Car Financing Calculator Germany
Cash with a discount, dealer loan or bank loan? Compare monthly payment, interest and total cost of buying a car in Germany and see which option is cheapest.
Cash Payment
Dealer Loan
Bank Loan
| Option | Monthly Rate | Interest | Total Cost | Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Payment | -- | -€1,250.00 | €23,750.00 | Cheapest |
| Dealer Loan | €459.68 | €2,064.66 | €27,064.66 | +€3,314.66 |
| Bank Loan | €363.83 | €1,830.09 | €26,830.09 | +€3,080.09 |
Cheapest Option
Cash Payment
Total costs: €23,750.00
The calculation compares total costs including interest. Cash payment considers a possible discount.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What car financing options are available?
The main options are bank loans, dealer financing, leasing, and balloon financing (Drei-Wege-Finanzierung). Each has different monthly payments, ownership structures, and total costs.
How much car can I afford?
A common guideline is that total car costs (financing, insurance, fuel, maintenance) should not exceed 15-20% of net income. The purchase price should ideally not exceed 3-6 monthly net salaries.
Why does cash payment usually come out cheapest in the comparison?
Because the calculator deducts the cash discount only for cash payment, while the dealer and bank loans are based on the full vehicle price plus interest. With the default values (€25,000 vehicle price, €5,000 down payment, 5% cash discount), cash payment costs €23,750, the bank loan (3.5%, 60 months, instalment €363.83) €26,830.09 in total and the dealer loan (4.9%, 48 months, instalment €459.68) €27,064.66. If you finance through a bank loan, you count as a cash buyer at the dealership and can often negotiate the discount as well – the comparison does not reflect this automatically.
Guide
What is the Car Financing Calculator Germany?
The car financing calculator compares the total costs of different financing methods: cash purchase, instalment loan, balloon financing and leasing.
How does the Car Financing Calculator Germany work?
Enter the vehicle price, down payment and desired term. The calculator compares monthly instalments and total costs of all options. For cash purchase the foregone interest income is considered.
Key Data and Facts
Cash purchase: discount often available. Instalment loan: you own the vehicle. Balloon financing: low instalments, high final payment. Leasing: usage right without ownership.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to compare types of car financing step by step: 1. Calculate a cash purchase: the purchase price minus any cash-payment discount (often 5-15 %). Account for the forgone return on the capital you tie up (e.g. 4 % p.a.). 2. Calculate an installment loan: loan amount = purchase price minus down payment. Monthly installment = loan amount x interest factor. Total cost = the sum of all installments. The vehicle belongs to you immediately. 3. Balloon financing (three-way financing): down payment + low monthly installments + a high final installment. At the end: pay the final installment, refinance it, or return the vehicle. 4. Leasing: a monthly leasing rate for the right of use. No ownership, return at the end. Mileage leasing: a fixed kilometer limit. Residual-value leasing: you bear the risk of depreciation. 5. Compare the total cost: the sum of all payments (including down payment and final installment) minus the vehicle's residual value.
Calculation Example
New car 30,000 EUR, 48 months. Cash purchase (10 % discount): 27,000 EUR. Instalment loan (4.9 %): 690 EUR/month, total 33,120 EUR. Balloon financing: 350 EUR/month + 12,000 EUR final payment = 28,800 EUR. Leasing: 380 EUR/month = 18,240 EUR (no ownership).
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
Car & Mobility
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