TOOL 01 / PAYMENTS

Make sense of the monthly payment.

Adjust the numbers and see the costs that sit behind an auto loan or lease.

Your purchase details

Start with the figures you know. Adjust any estimate.

We use your entered tax rate and fee estimate. Registration, dealer charges, and tax treatment vary by location.
CHECK THE TRADEOFF

Same loan, different terms.

See how extending the loan affects your payment and total interest.

Negative equity increases the amount financed when rolled into a new loan. Some lenders may not finance the full amount.
Plan a trade-in

Common car-payment terms

Plain-English answers for first-time and experienced buyers.

What does APR mean?

APR stands for annual percentage rate. It describes the yearly borrowing cost used to estimate your loan payment. Your actual lender offer may differ.

What is trade-in equity?

Equity is what the dealer offers for your current vehicle minus what you still owe. If you owe more than it is worth, that is called negative equity.

Why does a longer loan cost more?

A longer term usually makes each payment smaller, but interest can add up over more months. Compare the total interest as well as the payment.

What is a lease residual value?

The residual is the expected end-of-lease value used in a lease calculation. It is not the same thing as a guaranteed trade-in price.