About Auto Cost Calc
We build free, accurate calculators that help car buyers understand the real numbers before walking into a dealership.
Our Calculators
Eight free tools covering every angle of the car-buying and ownership decision.
Car Payment Calculator
Estimate monthly payment with tax, fees, and trade-in included.
Auto Loan Calculator
See total interest paid over the full loan term.
Lease vs Buy Calculator
5-year cost comparison for leasing versus buying.
Car Affordability Calculator
Find out how much car you can afford on your income.
True Cost of Ownership
All hidden costs: depreciation, insurance, and maintenance.
EV vs Gas Calculator
Break-even analysis for electric versus gas vehicles.
Car Depreciation Calculator
How much value will your car lose each year?
Gas Mileage Calculator
Annual fuel cost at current gas prices.
Why We Built This
Most car buyers focus on the monthly payment and miss the total cost. A dealership can stretch any loan to make a $55,000 truck feel affordable at $699 per month — but over 84 months that buyer pays $11,000 in interest on top of the purchase price, and the truck is worth $22,000 by the time the loan is paid off.
Our tools show the full picture:
- Interest paid over the life of a loan
- True cost of ownership including depreciation, insurance, and maintenance
- The real comparison between leasing and buying long-term
- How much car your income can actually support
- Break-even analysis for electric versus gas vehicles
Our goal is simple: give every car buyer the same clarity that a financial advisor would, for free, in under 60 seconds.
How We Keep Information Current
Auto loan rates shift with the Federal Reserve, and vehicle prices move with inventory and demand. We update our rate benchmarks regularly using data from the Federal Reserve, Experian Automotive, and Edmunds.
All calculators use standard financial formulas — the same amortization math that banks and dealers use. We don't smooth numbers or round in ways that flatter the result. If you enter your exact scenario, you get a precise answer.
Rate Data Source
Federal Reserve & Experian
Formulas
Standard amortization & TCO
Updated
Quarterly or on rate changes
Contact
Have a question, found a bug, or want to suggest a new calculator? Reach out:
[email protected]Disclosure: All calculators on Auto Cost Calc are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide and standard financial formulas. Actual loan terms, interest rates, and costs will vary based on your lender, credit profile, and market conditions. Consult a qualified financial professional before making vehicle purchase decisions.