How We Calculate
We think a finance tool is only as trustworthy as the method behind it. This page explains exactly how movbudget.com produces the numbers you see — the formula our calculator uses, where our vehicle data comes from, and what the results represent. If anything here looks wrong, tell us (see Contact) and we will correct it.
The loan calculation
Monthly payments are computed with the standard fixed-rate amortization formula used by lenders. We start from the amount you actually borrow — the vehicle price, plus any sales tax and fees you enter, minus your down payment and trade-in value. We then apply your APR (converted to a monthly rate) over the number of months in your loan term:
- Loan amount = price + tax + fees − down payment − trade-in
- Monthly rate = APR ÷ 12
- Monthly payment is the level payment that fully repays the loan over the term, with each payment split between interest (on the remaining balance) and principal.
From that we derive your total interest, total amount paid, and a month-by-month amortization schedule. The math is deterministic — the same inputs always produce the same result, and you can verify it against any standard amortization calculator. For the concepts behind it, see auto loan basics.
Where our vehicle data comes from
Each model page is pre-filled with data drawn from primary, public sources:
- Fuel economy (MPG / MPGe): the US EPA's official ratings published at fueleconomy.gov.
- Price range (MSRP): manufacturer and published new-vehicle pricing, expressed as a range across common trims and excluding destination charges.
- Typical APR by credit tier: representative ranges based on prevailing US auto-loan market averages (prime, near-prime, and subprime). These are starting estimates — your actual rate depends on your credit, lender, and the vehicle. See how your credit score affects your rate.
What the results are — and aren't
Every figure on this site is an estimate for planning purposes, not a quote and not financial advice. Real loan offers, prices, taxes, and fees vary by lender, dealer, state, and your personal circumstances. We do not store your inputs, and we are not a lender. Always confirm the actual terms with the lender and the price with the manufacturer or dealer before making a decision.
Keeping figures current
Interest rates and vehicle prices change over time. The typical APR ranges used across the site are current as of June 2026; we review and refresh them periodically so the defaults stay reasonable. Because conditions move, treat any rate you see here as a recent reference point rather than a live market quote.
Corrections
Accuracy matters to us. If you spot a figure that looks off — a price, an MPG rating, or a rate range — email [email protected] and we will check it against the source and fix it if needed.