What hidden costs should I include in my car budget?

Beyond the monthly payment, a realistic car budget should include: insurance (get a real quote before you commit to any vehicle), fuel cost based on your actual annual mileage and the vehicle's EPA rating, scheduled maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, brake service), registration and annual fees (NJ charges annual registration fees that vary by vehicle weight and value), and in the case of a lease, gap coverage and any required excess wear insurance. First-time car owners often underestimate insurance by 40-60% because they get a quote for a different vehicle or do not factor in their specific driver profile and zip code.