.calc-wrapper-seo {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
color: #333;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.calc-container {
background: #f9fbfd;
border: 1px solid #e1e4e8;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 30px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
margin-bottom: 40px;
}
.calc-title {
text-align: center;
color: #2c3e50;
margin-bottom: 25px;
font-size: 24px;
font-weight: 700;
}
.input-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
gap: 20px;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
.input-grid {
grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
}
.form-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.form-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 5px;
font-weight: 600;
font-size: 14px;
color: #555;
}
.form-group input, .form-group select {
width: 100%;
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.form-group input:focus {
border-color: #0073aa;
outline: none;
box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(0,115,170,0.2);
}
.calc-btn {
width: 100%;
padding: 15px;
background-color: #0073aa;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background 0.3s;
margin-top: 10px;
}
.calc-btn:hover {
background-color: #005177;
}
.results-box {
background: #fff;
border: 1px solid #e1e4e8;
border-radius: 6px;
padding: 20px;
margin-top: 25px;
display: none;
}
.result-row {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
padding: 10px 0;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
}
.result-row:last-child {
border-bottom: none;
}
.result-label {
color: #666;
}
.result-value {
font-weight: bold;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.main-result {
text-align: center;
padding: 20px 0;
background: #eef5f9;
border-radius: 6px;
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.main-result .label {
display: block;
font-size: 14px;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 1px;
color: #0073aa;
margin-bottom: 5px;
}
.main-result .value {
font-size: 36px;
font-weight: 800;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.article-section h2 {
color: #23282d;
border-bottom: 2px solid #0073aa;
padding-bottom: 10px;
margin-top: 40px;
}
.article-section h3 {
color: #333;
margin-top: 30px;
}
.article-section ul {
padding-left: 20px;
}
.article-section li {
margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.error-msg {
color: #d63638;
text-align: center;
margin-top: 10px;
display: none;
}
function calculateAutoLoan() {
// Get inputs
var price = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vehiclePrice').value);
var taxRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('salesTax').value) || 0;
var downPayment = parseFloat(document.getElementById('downPayment').value) || 0;
var tradeIn = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tradeInValue').value) || 0;
var annualRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('interestRate').value);
var months = parseInt(document.getElementById('loanTerm').value);
// Validation
var errorDiv = document.getElementById('errorDisplay');
var resultsDiv = document.getElementById('resultsDisplay');
if (isNaN(price) || isNaN(annualRate) || isNaN(months) || price <= 0) {
errorDiv.style.display = 'block';
resultsDiv.style.display = 'none';
return;
}
errorDiv.style.display = 'none';
// Calculations
// 1. Calculate Tax Amount. Note: In some states trade-in reduces taxable amount.
// This calculator assumes tax is on full price for conservative estimation,
// or simply Price * TaxRate.
var taxAmount = price * (taxRate / 100);
// 2. Calculate Amount Financed (Loan Principal)
// Principal = (Price + Tax) – (Down + Trade)
var totalDeductions = downPayment + tradeIn;
var principal = (price + taxAmount) – totalDeductions;
if (principal < 0) {
principal = 0;
}
// 3. Calculate Monthly Payment
var monthlyPayment = 0;
var totalInterest = 0;
var totalCost = 0;
if (annualRate === 0) {
monthlyPayment = principal / months;
totalInterest = 0;
} else {
var monthlyRate = (annualRate / 100) / 12;
// Formula: P * (r * (1+r)^n) / ((1+r)^n – 1)
monthlyPayment = principal * ( (monthlyRate * Math.pow(1 + monthlyRate, months)) / (Math.pow(1 + monthlyRate, months) – 1) );
}
// 4. Totals
var totalPaidToBank = monthlyPayment * months;
totalInterest = totalPaidToBank – principal;
totalCost = price + taxAmount + totalInterest; // Total cost of ownership regarding purchase
// Formatting currency
var formatter = new Intl.NumberFormat('en-US', {
style: 'currency',
currency: 'USD',
minimumFractionDigits: 2
});
// Display Results
document.getElementById('monthlyPaymentResult').innerHTML = formatter.format(monthlyPayment);
document.getElementById('priceDisplay').innerHTML = formatter.format(price);
document.getElementById('taxDisplay').innerHTML = formatter.format(taxAmount);
document.getElementById('deductionsDisplay').innerHTML = "-" + formatter.format(totalDeductions);
document.getElementById('loanAmountDisplay').innerHTML = formatter.format(principal);
document.getElementById('totalInterestDisplay').innerHTML = formatter.format(totalInterest);
document.getElementById('totalCostDisplay').innerHTML = formatter.format(totalPaidToBank + totalDeductions); // Total money out of pocket
resultsDiv.style.display = 'block';
}
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "How is a car loan payment calculated?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Car loan payments are calculated using an amortization formula that factors in the principal loan amount (Vehicle Price + Tax – Down Payment), the annual interest rate (APR), and the loan term (number of months)."
}
}, {
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Does trading in a car reduce sales tax?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "In many states, yes. The value of your trade-in is often deducted from the new vehicle's price before sales tax is applied, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars in taxes."
}
}, {
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Is a 72-month car loan a bad idea?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "While 72-month loans lower your monthly payment, they increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan and increase the risk of negative equity, where you owe more than the car is worth."
}
}]
}
Auto Loan Calculator
36 Months (3 Years)
48 Months (4 Years)
60 Months (5 Years)
72 Months (6 Years)
84 Months (7 Years)
Please enter valid numeric values for Vehicle Price and Interest Rate.
Estimated Monthly Payment
$0.00
Vehicle Price:
$0.00
Sales Tax Amount:
$0.00
Down Payment & Trade-In:
-$0.00
Total Loan Amount:
$0.00
Total Interest Paid:
$0.00
Total Cost of Loan:
$0.00
How to Use This Auto Loan Calculator
Purchasing a new or used vehicle is a significant financial commitment. This Auto Loan Calculator is designed to give you a precise estimate of your monthly payments by factoring in not just the vehicle price, but also sales tax, trade-in values, and your down payment.
To get the most accurate result, ensure you have the current Annual Percentage Rate (APR) offered by your lender and know the sales tax rate for your specific location (state and county).
Understanding the Key Components of Your Car Loan
When financing a vehicle, several variables impact your wallet. Understanding these can help you negotiate a better deal:
1. Loan Term (Length)
The loan term is how long you have to pay back the loan, typically measured in months (e.g., 60 months).
- Shorter Terms (36-48 months): Higher monthly payments, but significantly lower total interest costs.
- Longer Terms (72-84 months): Lower monthly payments, but you will pay much more in interest over the life of the loan. You also risk becoming "upside down" on the loan (owing more than the car is worth).
2. Interest Rate (APR)
Your credit score largely determines your APR. A lower score means a higher rate, which increases your monthly payment and total loan cost. Even a 1% difference can save or cost you hundreds of dollars over several years.
3. Trade-In and Down Payment
Putting money down or trading in an old vehicle reduces the Principal Loan Amount. This reduces the amount of interest calculated daily on your balance. In many states, the value of your trade-in is also deducted from the vehicle price before sales tax is calculated, providing an additional tax saving.
How Is the Monthly Payment Calculated?
This calculator uses the standard amortization formula to determine your payments:
M = P [ i(1 + i)^n ] / [ (1 + i)^n – 1 ]
- M: Total monthly payment
- P: Principal loan amount (Price + Tax – Down Payment – Trade-in)
- i: Monthly interest rate (Annual rate / 12)
- n: Number of months
SEO & Financial Tips for Car Buyers
Before signing papers, always follow the 20/4/10 rule: Try to put down at least 20%, finance for no more than 4 years, and keep total transportation costs under 10% of your monthly income. Using this auto loan calculator helps you verify if a specific car fits within these healthy financial boundaries.