Calculator Inputs
Use one form to compare two financing scenarios. The layout stays single column overall, while the inputs shift to three, two, or one column by screen size.
Example Data Table
| Input | Example A | Example B |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle price | $32,000 | $32,500 |
| Down payment | $5,000 | $4,500 |
| Trade-in value | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| Rebate | $1,000 | $500 |
| APR | 5.90% | 4.90% |
| Term | 60 months | 72 months |
| Extra payment | $50 | $25 |
| Estimated resale at 48 months | $18,500 | $19,250 |
Formula Used
Taxable amount = Vehicle price − Trade-in value − Rebate
Sales tax = Taxable amount × Tax rate
Amount financed = Vehicle price − Down payment − Trade-in value − Rebate + Sales tax + Fees
Monthly rate = APR ÷ 12 ÷ 100
Monthly payment = P × r ÷ (1 − (1 + r)−n)
Recurring monthly costs = Insurance/12 + Maintenance/12 + Registration/12 + Fuel + Parking + Other
Net ownership cost over horizon = Upfront contribution + Loan payments made + Recurring costs + Remaining balance − Estimated resale value
Tax treatment varies by location. This model uses a broad consumer estimate and is best for side-by-side comparisons.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the analysis horizon in months.
- Fill in vehicle price, down payment, trade-in value, rebate, tax, and fees for both options.
- Enter loan APR, term, and any extra principal payment.
- Add ongoing ownership costs like insurance, maintenance, fuel, parking, and other monthly spending.
- Estimate each vehicle’s resale value at the end of the analysis horizon.
- Click Compare Payments to see the results above the form.
- Review the recommendation, detailed table, graph, and amortization previews.
- Use the CSV and PDF buttons to save the comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this calculator compare?
It compares two vehicle financing scenarios using loan terms, taxes, fees, extra payments, running costs, remaining balance, and resale value over one chosen time horizon.
2. Why include resale value?
Resale value helps estimate what you recover when you sell the car. A higher resale value can offset loan balance and reduce net ownership cost.
3. Is the lowest monthly payment always better?
Not always. A lower payment may come from a longer term, which can increase interest, extend debt, and change the net cost once resale and remaining balance are considered.
4. What is the effect of an extra monthly payment?
Extra principal payments usually shorten payoff time, cut interest, and lower the remaining balance at the analysis horizon. That can improve total ownership results.
5. Does trade-in value count as a cost?
Yes. Your trade-in has real value, so this calculator treats it like an upfront contribution when estimating your net ownership cost.
6. Are taxes and fees financed here?
Yes. This version adds sales tax and dealer fees into the financed amount unless your down payment or trade-in fully offsets them.
7. Can I use this for lease offers?
No. Lease calculations use depreciation, residual percentages, money factors, and lease-specific fees. This page is built for financed purchase comparisons.
8. How accurate is the recommendation?
It is a planning estimate. Accuracy depends on your tax rules, fees, fuel usage, insurance quotes, maintenance, and resale assumptions.