How to Calculate Interest Rate on a Car Loan

The auto financing process can get a little tricky once you start looking at the finer points of a car loan, but the finance specialists at Mercedes-Benz of North Haven have the loan process broken down for you into simple steps. Learning how to calculate interest rate on a car loan is one of these essential steps to setting a budget, especially if you’re curious how much of your loan is ultimately the result of interest. It’s important to consider a range of loan options and your particular credit as you shop around New Haven, so explore below our team to find how to calculate auto loan interest on your new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz.

A Brief Overview of Interest Rates

When you’re looking to get access to that sleek performance of a Mercedes-Benz with a credit line, the interest rate effectively compensates the lender for incurring risk until you pay off your loan from your Cheshire bank or dealership. Below is a quick introduction to terms you should be familiar with when you’re wondering how to figure interest on a car loan:

• Repayment Amount: With what you pay each month, a percentage of the principal amount will combine with interest. Over time, this will cover the original amount you borrowed.
• Repayment Schedule: A repayment schedule, typically monthly, will help you pay off your loan in a timely manner.
• Loan Term: A shorter term means you’ll pay your loan off faster, which also means you’ll accrue less interest. While a longer term is more affordable because the monthly payment will be lower, you’ll end up paying more in the end. Depending on your ends, you’ll want to consider both and how they’ll affect your interest rate.
• Principal Amount: This is the amount you borrowed originally to purchase your vehicle. Lower this amount by taking advantage of vehicle specials at your dealership.

How to Calculate Interest Rate on a Car Loan: First Payment 

With a few short calculations, the amount of interest you’re compensating for on your first payment can be ascertained simply:

1. Divide your interest rate by the number of payments you will make per year.
2. Multiply that number by your loan balance, which will be the entire loan amount for the first payment. 

How to Calculate Auto Loan Interest: Future Payments

For later payments, it might seem a little trickier, but it’s similarly simple with a just couple of brief steps:

1. Subtract the interest from your latest payment to find out what your principal balance is.
2. Subtract this total from your original principal to find your new balance.

Explore Your Financial Options at Mercedes-Benz of North Haven

If you’re still wondering how to figure interest on a car loan or get the best deal on your favorite Mercedes-Benz, stop by North Haven to chat with our specialists about our price-reduced specials or calculating your prospective payments. Contact us at Mercedes-Benz of North Haven, located just outside of Branford, for all your loan and leasing needs, and schedule a test drive today to get behind the wheel of your Mercedes-Benz for a truly unique driving experience.