Car Payment Calculator
Compare common ways to pay for a vehicle using the same price, down payment, APR, term and taxes.
Reviewed September 8, 2026
Calculate your estimate
Total paid $43,942.69
Total paid $45,899.72
Final payment $12,250.00
Total paid $37,700.00
Compare the main ways to pay for a car
This calculator estimates monthly and total cost for common US car-payment options so shoppers can compare a standard loan, balloon loan and cash purchase from the same numbers.
Compare payment options
The same out-the-door price, down payment, trade-in, APR and term are applied to standard and balloon financing so you can compare monthly and total cost.
Sales-tax treatment varies by state.
Dealer, title and registration fees vary.
A lower monthly payment can still mean a higher total cost.
Car payment questions
What does the car payment calculator include?
It includes the vehicle price, down payment, trade-in credit, sales tax, dealer or title fees, APR, loan term and optional balloon amount.
Is the monthly payment a lender quote?
No. It is an estimate based on the numbers entered. A lender or dealer quote can include different fees, rates and approval conditions.