By vehicle model
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What this calculator does
Enter the car price, down payment, loan term, and APR. This calculator shows the monthly payment, total interest, and a breakdown of car cost versus interest.
The math
Loan amount = price − down payment. Monthly payment = P × (r(1+r)^n) ÷ ((1+r)^n − 1), where r is monthly rate and n is term. Total interest = payment × n − loan amount.
Worked example
A $30,000 car with $5,000 down, 72 months, and 7.5% APR has a monthly payment of about $485 and total interest of about $4,900.
Why this matters
High-fee products are designed to look small per week and huge in total. This calculator exposes the full cost so you can compare it to real alternatives.
Methodology and transparency
This page publishes the exact formula used to compute the result, so you can verify it in a spreadsheet or check the assumptions against your own situation. The worked example uses the tool default inputs; change any number and the result updates live in your browser. No data is sent or stored.
Common questions
How does a longer term affect total cost?
Longer terms lower the monthly payment but increase total interest. You also risk owing more than the car is worth.
What is negative equity?
When you owe more on the loan than the car is worth. This happens easily with long-term loans and low down payments.
Should I put more down?
A larger down payment reduces monthly payments, total interest, and negative-equity risk.