The sticker price isn't what you finance. Sales tax, title and registration fees get added, while your down payment and trade-in come off. This calculator works out the amount you'll actually borrow and the monthly payment on it.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the vehicle price, your down payment and any trade-in value.
- Enter your state's sales tax rate and an estimate of fees.
- Enter the APR you've been offered and choose a term.
- Compare terms: longer loans lower the payment but cost more interest.
How it's calculated
Amount financed = (price − trade-in) × (1 + sales tax) + fees − down payment. Most states tax only the difference after a trade-in. The monthly payment then uses the standard loan formula.
Example: a $35,000 car with $3,000 down, 6% tax and $500 of fees is $34,600 financed. At 7% for 60 months that's about $685 a month.
Common questions
See all: Car loan payments by amount →
Frequently asked questions
How long should a car loan be?
Many advisers suggest 60 months or less. 72- and 84-month loans lower the payment but cost much more interest and make it likely you'll owe more than the car is worth for years.
How much car can I afford?
A common guideline is the 20/4/10 rule: put 20% down, finance for no more than 4 years, and keep total car costs (payment, insurance, fuel) under 10% of gross income.
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Estimates for general information only, not financial advice. See how we calculate.