🚗 USA 2026 • Car Payment Calculator
Car Payment Calculator
Maintained by USAFinCalc
Enter vehicle price, down payment, trade-in, APR, and term to see your monthly payment, total interest, and year-by-year payoff schedule.
Enter your vehicle price and loan details to see your monthly payment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good APR for a car loan in 2026?
According to Federal Reserve G.19 data, average new car loan rates from commercial banks have been in the 7–9% range through early 2026. Credit unions typically run 1–2% lower. Borrowers with 720+ credit scores tend to qualify for rates at the lower end of whatever a lender is offering. If you're seeing offers above 15%, it's worth checking your credit or trying a credit union before accepting.
Should I put more money down on a car?
A larger down payment lowers your monthly payment, reduces total interest paid, and helps you avoid being underwater on the loan (owing more than the car is worth). Cars depreciate — a new vehicle loses roughly 15–25% of its value in the first year. If you put very little down on a new car, you can end up owing more than it's worth for the first year or two. A down payment of at least 10–20% reduces that risk.
Is a 72 or 84-month car loan a good idea?
Longer terms lower the monthly payment but significantly increase total interest paid. A $35,000 loan at 7% APR: 48 months costs roughly $2,900 in interest; 72 months costs roughly $4,400; 84 months around $5,200. You also stay underwater on the loan longer — the car depreciates faster than you pay it down in the early months. Most financial guidance suggests keeping auto loan terms at 60 months or less when possible.
Does trade-in value apply before or after sales tax?
In most US states, trade-in value is deducted from the vehicle sale price before sales tax is calculated — meaning you only pay tax on the net price after trade-in. This is called the trade-in tax exemption. A few states (California, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Virginia, and DC) calculate sales tax on the full vehicle price regardless of trade-in. This calculator applies the trade-in before tax, which is how the majority of states work.
What fees should I budget for beyond the sticker price?
Common fees: documentation fee ($100–$800, varies widely by dealer and state), title and registration ($50–$300), dealer prep ($150–$500 for new cars), and destination charge ($900–$1,800 for new vehicles). Some are negotiable; state fees are not. Always ask for an itemized out-the-door price before agreeing to anything.