Car Down Payment Impact Calculator
See exactly how every extra dollar down changes your payment and total interest.
Your numbers
Monthly payment
$581
Total interest
$5,866
Saved vs $0 down
$100
per month
Insight — A bigger down payment cuts both the payment and the interest you pay on every future month. Around 20% down also helps you avoid being 'underwater' (owing more than the car is worth) early on.
What if Down payment changes?
| Down payment | Monthly payment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $681 |
| $2,500 | $631 |
| $5,000 · now | $581 |
| $10,000 | $481 |
| $15,000 | $381 |
| $20,000 | $281 |
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Good to know
Clear, practical answers about the down payment impact calculator.
How much should I put down on a car?＋
A common target is 20% down on a new car and 10% on a used car. More down means a lower payment, less interest, and a much lower chance of owing more than the car is worth if you sell early.