Car Loan Monthly Payment Calculator
Work out your real monthly payment the way a dealership finance desk does — sales tax by state, trade-in equity, doc & title fees, and a full amortization schedule.
Quick Reference: Car Loan Payment by Amount and Term
Estimated principal-and-interest payment at an 8.5% APR. Excludes sales tax, doc fees and your down payment — use the calculator above for your exact state-adjusted payment.
| Amount financed | 36 months | 48 months | 60 months | 72 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 | $474/mo | $370/mo | $308/mo | $267/mo |
| $20,000 | $631/mo | $493/mo | $410/mo | $356/mo |
| $25,000 | $789/mo | $616/mo | $513/mo | $444/mo |
| $30,000 | $947/mo | $739/mo | $616/mo | $533/mo |
| $35,000 | $1,105/mo | $863/mo | $718/mo | $622/mo |
| $40,000 | $1,263/mo | $986/mo | $821/mo | $711/mo |
| $50,000 | $1,578/mo | $1,232/mo | $1,026/mo | $889/mo |
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Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this calculator?
It uses the standard amortization formula used by banks and dealership finance departments. It includes estimated state sales tax, dealer fees, trade-in equity and financing assumptions. Your lender's final APR and fees may differ.
Does trade-in value reduce my sales tax?
Many states allow trade-in credits to reduce the taxable amount. This calculator applies the selected state's rule.
Should I finance sales tax and fees?
Rolling taxes and fees into the loan reduces cash required at signing, but increases the financed amount and total interest paid.
How much car can I afford?
Start with your monthly budget using our affordability calculator, and see average rates by credit score before you compare offers.
Should I refinance or buy?
See how much a lower rate saves with the refinance calculator, and compare leasing vs buying the same car.
More calculators & data
Affordability calculator
Enter your monthly budget and see the max car price you can afford.
Refinance calculator
Compare your current loan to a lower rate — monthly savings and break-even.
Lease vs buy calculator
Same car, same term — which one costs less and what you own at the end.
Car sales tax by state
Average rates, doc fee caps, and trade-in rules for all 50 states.
Guides for smarter car financing
Auto Loan Amortization Schedule Explained: A Complete Guide
Learn how an auto loan amortization schedule breaks down every monthly payment into principal and interest. Discover how to read your schedule, calculate total borrowing costs, and understand how extra payments can help you pay off your car loan faster.
Simple vs. Compound Interest on Auto Loans: What Buyers Need to Know
Learn how simple and compound interest work on auto loans, how they affect your monthly payments and total borrowing costs, and why most traditional auto loans use simple interest. Discover practical ways to compare financing offers and reduce the interest you pay over time.
Missouri Car Loan Calculator: Estimate Monthly Car Payments
Calculate an estimated Missouri car payment using vehicle price, down payment, trade-in equity, APR and loan term.
Indiana Car Loan Calculator: Estimate Your Auto Loan Payment
Estimate an Indiana vehicle loan payment using vehicle price, down payment, trade-in, APR, loan term and fees.