Car & Auto Calculators
Make smarter vehicle decisions with our comprehensive auto calculators. From car ownership costs and EV vs gas comparisons to leasing, financing, and insurance - plan every aspect of vehicle ownership.
Auto Calculators
Car Buying & Ownership
Car Ownership Cost Calculator
True cost of owning a car
Calculate total cost of ownership including purchase price, insurance, maintenance, fuel, depreciation, and registration over 5-10 years.
EV vs Gas Car Calculator
Electric or gas? Compare lifetime costs
Detailed comparison of electric vs gas vehicles including purchase price, fuel/electricity, maintenance, incentives, and resale value.
New vs Used Car Calculator
Should you buy new or used?
Compare new car depreciation vs used car value. See break-even points and total cost of ownership for new vs used vehicles.
Auto Financing
Car Lease Calculator
Understand your lease payment
Calculate monthly lease payments, total lease cost, money factor, capitalized cost reduction, and residual value. Compare leasing vs buying.
Auto Loan Refinance Calculator
Should you refinance your car loan?
Calculate savings from refinancing your auto loan. Compare current vs new interest rates, see break-even point and total interest saved.
Transportation Alternatives & Optimization
Ride-Share vs Ownership
Own a car or use Uber/Lyft?
Compare total cost of car ownership vs ride-sharing services. Include occasional rentals and break-even analysis.
Car Insurance Deductible Simulator
Choose the right deductible
Compare insurance premiums with different deductibles. Calculate break-even point and optimal deductible for your situation.
Which Auto Calculator Should I Use?
Buying Decisions
| Calculator | Decision | Best For | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV vs Gas | Electric or gas? | Eco-conscious buyers | 8 min |
| New vs Used | New or used car? | Value seekers | 5 min |
| Car Ownership Cost | Which car overall? | Cost comparison | 7 min |
Financing Decisions
| Calculator | Decision | Best For | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Lease | Lease or buy? | Lease consideration | 6 min |
| Auto Loan Refinance | Refinance existing? | Current car owners | 4 min |
Alternatives & Optimization
| Calculator | Decision | Best For | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride-Share vs Own | Car or Uber? | Urban residents | 6 min |
| Insurance Deductible | Deductible amount | Insurance savings | 3 min |
Find Your Perfect Calculator
🚗 Buying a Car?
Not sure if electric or gas?
→ Use EV vs Gas Car Calculator
New or used car?
→ Use New vs Used Car Calculator
Comparing different cars?
→ Use Car Ownership Cost Calculator
💰 Financing Your Car?
Considering a lease?
→ Use Car Lease Calculator
Have existing car loan?
→ Use Auto Loan Refinance Calculator
🚕 Considering Alternatives?
Live in city, questioning car ownership?
→ Use Ride-Share vs Car Ownership Calculator
Optimizing car insurance?
→ Use Car Insurance Deductible Simulator
Frequently Asked Questions
Car Buying Questions
Q: Should I buy new or used?
A: New cars depreciate 20-30% in year 1 but have warranty. Used cars (2-3 years old) offer best value. Use our New vs Used Calculator to compare for specific vehicles.
Q: Electric or gas car?
A: EVs cost more upfront but save on fuel and maintenance. Break-even typically 5-7 years. Use our EV vs Gas Calculator with your driving habits and local electricity rates.
Q: How much car can I afford?
A: General rule: Car payment shouldn't exceed 10-15% of monthly income. Total car expenses (payment + insurance + gas) should be less than 20%.
Q: What's included in total cost of ownership?
A: Purchase price, depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, registration, financing costs. Our Car Ownership Cost Calculator includes all these.
Auto Financing Questions
Q: Should I lease or buy?
A: Lease if you want lower payments and new car every 3 years. Buy if you keep cars long-term (6+ years) and drive more than 12k miles/year. Our Lease Calculator compares both.
Q: When should I refinance my car loan?
A: If interest rates drop 2%+, your credit improved significantly, or you can shorten loan term. Use our Auto Loan Refinance Calculator to check savings.
Q: What's a good car loan interest rate?
A: 2024 rates: Excellent credit (720+): 5-7%, Good credit (680-719): 7-10%, Fair credit: 10-15%. Rates vary by lender and term.
Q: How much should I put down on a car?
A: Minimum 10-20% to avoid being underwater on loan. More down payment means lower monthly payment and less interest. Consider 20%+ for used cars.
EV Questions
Q: Are electric cars worth it?
A: Depends on driving habits and electricity costs. EVs save on fuel/maintenance but cost more upfront. Break-even typically 5-8 years. Use our EV vs Gas Calculator.
Q: How much does it cost to charge an EV?
A: Average $0.13/kWh home charging equals $400-600/year for typical driving (vs $1,500-2,500/year for gas). Public charging costs more.
Q: What about EV tax credits?
A: Federal: Up to $7,500 for qualifying new EVs, $4,000 for used. State incentives vary. Our calculator includes these.
Ride-Share vs Ownership
Q: Is it cheaper to Uber everywhere than own a car?
A: For low-mileage urban dwellers (less than 5,000 miles/year), often yes. Break-even around 7,000-10,000 miles/year. Use our Ride-Share vs Ownership calculator.
Q: What if I need a car occasionally?
A: Factor in occasional car rentals (weekends, trips). Many find hybrid approach works: Uber daily + rent for trips.
Insurance Questions
Q: What car insurance deductible should I choose?
A: Higher deductible means lower premium but more out-of-pocket if you file claim. Our Insurance Deductible Simulator finds optimal balance.
Q: How often do people file car insurance claims?
A: Average driver files claim every 10-12 years. Factor your driving record and risk tolerance into deductible choice.
Auto Statistics (2024)
Car Pricing & Ownership
- • Average new car price: $48,000
- • Average used car price: $27,000
- • Average car loan interest rate: 7.1% (new), 10.7% (used)
- • Average monthly car payment: $726 (new), $533 (used)
- • Average car ownership cost: $12,000/year
- • Average annual miles driven: 14,000
Depreciation
- • Year 1 depreciation: 20-30%
- • Year 3 depreciation: 40-50%
- • Year 5 depreciation: 50-60%
- • New car loses driving off lot: $3,000-5,000
EV vs Gas
- • Average EV price: $55,000
- • EV fuel savings: $800-1,200/year
- • EV maintenance savings: $400-800/year
- • Federal EV tax credit: Up to $7,500
- • EV break-even: 5-8 years
Leasing Statistics
- • Average lease payment: $520/month
- • Typical lease term: 36 months
- • Standard mileage limit: 12,000 miles/year
- • Excess mileage charge: $0.15-0.30/mile
- • Percentage of new cars leased: 30%
Make Your Best Car Decision
Choose the calculator for your situation: