Auto loan calculator: vehicle price, down payment, trade-in, sales tax, APR, and term → monthly payment, amount financed, total interest, and payoff chart.
How it works
Dealers quote a monthly payment, but the full picture is amount financed (price + tax − down payment − trade-in), total interest over the term, and whether the car will be worth less than you owe. Example: $32,000 vehicle, 7% tax, $4,000 down → ~$30,240 financed at 7.2% for 5 years ≈ $600/month and roughly $5,800 in interest on top of the purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Should I finance sales tax or pay it upfront?
Paying tax upfront reduces the loan balance and total interest. This calculator assumes tax is rolled into the financed amount (common at dealerships)—compare both scenarios before signing.
Is a longer term always cheaper per month?
Longer terms cut the monthly payment but raise total interest and keep you underwater longer if the car depreciates fast. A 72-month loan on a $32k car can cost thousands more in interest than 60 months for roughly $80–100 less per month.
Does this include gap insurance or extended warranties?
No—only vehicle price, tax, down payment, trade-in, APR, and term. Add-ons rolled into the loan increase the financed amount the same way tax does; ask for an itemized contract before you agree.