Car Loan Calculator
Estimate the monthly installment, full financing cost, and upfront cash to buy a car.
Decision calculatorFully localized assumptionsCountry-specificScenario comparisonInteractive chart
Last updated: 2026-06-03
Inputs
Formula transparency
Source: defaultLoan = Price − Down · PMT = P · r · (1+r)^n / ((1+r)^n − 1)
How to use it
- Enter the car price and your down payment.
- Add the rate and term.
- Add fees, insurance, and registration in advanced mode for the upfront cash.
Example
- 18,000 car, 3,000 down, 6% over 5 years ≈ a ~290/month installment on a 15,000 loan.
What the result means
The financed amount is the price minus your down payment; upfront cash is everything you pay on day one.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
- Choosing a long term just to lower the payment.
- Forgetting registration and one-time costs.
Limitations
- Doesn't include running costs — use the car ownership calculator for those.
- Estimate only.
Frequently asked
- How is the financed amount derived?
- Financed amount = car price − down payment.
- What is the upfront cash?
- Down payment + fees + registration + one-time insurance.
- How big should the down payment be?
- Bigger lowers interest; 20%+ is a common rule of thumb.
- Does it include running costs?
- No — use the car ownership cost calculator for fuel and maintenance.
- Is the result official?
- No — it's an estimate. Rely on the financier's official offer.
Related calculators
- Car Ownership Cost Calculator
See the true monthly and annual cost of owning a car.
- Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate daily, monthly, and annual fuel cost.
- Gas Mileage Calculator
Compute fuel efficiency (km/L or mpg) and trip cost.
- Down Payment Calculator
Compute required down payment, remaining loan, and cash gap.
- Loan Monthly Payment Calculator
Calculate the monthly installment, total repayment, and total interest.
Results are estimates and not professional advice. Verify important decisions with a qualified professional.