NumberTally Auto Loan Calculator
Work out the real cost of financing a car — monthly payment, sales tax, fees, and total interest — so the sticker price never surprises you again.
Advanced options
Applied to price minus trade-in, as most states do.
New cars lose ~15–20% of value per year. Used for the underwater chart.
Lease vs buy comparison — optional
Acquisition, disposition and other lease-only fees.
Why the monthly payment isn't the whole story
Dealers love to talk monthly payments because a longer term makes any car look affordable. But stretching a loan from 60 to 84 months can add thousands in interest — and you risk owing more than the car is worth for years (being "underwater"), since cars depreciate fastest in the first three years.
The number that matters is the total cost: everything you hand over, including tax, fees, down payment, trade-in value, and all interest. Compare that to the sticker price and you'll see the true price of financing. A bigger down payment or a shorter term are the two fastest ways to shrink it.
How trade-ins and tax interact
In most states, sales tax applies to the vehicle price minus your trade-in value — so a $5,000 trade-in at 6% tax saves you $300 in tax on top of its face value. Trade-ins also reduce the amount you need to finance, which cuts interest. This calculator applies both effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much car can I afford?
A common guideline is the 20/4/10 rule: 20% down, a term of 4 years or less, and total car costs under 10% of gross income. Longer terms lower the payment but raise total cost.
Is a 72- or 84-month loan a bad idea?
Often, yes. You pay much more interest and stay underwater longer as the car depreciates. If you need 84 months to afford the payment, the car is probably too expensive.
Do I pay sales tax on the full price if I trade in?
In most states, no — tax applies to the price minus trade-in value. A few states tax the full price, so check your state's rule for an exact figure.
Should I put more money down?
Generally yes: every down-payment dollar reduces the financed amount and the interest on it. Aim for at least 20% to avoid owing more than the car's value.
What is the amount financed?
The actual loan balance: vehicle price + sales tax + fees, minus down payment and trade-in. Interest is charged on this amount, not the sticker price.