel, motor tax, insurance, tyres and a service. Tick the running-costs box and the calculator subtracts a national-average estimate for your fuel type and mileage before it works out the loan you can carry.
Is a longer loan term a good idea?+
A longer term lowers the monthly payment but raises the total cost of credit, and it can leave you owing more than the car is worth for longer. Use the calculator to compare 48 and 60 months side by side: if the extra 12 months only buys you a slightly dearer car, the shorter term is usually the better deal.
How big a deposit do I need for car finance in Ireland?+
Many lenders will finance with a small deposit, but a deposit of roughly 10%–30% of the price is typical on PCP and HP, and a bigger deposit lowers both the monthly payment and the interest you pay overall. A trade-in counts as a deposit — value your current car first so you know what you are working with.
Does this calculator tell me whether I will be approved?+
No. It shows what a budget buys; a lender decides on your income, outgoings, existing credit and your Central Credit Register record. Check your CCR report (free) before you apply, and get an approval in principle before you fall for a car.
Disclaimer: This is an estimate to help you set a budget. It is not a credit decision or financial advice. Lenders assess affordability on your full income and outgoings; running-cost figures are national averages and your own insurance, fuel and servicing will vary.
Got your number? Search used vehicles from verified Irish dealers →