Calculator

True Cost of a Car Calculator

Financing, cash, or leasing? Compare the real cost of each over the same number of years, including what the car is worth at the end.

Vehicle price

Down payment

Loan rate (APR)

Loan term

yrs

Monthly lease payment

Amount due at signing drive-off fee, first payment, taxes and doc fees

Lease term

yrs

Insurance, fuel & maintenance monthly, on top of the payment

Years to compare the same period for financing, cash and leasing

yrs

Yearly drop in the car's value new cars often lose 15% to 20% a year in the early years

Assumed investment return if payment goes to investing instead

Total cost of financing

Monthly payment

All three options over 10 years

Finance$0

Pay cash$0

Lease (back to back)$0

If you invested the difference instead

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What happens if you keep the payment? Read what happened when the same car payment kept going for 15 years.

Read the article →

This does not account for resale value, trade-in equity, insurance, fuel, or maintenance differences between paths, which can meaningfully change the comparison. The assumed investment return is a user-adjustable assumption, not a projection or guarantee. This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor or CPA about your specific situation.

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