Can we afford a new car

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I am on maternity leave with our second daughter and I want to get a third party opinion on whether it’s a good financial decision to buy a new car. Info:

-location: ,BC -Household income (while I’m working): 280k -Emerg fund 10k -RESP for both kids maxed out every year -Mortgage payment currently 1200 biweekly, will go up 400$ biweekly next year -Household Net worth 500k, around 180k in investments and the rest in the house -no car payments -saved enough to “break even” in terms of monthly budget by the time I go back to work. -HELOC debt 80k from renovations

Car in question is my main driver, I’ve had it for 6 years, it’s 15 years old (2011 rav4 with <150k km). I don’t drive a lot but would like an upgrade. Just for context, things like Bluetooth would be nice and leather seats now that the kids get snacks literally everywhere. More space and AWD for long road trips and most importantly, more advanced safety features.

I want to spend about 45 k on a new car. 10-13k would come from my old car, planning on hustling and selling old stuff in our house to save 10k (currently at 2400$ saved) then the rest would come from our HELOC 4.95% interest, pay interest only until I go back to work.

Yes I realize I could spend 25k and not 45k but used cars in my area are expensive. I’m looking at a 2020 Toyota highlander or an xc90. Not looking for advice on the car itself or the price point.

Thanks in advance!!

Posted Nov 14, 2025, 7:06 PM UTC

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