Car Payment
Calculator
See exactly how much your car payment will cost per month — including tax, trade-in, and down payment. Know your true cost before you sign.
Vehicle & Loan Details
Financing vs Leasing vs Cash
| Option | Monthly | Own Car? | 5-Year Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance (60 mo) | Higher | Yes, after payoff | Price + interest |
| Lease (36 mo) | Lowest | No — return it | Payments × term (repeat) |
| Cash | None | Yes, immediately | Vehicle price only |
2026 Average Auto Loan Rates
New car: 7–8% APR average. Used car: 10–11% APR average. Credit unions typically run 1–2% lower than banks. Your rate depends on credit score, loan term, and lender. As a rule of thumb, keep total vehicle costs under 15% of monthly take-home pay — that includes payment, insurance, and gas.
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All Car Cost Calculators
Eight free tools that show the full financial picture — from your first monthly payment to the five-year total cost of ownership.
Car Payment Calculator
Estimate monthly payment with tax, fees, trade-in
Auto Loan Calculator
See total interest paid over the loan term
Lease vs Buy Calculator
5-year cost comparison for leasing vs buying
Car Affordability Calculator
How much car can you afford on your income?
True Cost of Ownership
All hidden costs: depreciation, insurance, maintenance
EV vs Gas Calculator
Break-even analysis for electric vs gas vehicles
Car Depreciation Calculator
How much value will your car lose each year?
Gas Mileage Calculator
Annual fuel cost at current gas prices
How to Use These Calculators
Three steps to understanding what you will actually pay.
Enter Your Numbers
Put in the vehicle price, your down payment, trade-in value, sales tax rate, APR, and loan term. Use current rate data — not the dealer's teaser rate.
See the Full Cost
Every calculator shows more than the monthly payment. You get total interest paid, true total cost, and comparison breakdowns that dealers don't volunteer.
Compare Scenarios
Run the same vehicle at different loan terms, down payments, or APRs. See how each decision affects your 5-year cost before you commit.
2026 Auto Market at a Glance
What you are up against when shopping for a vehicle today.
Sources: Federal Reserve, Experian Automotive, Edmunds. Data reflects 2026 averages.
What Car Buyers Get Wrong
The three most common mistakes that cost buyers thousands.
Focusing on monthly payment instead of total cost
Dealers are trained to anchor your attention on the monthly number. A $799/month payment on an 84-month loan means you pay $67,116 total — plus the car is worth $20,000 less by the time you own it. Always calculate total interest paid.
Not accounting for depreciation in the first year
New cars lose 15–25% of their value in year one. A $45,000 vehicle may be worth $34,000 after 12 months. If you financed $43,000, you are immediately underwater — owing more than the car is worth.
Ignoring the true cost of leasing vs buying long-term
Leasing keeps the monthly payment low, but you never build equity. After 10 years of leasing you have paid $80,000+ and own nothing. Buying costs more upfront but produces a paid-off asset within 5–7 years.