Wealthy PotAuto Loan Calculator
Estimate your monthly car payment with down payment, trade-in, sales tax, and fees — and see the total interest a car loan really costs.
Know your real car payment before you walk in
Dealers quote a monthly payment, not a price — and the monthly number hides a lot. Enter the vehicle price, your down payment, trade-in, sales tax, fees, rate, and term, and this calculator shows your true monthly payment, the amount you are actually financing, and the total interest the loan costs.
Watch the term, not just the payment
Stretching a loan to 72 or 84 months makes the monthly payment look affordable, but you pay far more interest and stay "underwater" — owing more than the car is worth — for longer. Try a shorter term in the calculator and compare the total interest.
Tips for a cheaper loan
- A bigger down payment shrinks the amount financed and the interest.
- Your rate is negotiable — see how to lower the interest rate on your loans.
- Get pre-approved by your own bank or credit union before the dealership.
- Beware add-ons rolled into the loan — see how to avoid common debt traps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is my monthly car payment calculated?
Your payment is based on the amount financed — the vehicle price plus sales tax and fees, minus your down payment and any trade-in — spread over the loan term at your APR. This calculator does all of that, so you see a realistic payment, not just price ÷ months.
Does a longer car loan save me money?
No. A longer term (72 or 84 months) lowers the monthly payment but raises the total interest you pay, and a car keeps losing value the whole time — so you can end up owing more than the car is worth. Compare terms in the calculator to see the trade-off in real dollars.
Is sales tax included in a car loan?
In most US states, sales tax is charged on the price minus your trade-in, and it can be rolled into the loan. This calculator adds sales tax and fees to the amount financed so the payment reflects the true out-the-door cost.