Reverse Auto Loan Calculator
Enter your target payment to find the maximum vehicle price that fits your budget, including down payment, interest, taxes, and fees.
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How Much Car Can You Afford?
Max Vehicle Price
$13,615
Includes taxes (6.25%) and fees ($500).
Loan Amount
$11,533
Monthly loan payment: $230.
Total Upfront Cash
$2,582
Down payment: $1,281.
Ownership Cost / Month
$550
Includes loan payment + insurance + maintenance + fuel.
Monthly Budget
Tip: Keep total car costs under 10-15% of take-home pay. Adjust insurance and maintenance inputs to get realistic monthly burden.
Upfront Cash Required
Plan for taxes and fees on top of your down payment. Some states require taxes upfront; others allow rolling into the loan.
Budget Inputs
Affordable Car Buying Tips
Stay Under Budget
- Keep total car costs < 15% of take-home pay.
- Never stretch loan terms beyond 60 months if possible.
- Consider total cost of ownership—not just the monthly payment.
Optimize Loan Terms
- Improve credit score before applying to secure lower APR.
- Down payment of 10-20% helps avoid negative equity.
- Compare credit union rates against dealer financing.
Reduce Running Costs
- Shop insurance quotes annually to lower premiums.
- Consider hybrid or EV for lower fuel spend if commute is long.
- Automate saving for maintenance to avoid surprises.
🚗 Transportation & Vehicle Data Sources
• Average annual cost: $12,297 ($1,025/month) for 15,000 miles/year
• Small sedan: ~$8,500/year
• Medium SUV: ~$12,000/year
• Pickup truck: ~$13,500/year
• Includes depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, registration, financing
→ Source: AAA - Your Driving Costs
• New vehicles typically lose 20-30% of value in the first year
• Average 5-year depreciation across all vehicles: ~45-50%
• Trucks and SUVs with high demand retain closer to 55-60%
→ Source: Car and Driver - Depreciation Analysis
• Hybrids average 40.7% depreciation after 5 years (best retention)
• Gasoline & mixed powertrains average 45.6% depreciation after 5 years
• Battery electric vehicles average 58.8% depreciation after 5 years (worst retention)
→ Source: iSeeCars 5-Year Depreciation Study (2025)
• Historical trend: Plug-in vehicles depreciate faster than conventional vehicles
• Improvements in battery tech are narrowing the depreciation gap
• Used EV pricing is heavily influenced by federal tax credits and rapid tech cycles
→ Source: Argonne National Lab - Residual Value Trends
→ Source: Recurrent Auto - Used EV Buying Report
• Up to $7,500 tax credit for new EVs
• Up to $4,000 for used EVs (price cap $25,000)
• Income limits apply: $300k joint, $225k head of household, $150k single
• Vehicle must meet domestic assembly and battery component requirements
→ Source: IRS - Clean Vehicle Credits
• Regular gasoline: $3.10-3.60/gallon (national average)
• Diesel: $3.50-4.20/gallon
• Electricity for EVs: $0.11-0.16/kWh (home charging), equivalent to $0.80-1.20/gallon
• At 12,000 miles/year: Gas car (25 mpg) = $1,680/yr | EV (3.5 mi/kWh) = $620/yr
→ Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
• Full coverage: $2,008/year ($167/month) national average
• Minimum liability: $622/year ($52/month)
• Varies significantly by state, age, driving record, and vehicle
→ Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
• Average annual maintenance/repairs: $1,186 per vehicle
• EVs: ~40% lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer brake repairs)
• Luxury vehicles: 1.5-2x higher maintenance than economy cars
→ Source: AAA - Vehicle Maintenance Costs
• ~30% of new vehicles are leased (down from 35% pre-pandemic)
• Average lease: $578/month for 36 months
• Typical lease mileage allowance: 12,000-15,000 miles/year
• Excess mileage fees: $0.15-0.30 per mile over limit
→ Source: Edmunds - Leasing Statistics
Note: Transportation costs vary widely by location, vehicle type, and usage. Urban dwellers may save significantly by using public transit or rideshare instead of owning.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This Reverse Auto Loan Calculator provides estimates for educational and informational purposes only. Actual results may vary significantly based on individual circumstances, market conditions, regulatory changes, and other factors beyond the scope of this calculator.
The calculations and projections provided are based on assumptions and historical data that may not reflect future performance.Past performance does not guarantee future results.
This tool is not financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or investment advice. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult with qualified professionals including:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for tax matters
- Licensed attorney for legal matters
- Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) for investment decisions
Data Accuracy: All data sources, statistics, and rates were verified as accurate as of October 2025. Tax rates, market conditions, and other financial data change over time. Always verify current rates and consult official sources.
No Warranties: While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Use this tool at your own risk.