Calculate your monthly car payment estimate on a used car loan or a new car loan and find a great deal on a vehicle near you.
Auto Loan Calculator - Monthly Car Loan Payment Calculator
Use the Edmunds Auto Loan Calculator to Determine or Verify Your Payment
You're gearing up to buy your next car but aren't sure what the monthly car payment will look like. Getting to a monthly payment usually involves some math, but the good news is that the Edmunds auto loan calculator will do the heavy lifting for you.
Let's say you have your eye on a compact car or SUV. Choose the make and model you want, or alternatively enter the vehicle's price into the auto loan calculator. It will ask for a few other details such as the down payment, the loan term, the trade-in value and the interest rate. After that, it will calculate the compound interest, estimate tax and title fees, and display the monthly payment.
This car loan calculator will help you visualize how changes to your interest rate, down payment, trade-in value, and vehicle price affect your loan. Take some time to experiment with different values to find an auto loan setup that works best for your budget.
Consider All Aspects of the Loan
The monthly payment is the best indicator of how the car loan will impact your budget. It can give you a reality check on whether you can afford the vehicle. And though this figure is the easiest to understand, it isn't the only number to be aware of.
It is also important to be aware of how much the loan will total, how much of a down payment you're making, and how long the loan will be. The general rule for each of these is as follows:
Your loan payment should be no more than 15% of your take-home pay. The loan term should ideally be less than 72 months, and you should aim for a down payment of at least 10% or consider GAP insurance.
Keep in mind that everyone's situation will be different, so these recommendations are not set in stone. Furthermore, these figures will differ for those who lease, so take a look at our articles for information specific to that scenario.
When you obtain a monthly payment, be it from a price quote, negotiation or advertised special, make sure you are aware of all the numbers behind it. What good is a low payment if it takes you 84 months to pay off the loan? Is the selling price for the car a good deal? What about the trade-in amount the dealership is offering for your car? Ask for the "out-the-door" figures from your salesperson and review them before making a decision.