Big Purchase Timing Calculator · Summary
$50,000 car · buy now vs. wait 3 years · 10-year horizon
At year 10
Waiting wins
by $19K
Buy now
$389K
Buy in 3 yrs
$408K
Skip purchase
$473K
Sticker cost if waiting
$54,636
Scenario assumptions
Purchase amount
$50,000
Purchase type
Car
Wait before buying
3 years
Cost inflation
3%/yr
Post-purchase value
-12%/yr
Current assets
$100,000
Annual contributions
$20,000/yr
Expected return
7%
Time horizon
10 years
Include residual value
Yes
What’s driving this
A $50,000 car purchased today would cost $54,636 if bought in 3 years due to 3% annual cost inflation. Waiting puts you $19K ahead at year 10 because the extra compounding time more than offsets the inflated future price. The item retains $14K in value at year 10, reducing the effective cost.
This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Projections assume constant rates of return, inflation, and depreciation. They do not account for taxes, transaction costs, financing, or individual circumstances. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance.