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Auto Loan Calculator

An auto loan calculator estimates monthly payments after the down payment, trade-in, taxes, and fees. Use it to compare vehicle prices, loan terms, and interest rates before shopping for financing.

Updated 2026-07-09Reviewed by US Finance Hub Editorial TeamCalculations run in your browser

Quick answer

The vehicle price is only one part of the cost. Taxes, fees, trade-in value, down payment, APR, and loan term all affect the amount financed and monthly payment.

Calculator

Enter your numbers

Negotiated purchase price.
Cash paid upfront.
Net trade-in credit.
Estimated sales tax rate.
Estimated fees financed with the loan.
Annual percentage rate.
Number of monthly payments.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the negotiated vehicle price.
  2. Add the down payment, trade-in credit, tax rate, and fees.
  3. Enter the loan APR and number of months.
  4. Review the payment, amount financed, interest, and total cost.

Explanation

What it is

An auto loan calculator estimates monthly payments after the down payment, trade-in, taxes, and fees. Use it to compare vehicle prices, loan terms, and interest rates before shopping for financing.

How it works

The amount financed equals price plus estimated sales tax and fees, minus the down payment and trade-in. The payment then uses the standard fixed-rate amortization formula.

When to use it

Use this calculator to compare realistic scenarios before making a financial decision, and update the inputs when rates, costs, income, or goals change.

Limitations

  • The result is an estimate based only on the inputs and assumptions shown.
  • It does not evaluate eligibility, product terms, market conditions, or personal legal and tax circumstances.
  • Actual outcomes can differ because of fees, timing, rounding, taxes, and provider-specific methods.

Key terms

Amount financed
The balance borrowed after upfront credits and added costs.
Trade-in value
Credit received for a vehicle exchanged at purchase.
APR
Annual percentage rate used to compare borrowing cost.
Loan term
The number of months scheduled for repayment.
Negative equity
The amount owed on a trade-in above its value, when rolled into a new loan.

Formula

The amount financed equals price plus estimated sales tax and fees, minus the down payment and trade-in. The payment then uses the standard fixed-rate amortization formula.

Financed = Price + tax + fees − down payment − trade-in; M = P × r(1 + r)ⁿ ÷ ((1 + r)ⁿ − 1)

Worked example

For a $38,000 vehicle, the calculator adds estimated tax and fees, subtracts down payment and trade-in value, then amortizes the financed amount over the selected term.

FAQ

How much is a $38,000 car payment?

The payment depends on the down payment, trade-in, taxes, fees, APR, and term. Comparing the amount financed is more useful than looking at sticker price alone.

Is a 72-month car loan a bad idea?

A longer term can lower the payment but usually increases interest and may keep the loan balance above the vehicle value for longer.

Should I put money down on a car?

A down payment reduces the amount financed and may reduce interest and negative-equity risk. Keep enough cash for emergencies and ownership costs.

Does sales tax apply before or after the trade-in?

Rules vary by state. Some states reduce the taxable amount by trade-in value; others do not. This calculator uses a simplified tax-on-price assumption.

What fees are included in an auto loan?

Possible costs include title, registration, documentation, destination, dealer add-ons, and lender fees. Review the purchase agreement carefully.

Can I pay off an auto loan early?

Many loans allow early payoff, but confirm how interest is calculated and whether the contract includes a prepayment penalty.

Common mistakes

  • Negotiating only the monthly payment.
  • Ignoring taxes, fees, insurance, and depreciation.
  • Rolling negative equity into a new loan without measuring it.
  • Choosing a long term that exceeds the planned ownership period.

Tips

  • Negotiate vehicle price before financing.
  • Compare bank, credit union, and dealer offers.
  • Include ownership costs in the budget.
  • Avoid stretching the term only to reach a target payment.

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Sources and editorial review

Educational estimates only; not personalized financial, tax, legal, lending, investment, or insurance advice.