Rebate vs Low APR Calculator — Which Auto Loan Offer Saves More?
At the dealership choosing between a cash rebate and 0% APR financing? Enter your deal to see which option costs you less over the full loan term — the math often surprises.
This is an educational estimate, not tax, legal, investment, or lending advice. Tax rules, rates, and eligibility change and depend on your full situation. Confirm with a qualified professional or the provider before acting.
Coach Insight
Dealers love to offer 'choose your incentive' — usually a $2,000-5,000 cash rebate OR 0% financing for 60-72 months. They look comparable, but the math often makes one option meaningfully better. As a rule: 0% APR wins on long-term loans with small rebates; cash rebates win on short-term loans with weak promo rates. This calculator tells you which applies to your specific deal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know.
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Why This Matters
Dealers love to offer 'choose your incentive' — usually a $2,000-5,000 cash rebate OR 0% financing for 60-72 months. They look comparable, but the math often makes one option meaningfully better. As a rule: 0% APR wins on long-term loans with small rebates; cash rebates win on short-term loans with weak promo rates. This calculator tells you which applies to your specific deal.
How to Use It
- 1Enter the vehicle price (after any down payment)
- 2Pick the loan term
- 3Enter the rebate amount the dealer is offering
- 4Enter the standard APR (the rate you would pay WITHOUT the promo)
- 5Enter the promotional APR (often 0% or 1.9%)
- 6See the total cost of each path and how much you save by picking the better one
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