Vehicle Loan Details
Monthly Payment
$0
Loan Amount
$0
Total Interest
$0
Sales Tax
$0
Total Cost
$0
Calculate your monthly auto payment and total cost of your car loan instantly.
Enter the vehicle price, your down payment, trade-in value, the dealer's quoted APR, your chosen loan term, and your local sales tax rate. The calculator instantly shows your monthly payment, total interest paid, and the complete cost of ownership — so you walk into the dealership knowing exactly what every number means.
Your APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is not a fixed number — it reflects your credit risk as seen by the lender. The primary factors that drive your rate up or down:
Car dealers love to negotiate around monthly payments rather than total cost. "We can get you into that car for just $450 a month!" sounds appealing — until you realize that might be a 84-month loan at 9% APR. On a $35,000 vehicle at 9% for 84 months, you pay $19,600 in total interest. On the same vehicle at 6% for 48 months, you pay only $4,400 in interest — a $15,200 difference. Always use this calculator to compare total interest paid, not just the monthly payment.
Additionally, longer loan terms create a "negative equity" (underwater) risk. Because new cars depreciate 15-25% in the first year, a 72-84 month loan can leave you owing more than the car is worth for the first 3-4 years. If you are in an accident or need to sell the car, you will owe money to the lender out of pocket even after the insurance payout.