🚗 Auto Loan Calculator
Estimate your monthly car payment including sales tax, down payment, and trade-in value.
Vehicle & Loan Details
Your Result
This calculator applies sales tax to the price minus trade-in value (typical in most US states), then finances the price minus down payment and trade-in, plus that tax. Rules vary by state — check your local DMV for exact tax treatment.
How the Auto Loan Calculator Works
Auto loans typically finance the vehicle price minus your down payment and trade-in value, plus sales tax. Many states tax only the "net" price (price minus trade-in), which this calculator assumes by default.
Formula
Sales Tax = Taxable Amount × Tax Rate / 100
Amount Financed = Vehicle Price − Down Payment − Trade-In Value + Sales Tax
Monthly Payment = L × r × (1 + r)ⁿ / [(1 + r)ⁿ − 1], where r = APR/12/100, n = term in months
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sales tax applied before or after trade-in?
Most states tax the price after subtracting your trade-in value, which is the default assumption here. Some states tax the full price — check your state's rules if you need precision.
Does a bigger down payment lower my rate?
A larger down payment reduces the amount financed and can improve your loan-to-value ratio, which may help you qualify for a better rate, though the rate itself is typically set by your lender based on credit.
What's a typical auto loan term?
Common terms range from 36 to 72 months. Longer terms lower the monthly payment but increase total interest paid over the life of the loan.