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California auto loan calculator

Estimated monthly car payment in California

$587/mo

84 months at 7.54% APR · amount financed $38,236

Sales tax 7.25% on $35,000$2,537.50
Dealer doc fee$699.00
⚠ Reported CA doc-fee cap: $85
Total interest$11,091.42
Total cost (price + tax + fees + interest)$49,328

Used car $20k New car $35k $50k truck + $15k trade $30k, 84 months

Loan breakdown

Vehicle price
$35,000
− Trade-in
$0
− Down payment
$0
+ Sales tax (no trade-in tax credit in this state)
$2,537.50
+ Doc fee
$699.00
+ Title/registration
$0.00
= Amount financed
$38,236.50
Monthly payment
$587.24
Total of payments
$49,327.92
Total interest
$11,091.42

Tax is applied to the price minus any allowed trade-in credit; whether doc fees, rebates and add-ons are taxable varies by state and isn't modeled. Assumes the trade-in has no loan balance.

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California car loan, at a glance: state vehicle tax 7.25% (Vehicle purchases taxed at the state general sales tax rate; local taxes may add.) A $35,000 car with $5,000 down over 60 months at 7.54% APR is about $667/mo, financing $33,236 incl. $2,538 tax and the $699 doc fee.

Base sales tax: Tax Foundation, Facts & Figures 2026, Table 18 (State & Local Sales Tax Rates), as of January 1, 2026. APR: Federal Reserve G.19, 60-month new car loan rate at commercial banks (FRED RIFLPBCIANM60NM), August 2026.

California car-buying taxes & fees

State vehicle taxVehicle purchases taxed at the state general sales tax rate; local taxes may add. Confidence: medium.
7.25%
General state sales taxTax Foundation, Facts & Figures 2026, Table 18 (State & Local Sales Tax Rates), as of January 1, 2026. Local taxes may add.
7.25%
Trade-in tax creditBest-effort. Confidence: high.
Not allowed
Doc fee capCalifornia caps dealer document fees (reported $85 for dealers using electronic registration).
$85
Title & registrationVaries by vehicle weight, value, age and county; not reliably sourced for every state, so enter your own estimate.
Editable

Sources & as-of dates

Base sales tax: Tax Foundation, Facts & Figures 2026, Table 18 (State & Local Sales Tax Rates) (as of January 1, 2026).
Vehicle-specific rates, trade-in rules and doc-fee caps: best-effort compilation from state DMV/revenue rules (Best-effort, checked October 12, 2026); e.g. Virginia DMV, Michigan Treasury Form 485, California CDTFA Regulation 1610.
Default APR: Federal Reserve G.19, 60-month new car loan rate at commercial banks (FRED RIFLPBCIANM60NM), 7.54% (August 2026). Data file: state-tax-rates.json.

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FAQ

What is the car sales tax in California?

7.25% at the state level. Vehicle purchases taxed at the state general sales tax rate; local taxes may add. Statewide general sales tax: 7.25% (Tax Foundation, Facts & Figures 2026, Table 18 (State & Local Sales Tax Rates), as of January 1, 2026).

Does California give a sales tax credit for a trade-in?

No. California taxes the full vehicle price; your trade-in lowers what you finance, not the tax. (Best-effort; verify with the state DMV or revenue department.)

Does California cap dealer doc fees?

Reportedly yes, at about $85. California caps dealer document fees (reported $85 for dealers using electronic registration). This calculator defaults to $699, editable.

What is the monthly payment on a $35,000 car in California?

With $5,000 down, no trade-in, the $699 doc fee, 7.25% state tax and 7.54% APR for 60 months, about $667 a month ($6,761 total interest). Local taxes and registration add to this.

Is this financial advice?

No. These are estimates, not financial advice.

Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.