Auto Loan Calculator with Tax, Fees & Trade-In
The real monthly car payment, including sales tax, fees, and your trade-in, with every loan term compared side by side.
Updated October 2026
| Term | Payment | Total interest |
|---|---|---|
| 36 mo | $1,019.51 | $3,927 |
| 48 mo | $792.46 | $5,263 |
| 60 mo selected | $656.74 | $6,630 |
| 72 mo | $566.68 | $8,026 |
| 84 mo | $502.71 | $9,453 |
What goes into a car payment
Dealers like to talk in monthly payments because it hides the total. The amount you finance is the vehicle price + sales tax + title/registration/doc fees − down payment − net trade-in. That number, the rate, and the term determine the payment. This calculator shows all of it and adds up the true cost of the car including interest.
The term-comparison table is the most useful part: the same loan at 60 versus 84 months can differ by only $100 a month but by thousands in interest.
Sales tax and trade-ins
Most states charge sales tax only on the difference between the new car's price and your trade-in value, a tax credit that can be worth several hundred dollars. A handful of states (California, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Virginia, and the District of Columbia) tax the full price regardless of trade-in. Use the toggle to match your state. Five states (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon) have no statewide vehicle sales tax at all, so enter 0.
If you still owe money on the trade-in, enter it. Negative equity (owing more than the car is worth) gets rolled into the new loan, which is a common way people end up with a 84-month loan on a car they can't afford.
Typical rates by credit score
Auto loan rates vary widely with credit. As a rough guide for new cars: super-prime (781+) around 5–6%, prime (661–780) around 6–8%, near-prime (601–660) 9–12%, and subprime (below 600) 12–20%. Used-car rates run 1–4 points higher. Credit unions frequently beat dealer financing by a point or more, so get a pre-approval before you shop.
The 20/4/10 rule
A widely cited affordability guideline: put down at least 20%, finance for no more than 4 years, and keep total vehicle costs (payment, insurance, fuel) under 10% of gross income. Few buyers hit all three, but the closer you get, the less likely the car becomes a financial anchor. Adjust the down payment and term above and see how the payment moves.
Frequently asked questions
Does the calculator include sales tax?+
Yes. Enter your state or local combined rate and it adds tax to the amount financed. If your state gives a trade-in tax credit, set the toggle to Yes and only the difference is taxed.
What is a good auto loan term?+
Shorter is cheaper: 36–60 months keeps interest low and builds equity quickly. 72–84 month loans lower the payment but you'll owe more than the car is worth for years. Compare the table above.
Should I put money down or keep it?+
A larger down payment reduces the amount financed, the payment, and total interest, and protects you from being underwater if the car is totaled. 20% on a new car or 10% on used is a good target.
Is 0% financing better than a cash rebate?+
Run both. Enter the full price at 0% and compare total cost against the price minus rebate at the rate your bank offers. Rebates often win when the financed amount is small or your outside rate is low.