What car can I afford on a £70k salary in the UK?
On a £70,000 salary, a typical monthly car budget would be around £500–£750 depending on your other commitments. That puts most new premium and executive vehicles within reach on a finance deal.
Try the car finance calculator
Adjust the monthly budget and deposit to see what car value you could realistically finance. Pre-filled with a typical budget for a £70.0k salary.
Car finance calculator
Most cars in the UK are purchased using finance (PCP or HP), where buyers pay a deposit and a fixed monthly cost. This estimate gives a realistic guide based on typical finance rates (~8% APR).
How much you can comfortably pay each month
£500+/month is a high commitment unless you have a strong income. At this level, the car payment alone can crowd out savings, holidays, and flexibility.
Typical monthly car budget
Your take-home on £70k is roughly £4,100–£4,200/month after 40% tax and National Insurance. A 12–18% allocation for a car payment gives £490–£755. At this salary it is common to have substantial mortgage repayments alongside, so maintain a healthy gap between income and total debt obligations.
What does that get you?
A new premium mid-size SUV, a high-spec executive estate, or a long-range electric vehicle on PCP. Broad choice including new stock from premium brands.
A large luxury SUV, a performance-spec executive saloon, or a premium EV in the higher trim levels. At this level you are getting significant equipment and a prestige badge.
A flagship SUV, a near-sports car, or an ultra-premium EV. Approaching the budget where lease or PCP often makes more sense than HP, as depreciation risk increases on high-value vehicles.
Examples are illustrative by car class. Actual availability and pricing varies. Always factor in insurance, fuel/charging, tax, and servicing costs on top of your finance payment.
How car finance works in the UK
At £70k, a company car or salary sacrifice scheme is worth evaluating seriously. For higher-rate taxpayers, an electric vehicle via salary sacrifice can be substantially cheaper than a personal finance deal, often saving hundreds of pounds per month in tax. If buying personally, PCP from a premium manufacturer typically offers the most flexibility — low monthly payments, defined end-of-term options, and protected against excessive depreciation risk. HP suits buyers who want to own outright and are confident in the vehicle's long-term reliability.
Pay a deposit, then fixed monthly payments. At the end, choose to return the car, pay the balloon amount to keep it, or part-exchange. Lower monthly costs, higher flexibility.
Pay a deposit, then fixed monthly payments that cover the full car value. You own it outright at the end. Higher monthly cost, but no mileage limits and no balloon payment.
Ready to take the next step?
Use your affordability numbers to compare real mortgage deals or get personalised advice from a fee-free broker.
No sign-up required. Free to use. Not financial advice.
Other salary guides
See how car affordability changes at different income levels.
Housing affordability
Understand the full picture — what you can afford to borrow for a home at this income level.