Car Financing Guide

The price of a car and what it actually costs are two different numbers. We'll help you see the real cost, and how you can lower it.

Find the Right Place to Start

Or start with one of these:

Average New Car APR

New Car Loans Are Averaging 7.8% APR

That could mean stretching your $35,000.00 loan to 72 months would save $96.08 a month but would still cost $1,556.13 more in the long run.

That could mean stretching your $35,000.00 loan to 72 months would save $96.08 a month but would still cost $1,556.13 more in the long run.

60 months

$706.16

/month

72 months

$610.08

/month

Interest paid over the life of the loan:

60 months - $7,369.69 total interest

72 months - $8,925.82 total interest

$0$3,000$6,000$9,000
Run My Numbers

Assumes $35,000.00 financed, no down payment, no taxes or fees. Rate updated Aug 21, 2026.

Finance Tools & Resources

Every calculator, guide, and cost breakdown in one place.

What Can I Afford?

Run the numbers on a loan, a budget, or a lease before you commit to anything.

Car Loan CalculatorAffordability CalculatorLease Calculator

The Real Cost of Car Ownership

See what a car will actually cost you beyond the price tag.

Cost to OwnCar DepreciationInsurance Costs

Get Informed, Find Deals

Get up to speed on financing, then find the best deals available right now.

Car Financing 101Incentives & Deals

Before You Buy

A little prep goes a long way before a vehicle purchase.

Check Your Credit Report for Free

See your credit report and FICO Score to understand how lenders may view you before you apply.

Get My Free Report

Get Pre-Qualified

See if you pre-qualify for an auto loan without affecting your credit score.

See If I Pre-Qualify

Get Extended Warranty Coverage

Protect yourself from unexpected repair costs once your car's manufacturer warranty runs out.

Get a Free Quote

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FAQs

How can Kelley Blue Book help me with car financing?

Kelley Blue Book brings together the data, deals and tools you need to finance a car with confidence. Our auto loan calculator lets you estimate a realistic monthly payment based on your loan term, down payment and interest rate, so you know what to expect before you talk to a lender. Pair that with our car financing resources, which cover everything from comparing loan offers to understanding how your credit score affects your rate, and you have a clear, data-backed path to a financing decision you can feel good about.

What data does Kelley Blue Book have that can help me researching car loans?

To help you make informed, confident decisions about car loans, we use data based on current:
  • Rates
  • Incentives
  • Deals
  • Depreciation Values
  • Five-Year-Cost-to-Own Figures
  • Car Loan Calculators
  • Insurance Costs

How does Kelley Blue Book help me find incentives or deals on a car?

Each month, our editors hand select the top ten best car deals available to car shoppers. Additionally, Kelley Blue Book offers monthly deals and incentives by car brands.