Car loan

Calculate the monthly payment and real APR of a loan to finance a car, based on the amount, term, nominal rate, and opening fee.

When should you use this calculator?

This page is specifically designed for financing a car purchase: the fields are pre-filled with an amount and term typical of this type of loan (shorter than a mortgage, but longer than many small personal loans). Adjust the amount, term, and nominal rate offered by the dealership or bank to see your real payment.

Practical example

For €15,000 repaid over 60 months (5 years) at a 7.5% nominal rate and a 1.5% opening fee, the monthly payment is €300.57, with an APR of 8.45% (higher than the nominal rate precisely because of the opening fee) and a total loan cost of €3,259.15 (total paid: €18,259.15).

Practical tips

When financing a car through the dealership itself, always compare the APR (not just the payment or the advertised nominal rate) with a personal loan from a bank: dealership financing sometimes includes mandatory insurance or add-on services that push the real APR above what it appears to be at first glance.

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Frequently asked questions

What term is typical for a car loan?

It usually ranges between 3 and 8 years, shorter than a mortgage since a car is an asset that loses value over time (unlike real estate), and banks prefer not to stretch out financing for a depreciating asset too long.

Is it better to finance a car at the dealership or take a personal loan from a bank?

It depends on the real APR of each offer: dealership financing sometimes includes attractive promotions, but it can also come with mandatory insurance or services that push the APR above a comparable personal loan. Always compare the final APR, not just the payment.

What happens if I want to cancel the car loan early?

Consumer credit regulations allow early repayment, with a possible legally capped fee (typically up to 0.5-1% of the amount repaid, depending on the remaining time). Check your contract's exact terms.

Can I simulate motorcycle financing with this same calculator?

Yes, the logic is the same; you'd just need to adjust the amount and term to what's typical for a motorcycle loan (usually a smaller amount). This site also has a dedicated motorcycle loan page with those values already pre-filled.