Auto Loan Calculator
See your full car loan picture — monthly payment, total interest and total cost — including sales tax, fees and trade-in.
Inputs
Result
Visual breakdown
Formula
Loan = price − down − trade-in + tax (on price − trade-in) + fees. Payment uses standard amortization.
Example
$32,000 car, $3,000 down, $2,000 trade-in, 7% tax, $500 fees, 6.5% APR, 60 months → roughly $545/mo.
Related: Car payment · Affordability · Total ownership
How to use
- Enter the negotiated vehicle price, not MSRP.
- Add your down payment and trade-in value.
- Use your state's sales tax rate; most states tax (price − trade-in).
- Add typical doc / title / registration fees.
When it's useful
- Comparing dealer financing offers.
- Checking how a longer term changes payment vs interest.
- Budgeting before walking into a dealership.
Common examples
Frequently asked
Is sales tax usually rolled into the loan?
Yes, in most US states the buyer can finance sales tax along with the vehicle price.
Does a trade-in really lower tax?
In most states, sales tax applies to (price − trade-in). A few states tax the full price.
Should I take 72 or 84 months for a lower payment?
It lowers the payment but you pay much more interest and stay underwater longer. Shorter terms cost less overall.
What APR should I expect?
Rates vary by credit and lender — check a credit union pre-approval before negotiating at the dealership.
People also calculate
More money & work →Estimates only — not financial advice. See how transportation costs affect your monthly budget, runway, and flexibility.