Auto Loan Calculator — car price, down payment, APR, term
Auto Loan Calculator
Estimate monthly payments, total financing cost, and the impact of taxes, fees, and down payment.
Vehicle loan inputs
Scenario comparison
Amortization schedule
| Month | Payment | Principal | Interest | Balance |
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How auto loan payments work
An auto loan is typically a fixed-rate installment loan. Your monthly payment is based on the amount financed, APR, and term length. The longer the term, the lower the monthly payment can appear, but the more interest you often pay over time.
Taxes and fees can meaningfully change the total cost of the vehicle. Depending on the purchase, sales tax may be applied to the purchase price and rolled into the loan balance, while registration, documentation, and dealer fees may also be financed.
Down payment and trade-in value reduce the amount you need to borrow. Even a modest increase in upfront cash can lower monthly payments and total financing costs.
- APR affects the cost of borrowing, not just the payment.
- Shorter terms usually mean higher monthly payments but lower total interest.
- Taxes and fees can materially increase the financed amount.
- Extra payments can reduce payoff time and save on interest.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in the financed amount?
The financed amount generally includes the vehicle price, sales tax, fees, and any additional costs minus the down payment and trade-in value.
Does APR include the full cost?
APR is the annualized borrowing cost and helps compare loan offers. It does not always include every dealer fee or the taxes in the same way, so it is important to look at the full monthly cost.
Can I pay less interest?
Yes. A larger down payment, shorter term, lower APR, or extra monthly payments can all reduce the total financing cost.
Why is the term so important?
Longer terms reduce monthly payments but often increase total interest, while shorter terms generally produce a higher payment and lower lifetime cost.
Does the calculator guarantee a lender offer?
No. Actual lending offers vary based on credit profile, lender rules, vehicle age, value, taxes, title fees, and final approval terms.
Does this account for every dealership fee?
This calculator includes a fees field so you can add costs like doc fees, registration charges, or other extras. Actual dealer fees may differ from what is shown here.