Auto Loan Calculator
Calculate your car payment with credit score-based rates, trade-in, down payment, and sales tax. New and used car support.
Average Auto Loan Rates by Credit Score (2025)
| Credit Tier | Score Range | New Car APR | Used Car APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Prime | 781–850 | 4.88% | 7.8% |
| Prime | 661–780 | 6.4% | 9.7% |
| Near Prime | 601–660 | 9.5% | 14.2% |
| Subprime | 501–600 | 12.9% | 18.5% |
| Deep Subprime | 300–500 | 15.85% | 21.9% |
Click a row to apply that rate. Source: Experian Q3 2025.
Auto Loan Market Data (2025)
Auto Loan Formula
M = P × [r(1+r)ⁿ] / [(1+r)ⁿ − 1]P = Price + Tax + Fees − Down − Trade-In🔒 All calculations happen in your browser — no data is stored or sent
Related Tools
Free Auto Loan Calculator — Estimate Your Car Payment
Estimate your monthly car payment with our free auto loan calculator. Enter the vehicle price, down payment, trade-in value, interest rate, and loan term to instantly see your payment, total interest, and total cost breakdown.
Unique features include credit score tier-based rate auto-fill (using Q3 2025 Experian data), new vs. used car toggle, sales tax calculation, and the 20/4/10 rule check. Click any credit tier in the reference table to instantly apply its rate. All calculations run locally in your browser — no data stored, no signup needed.
How to use Auto Loan Calculator
- Select vehicle type — Toggle between New Car and Used Car. This affects the placeholder price and which APR rate is used when selecting a credit score tier.
- Enter vehicle price — Type the total vehicle price including any dealer fees.
- Add down payment and trade-in — Enter your down payment amount and the value of any vehicle you're trading in. Both reduce your loan amount.
- Choose credit score tier — Select your credit range to auto-fill the current average APR, or keep "Custom Rate" and enter your own rate.
- Review results — See monthly payment, total interest, loan breakdown, and check if your purchase follows the 20/4/10 rule.
Features
- Credit Score Tiers — Auto-fill rates from Super Prime (781+) to Deep Subprime (300-500) based on Experian 2025 data
- New/Used Toggle — Switch between new and used car rates and pricing defaults
- Sales Tax Calculator — Automatically adds state sales tax to the loan amount
- Trade-In Support — Subtract trade-in value from the total financed amount
- 20/4/10 Rule Check — Instantly see if your purchase meets the recommended financial guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good interest rate for a car loan in 2025?
Good rates depend on your credit score. Super Prime (781+): 4.88% new, 7.80% used. Prime (661-780): 6.40% new, 9.70% used. The overall average is 6.56% for new and 11.40% for used cars. Rates below the average for your credit tier are considered good. Credit unions often offer rates 1-2% below bank rates.
What is the 20/4/10 rule for buying a car?
The 20/4/10 rule is a financial guideline: put at least 20% down, finance for no more than 4 years (48 months), and keep total transportation costs (payment + insurance + fuel) under 10% of gross monthly income. Following this rule helps prevent being "underwater" on your loan and keeps vehicle costs manageable.
Is it better to get a 60 or 72 month car loan?
A 60-month (5-year) loan is generally better. While 72 months (6 years) gives you a lower monthly payment, you pay significantly more in total interest, and you risk being underwater (owing more than the car is worth) for longer. For example, on a $30,000 loan at 6.56%: 60 months = $588/mo, $5,280 interest. 72 months = $506/mo, $6,432 interest — $1,152 more in interest.
How much should I put down on a car?
The 20/4/10 rule recommends at least 20% down. For a $48,699 average new car, that's about $9,740. A larger down payment reduces your loan amount, monthly payment, total interest, and risk of negative equity. If you can't afford 20%, aim for at least 10% to avoid significant depreciation gap in the first year.