Learn how to calculate car loan payments, understand interest rates, and plan your car purchase budget.

Car Loan Calculator

Enter your car details above to calculate your loan payments

How to Use the Car Loan Calculator

Enter Vehicle Price

Input the base price of the car excluding COE. This is the manufacturer's price or dealer's quoted price.

Add COE Price

Include the current COE premium for your car category. Check latest COE prices from LTA.

Set Down Payment

Enter your down payment amount. Minimum is usually 30% of total car price in Singapore.

Input Interest Rate

Enter the annual interest rate offered by your lender. Rates typically range from 2.5% to 8%.

Choose Loan Tenure

Select your preferred loan duration. Longer tenures mean lower monthly payments but higher total interest.

Understanding Car Loan Calculations

Car Loan Formula

Monthly Payment = [P × r × (1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n - 1]

P = Principal loan amount (Total car price - Down payment)

r = Monthly interest rate (Annual rate ÷ 12)

n = Total number of payments (Years × 12)

Example Calculation

Given:

  • Vehicle Price: $80,000
  • COE Price: $95,000
  • Total Car Price: $175,000
  • Down Payment: $52,500 (30%)
  • Loan Amount: $122,500
  • Interest Rate: 2.68% p.a.
  • Loan Tenure: 5 years

Calculation:

  • Monthly interest rate (r) = 2.68% ÷ 12 = 0.0223%
  • Number of payments (n) = 5 × 12 = 60
  • Monthly Payment = $2,189.45
  • Total Interest = $8,867
  • Total Amount Paid = $131,367

Factors Affecting Car Loan Payments

Car Price

Higher car prices result in larger loan amounts and higher monthly payments. Consider your budget carefully.

Down Payment

Larger down payments reduce loan amount and monthly payments. Minimum 30% required in Singapore.

Interest Rate

Lower rates significantly reduce total cost. Shop around for the best rates from different lenders.

Loan Tenure

Longer tenures reduce monthly payments but increase total interest paid over the loan period.

Credit Score

Better credit scores qualify for lower interest rates, reducing overall loan costs.

COE Prices

COE premiums significantly impact total car cost. Monitor COE trends for better timing.

Loan Tenure Comparison

Loan Tenure Monthly Payment Total Interest Total Payment Savings vs 7 years
3 years $3,543 $5,548 $128,048 $8,319
5 years $2,189 $8,867 $131,367 $5,000
7 years $1,625 $13,867 $136,367 $0

*Based on $122,500 loan at 2.68% interest rate

Tips for Better Car Loan Planning

Use Multiple Scenarios

Calculate different combinations of down payment and tenure to find the best fit for your budget.

Factor in Total Ownership Cost

Include insurance, road tax, maintenance, and fuel costs in your budget planning.

Monitor COE Trends

COE prices fluctuate bi-weekly. Time your purchase when COE prices are favorable.

Compare Interest Rates

Even a 0.5% difference in interest rate can save thousands over the loan period.

Additional Car Ownership Costs

Annual Costs to Consider

Fixed Annual Costs

  • Road Tax: $400 - $2,000
  • Insurance: $800 - $3,000
  • Season Parking: $1,200 - $3,600
  • Inspection (older cars): $50 - $100

Variable Costs

  • Fuel: $1,500 - $4,000
  • Maintenance: $500 - $2,000
  • Repairs: $200 - $1,500
  • ERP/Parking: $500 - $2,000

Total Annual Ownership Cost: $4,150 - $18,200

This translates to approximately $345 - $1,517 per month on top of your loan payments.

Pro Tip

Use the 20/4/10 rule: Put down at least 20%, finance for no more than 4 years, and keep total monthly vehicle expenses under 10% of gross income.

Ready to Apply for a Car Loan?

Use our calculator results to compare loan options and find the best car financing deal.