Car Purchase Calculator

Compare buying, leasing, and financing options to make the best decision

Purchase Type

Vehicle Information

$
MSRP or negotiated price
$
Cash or trade-in value
$
Current vehicle value

Finance Options

%
Annual percentage rate
Months
Typical: 36, 48, 60, 72 months
%
Local tax rate

Annual Operating Costs

$
Annual insurance premium
$
Service, repairs, tires
$
Annual fuel costs
Years
Period for total cost comparison
%
Typical: 10-20% per year

Car Buying Tips

Make smart automotive financial decisions with these country-specific insights and strategies.

US Car Buying Guide:

  • Financing: Shop around - banks, credit unions often beat dealer rates
  • Leasing: Good for luxury cars, business use, always-new-car preference
  • Incentives: Manufacturer rebates, 0% APR promotions, loyalty programs
  • Trade-in: Check KBB, Edmunds values before negotiating
  • Insurance: Get quotes before buying, sports cars cost more

Buy vs Lease Decision:

Buy When:
  • You drive more than 15,000 miles/year
  • You want to modify the vehicle
  • You plan to keep the car long-term
  • You want to build equity
Lease When:
  • You want lower monthly payments
  • You prefer always having a new car
  • You drive less than 12,000 miles/year
  • You want warranty coverage

Negotiation Tips:

  • Research: Know the invoice price, not just MSRP
  • Timing: End of month/quarter/year for best deals
  • Separate: Negotiate price, financing, and trade-in separately
  • Pre-approval: Get financing pre-approved from bank/credit union
  • Inspection: Get used cars inspected by qualified mechanic

Car Market Tips:

  • Registration: Title transfer and registration fees apply
  • Insurance: Shop around for best rates, consider deductibles
  • Financing: Credit score affects interest rates significantly
  • Depreciation: New cars lose 20-30% value in first year
  • Maintenance: Budget for regular servicing and repairs