Example car loan repayment calculation
You enter your loan amount and interest rate into the calculator and choose a 3-year loan term. You get the following results:
- Monthly repayment = $772
- Total loan cost over 3 years = $27,790
We currently don't have that product, but here are others to consider:
How we picked theseTo make comparing car loans even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Interest rates, fees and features across 200+ car loan products and 100+ lenders are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score, the more competitive the product.
Use the calculator below or compare some car loan rates first to see what a good rate looks like.
You can also enter an amount for extra repayments if you are planning to pay off the loan early (and if your car loan allows it).
| Years remaining | Principal remaining |
|---|
You enter your loan amount and interest rate into the calculator and choose a 3-year loan term. You get the following results:
We've run some simple calculations based on example car loans. This illustrates how your loan amount, loan term and the interest rate affect your loan repayments.
These 3 loans are identical except for the interest rate.
| Details | Loan 1 | Loan 2 | Loan 3 |
| Loan amount | $30,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Interest rate | 7% | 9% | 12% |
| Loan term | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Monthly repayments | $595 | $623 | $668 |
| Total cost | $35,643 | $37,366 | $40,041 |
These 3 loans are identical except for the loan term.
| Details | Loan 1 | Loan 2 | Loan 3 |
| Loan amount | $30,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Interest rate | 9% | 9% | 9% |
| Loan term | 3 years | 5 years | 7 years |
| Monthly repayments | $954 | $623 | $483 |
| Total cost | $34,344 | $37,366 | $40,545 |
For a simple way to calculate your repayments with real life car loans, just enter a loan amount and loan term in the table below. You can see monthly repayments for each loan in the last column on the right.
Some lenders let you make extra repayments. But some actually charge you a fee for paying off the loan early. This is more common on fixed rate car loans.
You can check a loan's exit or early repayment fees before you apply.
Some lenders offer car loans with a balloon payment structure. This just means that your monthly repayments throughout the loan will be lower. But at the end of the loan term you'll have to pay off a large lump sum to fully pay off the loan.
This can be a nasty surprise if you don't understand how the balloon payment works.
Sure, a car loan calculator tells you your monthly repayments - but that's only part of the story. To properly budget for a new set of wheels, it's worth looking at the real cost of owning the car over time.
When you're using the calculator above, it's a great idea to factor in the following ongoing costs alongside your repayments:
Even the most efficient car needs fuel or electricity. According to the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), average fuel costs can range from $50 to over $100 per week, depending on what and how you drive. Add that to your monthly car budget.
Car insurance premiums vary based on your age, driving history, car type and even postcode. On average, Australians pay anywhere from $600 to $1,500 per year for comprehensive cover. That's another monthly cost to keep in mind while assessing repayments.
You'll need to register your car and keep up your Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. This can cost several hundred dollars per year and is usually due annually - plan ahead so it doesn't sneak up on you.
All cars require servicing - whether it's every 10,000km or annually. Basic services start at a few hundred dollars but unexpected repairs or tyre replacements can blow out your budget. It's smart to set aside a maintenance buffer.
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