35M / $100k Salary / $140k Cash - Is $45k cash for a 2026 Ford Maverick a mistake?
I’m looking for a sanity check on a vehicle purchase. I’ve always been conservative with money, but I’m ready for a new truck and want to know if this is "wrong" based on my numbers.
Financials:
- Income: $100k/year (post-bonus).
- Cash on hand: $140k (sitting in HYSA and then $110k in 401k).
- Debt: $0 (debt-free and no credit card debt).
- Housing: Rent is $1,610/mo.
Car:
- Current Vehicle: 2012 Kia Soul+ w/ 102k miles
- Wanted Vehicle: 2026 Ford Maverick Lariat (hybrid model).
- Price: ~$45k after taxes/fees.
- Plan: Likely paying cash to avoid interest.
Even after taxes/fees (looking at maybe $45k out the door), I’d still have ~$95k in cash left over. My rent is well under 25% of my take-home pay. My family lives ~200 hours away so travel to visit them monthly. Is spending 40% of my annual salary (or 30% of my liquid cash) on a truck "wrong" here?
Posted May 1, 2026, 9:14 PM UTC
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