True cost of a car

Payment plus depreciation, insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

Quick answer: This calculator adds depreciation, interest while you own the car, insurance, and fuel to a loan payment. The sample rate is an example, not a lender sheet. Selling before the loan ends uses the remaining balance so principal is not counted twice.

Price Down Rate % Loan years Years owned Insurance / yr Fuel / mo Residual

True cost is depreciation (price − resale) plus interest while you own the car, insurance, and fuel. Selling before the loan ends adds the remaining balance and subtracts resale, so principal is not counted twice. The rate is whatever you type — 7.2% is an example, not a lender sheet. Educational only.

What this means for you

What this means for you: the true cost is larger than the loan payment. Depreciation is price minus the resale you typed. A low payment on a long loan can still be an expensive car if resale is weak.

How to use this calculator

Open the Car cost calculator and keep the sample numbers or replace them with your own. The result updates as you type.
Read the headline figure first, then the breakdown or chart under it.
Use Copy share link if you want those inputs in the URL. The page is an educational estimate, not a filing, approval, or recommendation.

FAQ

What is the true cost of a car here?

Depreciation plus interest, insurance, and fuel over the years you keep it, with the remaining loan handled if you sell first.

Is the payment the cost?

No. The payment is one line. Depreciation and insurance often rival it.

Is the sample rate a current auto APR?

No. It is an example. Type the rate on your contract.

Educational, not financial advice. Page updated October 24, 2026 — no tax, limit, or rate figure was changed in this review.