1. Set the ceiling
Start with the affordability calculator before shopping so the payment target cannot drift.
FREE CAR-BUYING TOOLS
Make every number prove itself.
Use the dealer's actual figures. Each calculator isolates one part of the transaction so a low monthly payment cannot hide an expensive deal.
Out-the-door calculator
Combine price, discount, taxes, fees, trade equity, down payment, APR, and term in one complete deal.
Build the full deal →Auto-loan comparison
Compare two APR and term combinations by monthly payment, total interest, and lifetime cost.
Compare two loans →Negative-equity calculator
See how much old debt is carried into a new loan and what interest makes it cost over time.
Check a trade →Dealer-fee impact
Turn doc fees and add-ons into their real payment impact and financed lifetime cost.
Review the fees →Car-affordability calculator
Work backward from a firm monthly ceiling to an estimated maximum vehicle price.
Set a price ceiling →Buyer guides
Understand out-the-door pricing, optional add-ons, negative equity, and the paperwork to review.
Read the playbook →Use the tools in this order
2. Build the deal
Enter the full buyer's-order figures in the out-the-door calculator and separate every charge.
3. Compare financing
Run the dealer offer against a bank or credit-union quote using the exact same amount financed.