Car Loan Calculator
About Car Loan Calculator
The car loan calculator estimates amount financed, monthly payment, total payment, and interest for a vehicle purchase.
How to Use
The car loan calculator estimates amount financed, monthly payment, total payment, and interest for a vehicle purchase. Fill in Vehicle price, Down payment, Trade-in value, Annual rate, Years, Sales tax rate, and Fees, then review the calculated Amount financed, Monthly payment, Total payment, and Total interest.
- Open the calculator : Use Car Loan Calculator from the Finance category.
- Check the inputs : Review the required values and any optional settings.
- Read the formula : Use the formula and notes below to understand how the result is produced.
Common Questions
What does the Car Loan Calculator estimate?
Estimate an auto loan payment with taxes, fees, down payment, and trade-in.
What can change the estimate?
This is an estimate, so taxes, fees, payment timing, compounding, and changing returns can move the result.
Should I choose a 60-month or 72-month auto loan?
A 72-month loan will give you a lower monthly payment, but you will pay significantly more in total interest over the life of the loan. Additionally, longer terms increase the risk of becoming 'upside down' on the loan, where you owe more than the car is currently worth due to rapid vehicle depreciation.
Does my trade-in value reduce my car loan interest?
Yes. Applying a trade-in value or a cash down payment directly reduces the total principal amount you need to finance. Because auto loan interest is calculated based on the principal balance, lowering the principal reduces the total interest paid over the life of the loan.
Inputs
- Vehicle price
- Down payment
- Trade-in value
- Annual rate
- Years
- Sales tax rate
- Fees
Outputs
- Amount financed
- Monthly payment
- Total payment
- Total interest
Formula
Amount financed = price + tax + fees - down payment - trade-in.