Car Loan Calculator Austria: Calculate & Compare Financing

Advertising Notice: This article contains affiliate links to durchblicker.at. We receive a commission for contracts concluded through these links. The editorial selection and evaluation of the content is not influenced by this.

Calculate Your Car Loan: How It Works

A car loan calculator helps you determine the monthly payment, interest, and total costs for your vehicle financing. Unlike a classic personal loan, car loans have special variants like balloon financing.

Car Loan Types Overview

Financing Type	Monthly Payment	Final Payment	Suitable For
Classic Car Loan	Higher	None	Buyers who want to keep the car
Balloon Financing	Lower	Final payment (balloon)	Flexible buyers
Three-Way Financing	Low	Optional	Those who want all options open
Leasing	Lowest	Return	Business owners, frequent changes

Example Calculation: Car Loan for €20,000

Classic Car Loan

Term	Interest Rate (APR)	Monthly Payment	Total Costs
36 months	4.9%	€591.54	€21,295.44
48 months	4.9%	€460.19	€22,089.12
60 months	4.9%	€376.51	€22,590.60
72 months	4.9%	€320.45	€23,072.40

Balloon Financing (with 30% Final Payment)

Term	Monthly Payment	Final Payment	Total Costs
36 months	€369.72	€6,000	~€21,510
48 months	€287.73	€6,000	~€22,280

Note: With balloon financing, the monthly payment is lower, but a high final payment awaits at the end. Total costs are usually slightly higher.

Dealer Financing vs. Bank Loan

One of the most important decisions: Financing through the dealer or an independent bank loan?

Dealer Financing

Advantages:

• Everything from one source (car + financing)
• Sometimes promotional rates (0% or very low)
• Less paperwork

Disadvantages:

• Often higher interest (6-10%)
• Less negotiating room on purchase price
• Vehicle remains security of the finance company

Bank Loan

Advantages:

• Often lower interest (4-7%)
• Cash buyer discount at dealer possible (3-10%)
• Vehicle belongs to you immediately
• Free choice of dealer

Disadvantages:

• Two contract partners (bank + dealer)
• More paperwork
• Pre-approval needed

Example Calculation: Which Is Worth More?

Car: €25,000 list price

Option	Purchase Price	Interest (48 mo.)	Total Costs
Dealer financing 7%	€25,000	€3,723	€28,723
Bank loan 5% + 5% discount	€23,750	€2,506	€26,256

Savings with bank loan: €2,467!

What Affects Car Loan Interest Rates?

Factors on Your Side

• Creditworthiness (KSV Score): The better, the cheaper
• Income: Higher income = lower interest
• Employment: Permanent better than temporary
• Existing debts: Fewer debts = better conditions

Factors on the Loan Side

• Vehicle type: New cars often cheaper than used cars
• Loan amount: Very small amounts have higher interest
• Term: Longer term can mean higher interest
• Down payment: With down payment often better conditions

Tips for Optimal Car Financing

1. Secure Financing First

Arrange your financing before buying at the dealership. This way:

• You negotiate like a cash buyer
• You won't be pressured
• You know your budget exactly

2. Plan a Down Payment

A down payment of 10-20% reduces:

• The monthly payment
• The interest costs
• The risk for the bank (= better conditions)

3. Don't Forget Additional Costs

When buying a car, additional costs apply:

• NoVA (standard consumption tax): depends on CO2 emissions
• Registration: approx. €200-300
• Insurance: depends on vehicle
• Service/Tires: ongoing costs

Include these in your budget, not in the loan!

4. Optimize Term

• Too short: High monthly burden
• Too long: High total costs, car depreciates faster than loan is paid off
• Optimal: Loan should run maximum as long as the warranty (3-5 years)

5. Examine 0% Financing Critically

"0% financing" at the dealer is often not really free:

• Purchase price is higher (no cash buyer discount)
• Hidden fees possible
• Insurance in the package

Check: What does the car cost with cash payment vs. with 0% financing?

Car Loan for Used Cars

Financing is also available for used cars:

Special Features with Used Cars

• Higher interest: Usually 0.5-1% more than for new cars
• Shorter terms: Recommended max. 3-4 years
• Vehicle valuation: Bank wants to know the value
• Dealer warranty: If available, makes financing easier

Minimum and Maximum Age

• Minimum age vehicle: Usually no restriction
• Maximum age vehicle: Depending on bank 8-15 years
• Minimum value: Often at least €3,000-5,000

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Loans

Is a Car Loan Cheaper Than a Regular Loan?

Often yes, because the vehicle serves as security. Typical: 0.5-1.5% lower interest than with personal loans.

Do I Have to Put Up the Car as Security?

With most car loans, yes. This means:

• The vehicle registration document stays with the bank
• You may not sell the car without consent
• In case of payment default, the bank can sell the car

Can I Pay Off the Car Loan Early?

Yes, that's your right. The early repayment fee is legally limited:

• Max. 1% of remaining balance (for remaining term > 12 months)
• Max. 0.5% of remaining balance (for remaining term < 12 months)

What's Better: Leasing or Loan?

Leasing is better for:

• Business owners (tax advantages)
• Frequent vehicle changes
• Wanting to drive the latest models

Loan is better for:

• Private individuals (no tax advantage with leasing)
• Those who want to keep the car long-term
• Those who want to use their car freely (mileage limit with leasing)

How Much Car Loan Can I Get?

This depends on your income. Rule of thumb: The monthly payment should be max. 15-20% of net income (incl. insurance and running costs).

Conclusion: Calculate Your Car Loan Correctly

1. Compare dealer and bank financing – often the bank loan is cheaper
2. Use the cash buyer discount – negotiate like a cash buyer with bank loan
3. Plan a down payment – reduces payment and interest
4. Choose the right term – max. as long as the warranty
5. Examine 0% offers critically – often hidden costs

Related Articles:

• Loan Calculator Austria
• Loan Interest Rates Austria
• Loan Comparison Austria
• How to Get a Loan in Austria
• Personal Loan Austria

---

Disclaimer: The calculations are for orientation only. The actual interest rate depends on your creditworthiness and the chosen provider. For binding offers, contact the provider.