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Auto Loan Calculator

Estimate your monthly car payment and the total cost of financing — factoring in your down payment, trade-in, and sales tax — before you set foot in the dealership.

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$
$
$0 / month
Amount financed
$0
Sales tax
$0
Total interest
$0
Total of payments
$0

Most states tax the price after your trade-in credit. Confirm your state's rule.

How the auto loan calculator works

The tool figures out your amount financed — the vehicle price plus sales tax, minus your down payment and trade-in — then amortizes it over your chosen term at your APR. The result is your monthly payment, the total interest, and the total you'll pay.

Walk into the dealership with the numbers

Knowing your payment and total cost in advance is your best defense against being upsold on a longer term or a higher rate. Get pre-qualified for financing first, then treat the dealer's offer as something to beat — not accept by default.

Tips

  • Separate the price from the payment. Dealers often negotiate the monthly payment to hide a higher price or longer term.
  • Mind the total interest, not just the monthly number.
  • Check how your state taxes trade-ins — many give a tax credit for the trade-in value.

Compare against a standard Loan Payment Calculator, check your debt-to-income ratio before adding a car payment, and learn how rates work in What Is APR?

Frequently asked questions

How is a car loan payment calculated?
Your payment is based on the amount financed (vehicle price plus sales tax, minus your down payment and any trade-in), your APR, and the loan term. The calculator uses the standard amortization formula so each payment covers interest first and chips away at the balance.
Should I make a down payment on a car?
A larger down payment lowers the amount you finance, your monthly payment, and the total interest — and it reduces the risk of owing more than the car is worth (being 'underwater'). Even 10–20% down makes a meaningful difference.
Does a longer car loan save money?
No. A longer term (72 or 84 months) lowers the monthly payment but increases the total interest you pay, and you stay underwater longer. Use the shortest term you can comfortably afford.

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