Is the car payment calculator free?
Yes. It is completely free to use, with no signup, no account, and no paywall.
How accurate are the results?
The calculator uses the standard formulas for this kind of math, but real-world results can differ once fees, rounding, rate changes, and provider-specific rules come into play. Treat the output as a planning estimate, not a quote.
Does it stay local?
Yes. The numbers you enter are processed entirely in your browser and never leave your device.
Where does my trade-in go?
Into the down payment field, at its equity value. If your car is worth 8000 and you owe 3000 on it, your equity is 5000 and that is the number to enter. If you owe more than it is worth, subtract the shortfall from your cash down payment, because the field will not accept a negative.
Should I take the longer term for a lower payment?
It lowers the payment and raises the total cost. On the defaults, going from 60 months to 84 cuts the payment from 483.32 to 365.22 but takes total interest from about 3999 to about 5679. It also keeps you underwater for longer, since the car depreciates faster than the loan amortizes.
What happens if the dealer offers 0% financing?
Enter 0 in the rate field. The tool avoids the divide-by-zero and returns principal divided by months, so a 25000 balance over 60 months is 416.67 flat. Bear in mind that 0% deals often replace a cash rebate, so the true comparison is against the rebate plus a normal rate.
Can it compare buying against leasing?
No. A lease payment is driven by depreciation over the term plus a money factor on the residual, which is a different calculation entirely. This tool only amortizes a purchase loan.
Does it include insurance and running costs?
No. It is the finance payment alone. Insurance, fuel, registration, tyres, and maintenance are all real monthly costs of owning the car and none of them appear here.