Each quarter we publish the numbers behind our calculators as a standalone study: model output computed from sourced public inputs (Federal Reserve, EIA), with the full dataset as a downloadable CSV. Every input carries its source link and retrieval date. Cite freely with a link (CC BY 4.0) — journalists and bloggers, that's what these are for.
2026
Only 11 of 50 states cap what a dealer may charge for documentation; the rest set no legal ceiling. Where caps exist they run from $85 (California) to $500 (Maryland), a median of $200. Separately, 32 states include the doc fee in the taxable price while 11 exclude it when separately stated. Built from each state's own tax and DMV authorities.
Published 2026-07-18 · Read the study · Download CSV
Q3 2026
Monthly payments and total interest for financed amounts of $20,000, $30,000 and $40,000 across 36–84 month terms, computed with standard loan amortization at the US average new-car APR of 7.47% (FRED, as of 2026-07-17). On a $30,000 loan, stretching from 36 to 84 months cuts the payment from $933 to $460 but raises total interest from $3580 to $8615.
Published 2026-07-17 · Read the study · Download CSV