Auto Loan Calculator
Estimate your monthly car payment, accounting for down payment, trade-in value, sales tax, and fees.
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Estimated monthly payment
$600.92
What Your Result Means
Your estimated monthly payment reflects the amount financed - the vehicle price minus your down payment and trade-in value, plus estimated sales tax and fees - spread across your loan term at the interest rate you entered.
How It Is Calculated
Calqora first calculates the amount financed: vehicle price, minus down payment and trade-in value, plus sales tax (applied to the price minus trade-in) and fees. It then applies the standard loan amortization formula to that amount financed to calculate your monthly payment.
Worked Example
A $32,000 vehicle with a $4,000 down payment, no trade-in, 6% sales tax, $500 in fees, a 6.9% interest rate, and a 60-month term results in an amount financed of about $30,180 and an estimated monthly payment of roughly $596.
Important Assumptions
- Sales tax is estimated on the vehicle price minus trade-in value - actual state and local rules vary.
- Assumes a fixed interest rate for the full loan term.
- Does not include registration, title fees, or dealer add-ons unless entered manually as fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is trade-in value subtracted before or after tax?
- Trade-in value reduces the taxable amount in most states, so this calculator subtracts it before applying sales tax, then again from the amount financed.
- Should I include dealer fees?
- Yes - enter documentation fees, registration, or other dealer charges in the fees field so they're rolled into your amount financed.
- Why does my dealer's payment differ?
- Dealers may use your credit score, promotional financing, or different tax assumptions. This calculator gives a simplified, transparent estimate.
Related Calculators
Methodology
This calculator applies the standard loan amortization formula to the total amount financed. See our methodology page for more detail.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Actual rates, taxes, insurance, fees, and lender terms may differ. It does not constitute financial advice - consult a qualified financial professional before making financial decisions.