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A Dividend Portfolio That Buys You a New Car Every Year

As the average new car price in the U.S. hits $49,000, a strategy emerges: build a dividend portfolio from reliable stocks like Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo to generate enough annual income to buy a new car without selling shares.

July 2, 2026
2 min read
Source: 24/7 Wall St.
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Key Numbers

average new car cost
$49,000

With the average new vehicle in the U.S. now costing roughly $49,000, and full-size pickups and luxury models pushing far higher, a quietly absurd idea becomes reachable: building a portfolio that throws off enough cash every year to buy a new car without touching the principal.

The Concept

The strategy involves investing in reliable dividend-paying stocks such as Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Coca-Cola (KO), and PepsiCo (PEP). The goal is to generate annual dividend income sufficient to cover the cost of a new car, allowing the investor to replace their vehicle yearly without selling shares.

How the Portfolio Works

To achieve this, an investor needs to calculate the required investment based on dividend yield. For example, with an average yield of 3%, investing about $1.63 million would generate roughly $49,000 annually. However, yields vary: Coca-Cola yields around 3.1%, PepsiCo about 2.9%, and Johnson & Johnson around 2.8%.

Risks and Considerations

This strategy assumes stable dividends, which is not guaranteed. Market fluctuations can also affect portfolio value. Diversification and selecting companies with a long history of dividend payments are recommended.

What This Means for Investors

The idea offers a long-term passive income perspective but requires significant capital and may not suit everyone. Investors should balance yield and risk, considering their personal financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the dividend yield. At an average yield of 3%, you would need to invest about $1.63 million.

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This article was rewritten in Wrqti's editorial style based on information from the original source above. Content is informational only — not investment advice.