Keeping your car on the road can be incredibly expensive. Depending on the type of car, you could spend thousands each year. Think about it: the car payment, insurance, maintenance, tire replacements…. The list seems never-ending. We just got a second car, which has been a lifesaver for my family. But we have started to think about what we need to do to adjust the budget for maintenance. Some things are just way too expensive, though, and many men refuse to admit that they can’t afford certain things (especially if they are car guys). Here are 10 such expenses that men try to afford but really can’t.
1. $1,000+ Monthly Car Payments
It’s not just luxury car owners anymore. Nearly 1 in 5 new car buyers are now paying over $1,000 a month. That’s a massive chunk of income, especially when you factor in gas, insurance, and maintenance. Many men justify it as a reward or necessity, but the financial strain is real. With the average new car price hovering around $50,000, it’s easy to get trapped in a loan that outpaces your budget. Pride often keeps them from downsizing, even when it’s the smarter move.
2. Sky-High Insurance Premiums
Auto insurance rates have surged, with many drivers blaming inflation and aggressive pricing by insurers. For men under 30 or those with performance vehicles, premiums can be downright brutal. Yet, switching providers or adjusting coverage feels like admitting defeat. Instead, many just absorb the cost, even if it means cutting back elsewhere. Shopping around or raising deductibles could help, but ego often gets in the way.
3. Routine Maintenance and Repairs
Oil changes, brake pads, and tire rotations used to be manageable, but now they’re budget busters. Maintenance costs have jumped nearly 30% since the pandemic, and many men are quietly skipping services to save cash. The problem? Delaying upkeep only leads to bigger, more expensive repairs down the road. But admitting you can’t afford a $600 brake job feels like a blow to your manhood, so it gets pushed aside.
4. Tire Replacements
A full set of quality tires can easily run $800 to $1,200, depending on your vehicle. And with potholes and wear-and-tear, replacements come faster than expected. Many men delay this expense, hoping to squeeze out a few more months of tread. But worn tires are a safety hazard, especially in bad weather. Still, the sticker shock keeps wallets closed and egos intact.
5. Registration and Inspection Fees
These annual costs often sneak up, especially when paired with emissions testing or late penalties. While they’re not massive individually, they add up, especially if you own multiple vehicles. Some men delay registration or skip inspections, risking fines or worse. It’s not that they don’t know better; it’s that they’re juggling too many other car-related bills. Admitting they can’t cover a $200 renewal feels embarrassing, so they roll the dice.
6. Premium Fuel Requirements
Driving a car that “requires” premium gas used to be a flex. With gas prices still volatile, filling up with premium can cost $10–$20 more per tank. Some men quietly switch to regular fuel, risking engine damage and voided warranties. Others just grit their teeth and pay, even if it means skimping elsewhere. It’s a classic case of image over affordability.
7. Car Wash Subscriptions and Detailing
Keeping your ride looking sharp is part of the pride of ownership. But monthly car wash memberships and detailing services can run $30–$100 or more. When budgets tighten, these “non-essentials” should be the first to go. Yet many men hang on, unwilling to let their car look neglected.
8. Tech Upgrades and Subscriptions
From satellite radio to in-car Wi-Fi, modern vehicles come with a buffet of tech add-ons. But those monthly subscriptions ($10 here, $20 there) add up fast. Many men don’t want to admit they can’t afford the full suite of features they once bragged about. Canceling feels like a downgrade, even if it’s the smart financial move. Cutting back on tech doesn’t mean cutting back on pride, but it can feel that way.
9. Extended Warranties and Protection Plans
Dealerships push these hard, and many men buy into “protect their investment.” But when renewal time comes, the cost (often $2,000 or more) can be hard to justify. Still, canceling feels risky, like tempting fate. Some men keep paying for peace of mind, even if it strains their budget. Others quietly let coverage lapse, hoping nothing breaks.
10. Custom Mods and Accessories
Lift kits, rims, tinting, and sound systems aren’t cheap, but they’re often seen as essential upgrades. For many men, customizing a car is part of the ownership experience. But in today’s economy, these extras are harder to justify. Still, few want to admit they can’t afford the mods they once flaunted. So they either go into debt or let their dream build sit unfinished.
When Image Collides With Inflation
The truth is, car ownership has become a financial minefield, even for those who once had it all figured out. But pride and perception often keep men from acknowledging the strain. The result? Missed payments, mounting debt, and vehicles that become more burden than badge. It’s time to normalize honest conversations about affordability because smart car ownership is the real flex.
Which of these car expenses are you seeing skyrocket? Are there any you’ve had to cut back on? Share your experience in the comments below.
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