Auto Loan Calculator
Estimate car payments including trade-in value, sales tax, and dealer fees.
Quick answer
An auto loan payment is the amount financed (vehicle price + tax and fees − down payment − trade-in) run through the standard amortization formula at your rate and term. A longer term lowers the monthly payment but increases the total interest you pay.
Monthly payment
$637.86
Amount financed
$32,600
Sales tax
$2,100
Total interest
$5,671
Total cost
$43,271
- Vehicle (financed)$30,000
- Interest$5,671
- Tax & fees$2,600
How the amount financed is built
The loan covers the vehicle price minus your down payment and trade-in credit, plus sales tax and title/registration fees when they're rolled in. Most states charge sales tax on the price after the trade-in credit, which this calculator assumes — a few (like California) tax the full price, so check your state.
Keeping the total cost down
Dealers quote monthly payments, but the number to compare is total cost. A longer term (72–84 months) lowers the payment while raising total interest, and can leave you owing more than the car is worth. A common rule of thumb: 20% down, a term of 48–60 months, and total vehicle expenses under 10–15% of take-home pay.
Frequently asked questions
- How does the Auto Loan Calculator work?
- An auto loan payment is the amount financed (vehicle price + tax and fees − down payment − trade-in) run through the standard amortization formula at your rate and term. A longer term lowers the monthly payment but increases the total interest you pay.
- Is the Auto Loan Calculator free to use?
- Yes. The Auto Loan Calculator is completely free, runs entirely in your browser, and requires no account or sign-up. Your inputs never leave your device.
Sources & methodology
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