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Portfolio That Buys a New Car Every Three Years

Instead of making car payments every few years, a well-designed investment portfolio can generate enough income to buy a new car every three years. With average new car prices around $48,000-$49,000, this approach is becoming more appealing.

June 26, 2026
2 min read
Source: 24/7 Wall St.
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Key Numbers

average new car cost
$48,000 to $49,000

As new car prices continue to rise, many investors are looking for alternative ways to fund their purchases. Instead of relying on loans and monthly payments, a carefully constructed investment portfolio can provide regular income sufficient to buy a new car every three years.

The Core Idea

The idea is simple: instead of paying car installments, you invest a lump sum in a portfolio that generates returns (such as dividends or interest). Every three years, you use the accumulated earnings to buy a new car in cash. This frees you from interest payments and provides greater financial flexibility.

Suggested Portfolio Components

To achieve this goal, it is advisable to focus on stocks with stable dividends and consistent growth. For example:

  • Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): A healthcare giant with reliable dividend payments.
  • Procter & Gamble (PG): A consumer staples company with a long history of dividend distributions.

These stocks provide regular income that can be reinvested or used to purchase the car.

How It Works

Suppose you invest $100,000 in a portfolio with a 5% annual return (from dividends and capital appreciation). After three years, you would have approximately $115,000, enough to buy a new mid-priced car ($48,000-$49,000) while preserving part of the principal.

What This Means for Investors

This approach requires discipline and a relatively large initial investment, but it offers an attractive alternative to traditional car financing. Investors should assess their risk tolerance and time horizon before adopting this strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

The amount depends on the target car price and expected return. To buy a $48,000 car every three years with a 5% return, you might need an initial investment of around $100,000.

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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.