Car Financing Calculator
Compare financing options for your car. Installment loan, leasing and balloon financing. Quick online calculation with examples, fully updated for 2026.
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.
Is the EV vehicle tax exemption still active?
Yes. The 2024 Wachstumschancengesetz extended the exemption for pure electric vehicles through 31 December 2030 (previously end of 2025). EVs are exempt from vehicle tax for 10 years, at most until 31 December 2035.
Guide
Quick Answer
The car financing calculator compares the total costs of different financing methods: cash purchase, instalment loan, balloon financing and leasing.
What is the Car Financing Calculator?
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 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 · E-E-A-T
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
Full methodology at Methodology.
Car & Mobility
Related Calculators
Fuel Consumption Calculator
Calculate the fuel consumption and fuel costs of your vehicle per 100 km. Quick online calculation with examples, fully updated for 2026.
Car Cost Calculator
Calculate the monthly total costs of your car. Insurance, tax, fuel, maintenance and depreciation. Free online, with current rates, CO2 calculation and 2026.
German Traffic Fine Calculator 2026 — Speeding, Parking, Points
Calculate German traffic fines (Bußgeldkatalog 2026): speeding, red light, parking, mobile phone use. With penalty points (Flensburg) and driving ban risk.
Mobile Tariff Calculator
Compare mobile tariffs and calculate monthly costs. Data volume, free minutes and SMS. Quick online calculation with examples, fully updated for 2026.