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Monthly Payment

Total Interest

Total Payment

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How your used car loan payment is calculated

A used car loan works like a new car loan—fixed monthly installments of interest and principal. Lenders often charge 1–3% more for used vehicles due to higher depreciation risk. Compare with our car loan calculator, auto loan calculator, trade-in calculator, affordability calculator, or main loan calculator.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the loan amount — The principal you plan to borrow.
  2. Enter the interest rate — Use the annual rate your lender quoted.
  3. Enter the term in months — Pre-filled for this loan type; adjust if needed.
  4. Click Calculate — See your monthly payment and total interest.

What affects your payment

Loan term vs monthly payment

How term affects your payment at $18,000 and 8.5% APR:

TermMonthly PaymentTotal Interest
24 months$818$1,637
36 months$568$2,456
48 months$444$3,296
60 months$369$4,158
72 months$320$5,041

See car loan for $20,000 or 60 month auto loan for related tools.

Why use a used car loan calculator

Used car rates run higher than new—this calculator helps you see the real cost before you buy. Know your payment, compare terms, and avoid overpaying. Try our car loan calculator for new vehicles or trade-in calculator if you have equity in your current car.

Frequently asked questions

Why do used car loans cost more?
Lenders charge higher rates because used vehicles depreciate faster and carry more risk. Expect 1–3% more than new car rates.
Is this estimate accurate?
This shows principal and interest. Your lender may round differently or charge fees. Use it for planning; confirm with your lender.
Can I compare different terms?
Yes—change the term in months to see how 48 vs 60 vs 72 months affects your payment and total interest.
Should I get pre-approved before shopping used?
Yes. A bank or credit union pre-approval lets you compare dealer financing and often gets you a better rate on a used car.
Does this include taxes and registration?
No. Enter only the amount you finance. If taxes are rolled in, add them to the loan amount for a truer estimate.
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