Car Loan Payment Calculator
Calculate your monthly car loan payment, total interest, and total cost. Compare rates and terms to find the best auto financing deal.
Car Loan Comparison Calculator
Compare up to 3 car loan offers side by side. See monthly payments, total interest, and total cost to pick the best auto financing deal.
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Loan A
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Loan B
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Loan C
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Best deal: Loan A (lowest total cost)
| Metric | Loan A | Loan B | Loan C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payment | $656.30 | $547.85 | $449.64 |
| Total Interest | $3,502.30 | $4,871.13 | $4,374.11 |
| Total Cost | $31,502.30 | $32,871.13 | $32,374.11 |
Planning notes, formulas, and examples
About the Car Loan Comparison Calculator
When shopping for a car loan, you'll likely receive multiple offers from banks, credit unions, dealers, and online lenders. Comparing them can be confusing because each offer may have a different rate, term, and fee structure. A car loan comparison calculator puts up to three offers side by side so you can see which one truly costs the least.
This calculator goes beyond just comparing monthly payments. It calculates total interest, total cost, and cost per dollar borrowed for each loan so you can make an apples-to-apples comparison. A loan with a lower monthly payment might actually cost thousands more if it has a longer term or hidden fees.
Use this calculator before making any financing decision. Enter the details of each offer and let the math reveal the best deal. You might be surprised to find that a credit union offer at 5.9% for 48 months beats a dealer's 4.9% for 72 months in total cost.
When This Page Helps
Lenders present offers in different formats making comparison difficult. One quotes biweekly payments, another emphasizes low monthly cost, and a third highlights the rate. This calculator normalizes everything into the same metrics so you can objectively identify the cheapest financing option and save potentially thousands of dollars.
How to Use the Inputs
- Enter the loan amount (same for all offers being compared).
- For Loan A, enter the interest rate and term in months.
- For Loan B, enter the interest rate and term in months.
- Optionally fill in Loan C for a third comparison.
- Review monthly payments, total interest, and total cost side by side.
- Select the offer with the lowest total cost that fits your monthly budget.
Formula used
For each loan: M = P × [r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n − 1]
Total Interest = (M × n) − P
Total Cost = M × n
Compare all three side by side.Example Calculation
Result: Loan A saves $1,847 vs Loan C
Loan A (5.9%, 48 months): $659/mo, $3,621 interest. Loan B (6.5%, 60 months): $548/mo, $4,871 interest. Loan C (4.9%, 72 months): $449/mo, $4,368 interest. Despite the lowest rate, Loan C's longer term means more total interest than Loan A.
Tips & Best Practices
- Always compare total cost, not just monthly payment or interest rate alone.
- Get quotes from at least three different lender types: bank, credit union, and online.
- Ask each lender for the same term to make comparison easier.
- Factor in any origination or processing fees that add to the effective cost.
- A lower rate with a longer term can cost more than a higher rate with a shorter term.
- Consider the opportunity cost of higher monthly payments versus investing the difference.
Why Comparing Auto Loans Matters
The average new car loan in the US exceeds $35,000 with terms stretching to 72 or 84 months. At these amounts and durations, even small rate differences translate to thousands of dollars. Comparing offers systematically ensures you don't leave money on the table.
Hidden Factors in Loan Comparison
Beyond rate and term, watch for origination fees, prepayment penalties, and required add-ons like GAP insurance or extended warranties bundled into the loan. These increase your effective cost and should be factored into any comparison.
The Credit Union Advantage
Credit unions are non-profit institutions that often offer rates 0.5–1.5% lower than traditional banks. They may also have more flexible terms and lower fees. Always include at least one credit union in your comparison shopping.
Sources & Methodology
Last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare loans using total cost (all payments plus fees) rather than monthly payment alone. Two loans with the same principal but different rates and terms will have different total costs. This calculator does the math for you.
Not necessarily. A lower rate paired with a longer term can cost more in total interest. A 4.9% rate over 72 months may cost more than 5.9% over 48 months. Always check total cost.
Yes. Some lenders charge origination fees, documentation fees, or require gap insurance. Add these to the total cost of each offer for an accurate comparison.
At least three. Include your primary bank, a local credit union, and an online lender. Multiple inquiries for the same loan type within 14–45 days typically count as one hard pull on your credit.
Lenders typically require full coverage insurance for the life of the loan. A longer term means more years of required comprehensive and collision coverage, adding to total ownership cost.
Yes. Use competing offers as leverage. If your credit union offers 5.5%, show that to the dealer and ask them to match or beat it. Many lenders have room to negotiate, especially for well-qualified buyers.
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