news ARTICLE, 25 OCTOBER 2024 | Last Modified: 21 NOVEMBER 2024

How to Accurately Calculate a Car Loan Simulation

Calculating a car loan simulation is crucial before deciding to purchase a vehicle with a loan. With a simulation, you can estimate your monthly payments, loan terms, and total payments, making it easier to budget and avoid financial problems later. How do you accurately calculate a car loan simulation? Let's discuss the steps and factors you must consider to make an informed decision.

How to Calculate a Car Loan Simulation

If you decide to buy a car on credit, one important question is how to calculate the total cost of the loan. Here's a complete guide to help you estimate your car loan simulation and other important information.

1. Choose Your Car

The first step in a car loan simulation is choosing a car that suits your needs and budget. Many dealers and lenders, like TAF, offer various new car options with different specifications and prices. Choose the car that best suits you, then calculate the loan.

2. Calculate the Down Payment

A down payment is the initial payment you make. Typically, down payments range from 20-30% of the car's price, although some lenders may offer lower percentages. The larger your down payment, the smaller your loan principal and monthly payments will be. 

For example, if the car you want to buy costs Rp400,000,000 and you pay a 20% down payment, the calculation would be: 

20% x Rp400,000,000 = Rp80,000,000

3. Choose Your Loan Term

After determining the down payment percentage, you must choose the loan term. The loan term is the repayment period, typically 12 to 60 months. TAF offers flexible loan terms to suit your monthly financial capacity. 

Note that shorter loan terms will reduce the total interest paid but increase your monthly payments. Conversely, longer loan terms will decrease your monthly payments but increase the total interest cost.

4. Calculate the Loan Principal

After the down payment and loan term are determined, the next step is calculating the loan principal, which is the total car price minus the down payment. Using the example above: 

Loan principal = Rp400,000,000 - Rp80,000,000 = Rp320,000,000 

This is the amount that will be the basis for your monthly payments.

5. Calculate the Interest Rate

Since a car loan involves financing, you must consider the applicable interest rate. The interest rate is calculated based on the loan principal, interest rate, and loan term. 

For example, with a 7% interest rate and a 3-year (36-month) loan term, the interest calculation would be: 

Interest = Loan principal x Interest rate x Loan term Interest 

= Rp320,000,000 x 7% x 3 years 

= Rp67,200,000

6. Calculate the Monthly Payment

The monthly payment is calculated by adding the loan principal and interest and dividing it by the number of months in the loan term. 

Using the same example:

Monthly payment = (Loan principal + Interest) / Loan term in months Monthly payment 

= (Rp320,000,000 + Rp67,200,000) / 36 = Rp10,755,555 

This is the amount you need to pay each month.

7. Calculate Insurance and Administrative Fees

Insurance is often a mandatory part of a car loan to protect the vehicle. The premium depends on the car's value and the insurance company's policy. 

For example, if the insurance is 10% of the car's price: 

Insurance cost = 10% x Rp400,000,000 = Rp40,000,000 

You may also have to pay administrative fees, which can vary. For example, if the administrative fee is Rp3,500,000, the total additional cost would include insurance and administrative fees.

8. Total Upfront Payment

After calculating all components, you can determine the total upfront payment, which includes the down payment, the first month's payment, insurance, and administrative fees. 

For example: 

Total upfront payment = Down payment + First month's payment + Insurance cost + Administrative fee Total upfront payment 

= Rp80,000,000 + Rp10,755,555 + Rp40,000,000 + Rp3,500,000 = Rp134,255,555 

With an accurate simulation, you can better plan your budget and avoid financial difficulties in the future. It's also important to consider your financial capabilities before taking out a car loan. Careful planning will help you enjoy your new car without excessive financial burden. 

Simulate Your Dream Car Loan with TAF's Loan Calculator

TAF provides a practical and easy-to-use loan calculator to simplify your car loan calculations. You enter the car make and model, estimated price, loan term, and down payment, and the loan simulation results will appear accurately in seconds. 

With TAF's Car Loan Simulator, you can compare various loan options based on your needs and financial capabilities. No more manual calculations! Use TAF's loan calculator to get a clear picture before deciding. 

So what are you waiting for? Contact us now and plan your dream car loan more easily!