Auto loan calculator — car payment with tax, trade-in & fees
Use this auto loan calculator to estimate your monthly car payment and amount financed. Start with vehicle price and down payment, then add optional sales tax, trade-in value, trade-in loan payoff, and title or doc fees. Enter APR and loan term (36–84 months with one-click presets). See total interest, payoff date, amortization schedule, and optional extra payments. For loan amount only (no car price), use the loan calculator.
How to use this car loan calculator
- Enter car price and down payment (percent or dollars).
- Open sales tax, trade-in & fees: tax rate, trade value and payoff, doc fees; choose whether tax/fees are financed or paid at signing and whether trade-in reduces taxable price.
- Set interest rate and term—try 36, 48, 60, 72, or 84 months.
- Review monthly P&I, amount financed, sales tax, net trade equity, cash due at signing, and full schedule.
How amount financed is estimated
Tax ≈ (Price − Trade-in) × Tax rate · Net trade = Trade value − Payoff · Financed ≈ Price − Down − Net trade + Tax + Fees (when rolled in)
State sales tax rules differ—many states tax only the price after trade-in credit; others tax the full price. Uncheck the trade-in tax credit if your state taxes the full vehicle price. If you pay tax and fees upfront, they are excluded from the loan and added to cash due at signing instead.
Example: $35,000 car, 10% down, 7% tax, $500 fees, 7% APR, 60 months
With 10% down ($3,500), no trade-in, tax and fees financed, sales tax is about $2,450 and amount financed is roughly $34,450 before interest. Monthly P&I near $681; total interest about $6,400 over five years. Compare 72 months in the calculator—payment drops but interest rises.
Trade-in and negative equity
When your trade-in is worth more than the remaining loan, net trade equity acts like extra down payment. When you owe more than the car is worth, negative equity is often rolled into the new loan, raising the amount financed above price minus down. The calculator warns when payoff exceeds trade-in value.
Out-the-door price vs monthly payment
Dealers sometimes quote a monthly payment without breaking out tax, fees, or a long term. For budgeting, focus on amount financed, APR, term, and total interest—not payment alone. Insurance, fuel, and maintenance are separate; this tool covers principal and interest plus the tax/fee inputs you provide.
Auto loan terms: 36 to 84 months
Shorter terms (36–48 months) build equity faster and cut interest. 72- and 84-month loans are common for lower payments but can leave you owing more than the car is worth early in the loan if depreciation is steep. Use the schedule to compare payoff timing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my car payment?
Fill price, down payment, rate, and term; add tax/trade/fees if you want a closer dealer-style estimate.
Should I include sales tax and fees?
Include them for realism; choose finance vs pay-at-signing to match your deal structure.
How does trade-in affect the loan?
Net trade equity lowers amount financed; negative equity increases it.
What loan terms are typical?
36–84 months; use preset buttons or enter years/months directly.
Can I share or export results?
Copy link to share inputs; CSV and print from the schedule section.