Auto loan total cost

Last updated: 2026-08-14

An auto loan cost is more than the sticker price. Sales tax, fees, trade-in value, trade-in payoff, down payment, rate, and term all affect the amount financed and the total paid.

Amount financed

The financed amount can rise when fees or negative equity are rolled into the loan. It can fall when the down payment or trade-in credit is larger.

Term and rate

A longer term can lower the monthly payment but keep interest running longer. Rate changes matter more when the balance stays outstanding for many months.

Use the calculator

Use the auto loan calculator to estimate payment and total cost from vehicle and financing inputs.