Auto Calculators

Auto Rebate vs. Low Interest Financing Calculator

Dealers often make you choose between a cash rebate and a low promotional interest rate. This calculator works out which one actually costs you less.

Inputs

Vehicle price

Down payment

Cash rebate

Standard rate (with rebate)

Promotional low rate

Loan term (years)

Estimates only. Change any value to recalculate instantly.

Cheaper option Take the low rate saves $39 over the loan

Rebate — payment $574.23

Rebate — total cost $34,454

Low rate — payment $573.58

Low rate — total cost $34,415

Total cost compared

Rebate option $34k
Low-rate option $34k

Loan balance Rebate (standard rate)Low-rate financing

The rebate shrinks the amount financed but you borrow at 7.00%; the promo rate keeps the full price but charges only 2.90%. Rebates usually win on shorter loans, low rates on larger or longer ones.

Balance & interest by yearView table

Year	Rebate balance	Low-rate balance	Rebate interest	Low-rate interest
1	$23,980	$25,965	$1,871	$848
2	$18,597	$19,753	$1,508	$671
3	$12,826	$13,359	$1,119	$488
4	$6,637	$6,776	$702	$300
5	$0	$0	$254	$107

How this calculator works

This calculator runs entirely in your browser — nothing you enter is sent anywhere, and there is no sign-up. Change any input and the result, breakdown, and schedule update instantly.

Rate and cost fields are pre-filled with current benchmarks (Federal Reserve / Freddie Mac via FRED (St. Louis Fed)), so your first result is already realistic — replace them with your own quote to see your numbers. To weigh one option against another, use the loan comparison calculator.

Common questions

Is this calculator free, and do I need to sign up?

Yes and no — it is completely free and asks for no account or personal details. Every calculation happens in your browser, so nothing you type is stored or sent to us.

How accurate are the results?

The math is exact for the inputs you give it, but the defaults are national benchmarks — your real rate, fees, taxes, and insurance will differ. Treat the result as a close estimate to refine with a real quote.