Free Car Finance Calculators
Affordability · Refinance · Lease · Trade-In · Gas Cost · Sales Tax

Data-driven auto loan tools to help you calculate your car budget, refinance savings, lease payments, trade-in equity, and more. No signup, no data collected, 100% free.

Updated July 2026 · Data sourced from Edmunds, Experian & Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
✓ No Signup Required ✓ No Data Collected ✓ 100% Free ✓ HTTPS Secure

All Car Finance Calculators

Choose a tool below to get started. All calculators are free, private, and require no signup.

🚗

Car Affordability Calculator

How much car can you afford? Enter your income, debt, and loan terms to find your safe car budget.
🔄

Auto Refinance Calculator

See if refinancing saves you money. Compare monthly payments and find your break-even point.
📄

Car Lease Calculator

Calculate monthly lease payments, money factor, and total lease cost.
🔁

Trade-In Equity Calculator

Find out how much equity you have in your current car and what it's worth.
🆚

New vs. Used Cost Comparison

Compare 5-year total cost of new vs. used cars including depreciation, maintenance, and gas.
⛽

Gas Cost Comparison

Compare fuel costs between vehicles based on MPG, annual mileage, and gas prices.
📊

Car Budget Guide

Plan your total car budget including payment, insurance, fuel, and maintenance.
🛡️

Gap Insurance Calculator

See if gap insurance is worth it based on your loan balance and car value.
🗺️

State Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate auto sales tax for all 50 states with current tax rates.

🆚 New vs. Used vs. Lease — 5-Year Cost Comparison

See the total 5-year cost of each option. Assumes 12,000 miles/year, 60-month loan for purchase options.

Factor New Car (Purchase) Used Car (Purchase) Lease
Down Payment $3,000 – $5,000 $1,000 – $3,000 $0 – $3,000
Monthly Payment Higher (new car loan) Lower (smaller loan) Lowest (often 30–40% lower)
Maintenance (5 yr) $3,000 – $5,000 (warranty covers some) $6,000 – $10,000 (out of warranty) $0 – $500 (warranty + lease terms)
Depreciation ~20% first year, then ~15%/yr Slower (already depreciated) No equity built
Mileage Limit None None Usually 12K/yr (fees for excess)
Total 5-Year Cost Purchase price + interest + maintenance Purchase price + interest + higher maintenance 60 lease payments + fees (no equity)
Best For… Long-term ownership (7+ yrs) Best overall value (2–6 yr ownership) Drivers who like new cars every 3 yrs

Frequently Asked Questions

Financial experts recommend the 20/4/10 rule: put at least 20% down, finance for no more than 4 years, and keep total car expenses (payment, insurance, gas, maintenance) under 10% of your gross monthly income. Our Car Affordability Calculator uses a 15% cap on just the monthly payment relative to your income, which is a conservative and safe guideline.
In 2026, borrowers with a FICO score of 720+ typically qualify for the best auto loan rates (around 5–7% APR for new cars). Scores between 690–719 get near-prime rates (7–9%). Subprime borrowers (580–629) may pay 12–18% APR. We recommend checking your score before applying and shopping around for the best rate.
Refinancing is worth it if you can lower your APR by at least 2 percentage points and you plan to keep the car past the break-even point (refinance fee ÷ monthly savings). Our Auto Refinance Calculator shows your exact break-even month. If you break even within 12–18 months, refinancing is usually a smart move.
We calculate your maximum affordable car price by: (1) Taking 15% of your monthly after-tax income, (2) Subtracting your existing monthly debt payments, (3) Using that maximum monthly payment to work backward to the loan amount based on your interest rate and loan term, (4) Adding your down payment and trade-in value, and (5) Backing out estimated sales tax and fees. The result is the highest car price you can safely afford.
Leasing typically offers lower monthly payments and lets you drive a new car every 2–3 years, but you build no equity. Buying builds equity and has no mileage limits, but monthly payments are higher. Leasing makes sense if you drive less than 12,000 miles/year and like driving newer models. Buying is better if you keep cars for 6+ years or drive a lot.
As of 2026, the following states do not charge state sales tax on vehicle purchases: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. However, you may still pay local fees, registration, or documentation charges. Check our State Guides for detailed tax info in your state.
Disclaimer: These calculators provide estimates for educational purposes only. Actual loan terms, rates, and taxes vary by lender, state, and individual credit profile. Always consult with a qualified auto finance professional before making financing decisions. Data sources: Edmunds, NADA Guides, Experian, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Official Auto Finance & Vehicle Ownership Reference Sources

Related Household Budget Calculators For Car Buyers