Car loan guides
Short, worked explanations of the numbers in a car financing offer. Every figure is calculated with the same formulas as the calculator.
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How to find the interest rate in a car loan offer
When an offer only gives you the monthly payment, the rate is still in there. Here is how to get it out.
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APR vs. interest rate on a car loan
Monthly, nominal, effective and APR: what each one means and which to compare.
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60 vs. 72 vs. 84-month car loans: what a longer term really costs
Lower payments, more interest and a balance that falls more slowly — in numbers.
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How the down payment changes your car loan
What each extra thousand up front does to the payment and the total interest.
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Dealer financing vs. a bank or credit union loan
Where each loan comes from, why the rate can differ, and what one percentage point is worth.
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Car buying fees explained: tax, title, doc fees and add-ons
The costs on top of the price, and what they cost you when they're rolled into the loan.