Know the numbers before you sign.
Enter the numbers from your vehicle deal. We'll show you what's driving the score—and what to look at before you sign.
Calculate Your Deal
You can use approximate numbers. This is a decision-support tool—not financial or legal advice. Your numbers are used to calculate your score in this browser.
- Vehicle selling price
- Out-the-door price
- Trade-in value and exact loan payoff
- Down payment
- Dealer add-ons and fees
- APR and loan term
- Monthly payment
🚙 Vehicle
Important: Vehicle price is the selling price of the vehicle. It is not necessarily the same as the out-the-door price. Ask the dealer for the complete out-the-door price, including taxes, title, registration, fees and add-ons, before signing.
Before entering a market value, compare this vehicle using its exact year, make, model, trim, mileage and condition.
Research the vehicle's value:
These are third-party estimates. Values can differ based on mileage, condition, equipment and local market conditions. Use the results as a reference—not a guarantee.
Enter your best-supported estimate above. Don't use the dealer's asking price as the market value.
💰 Financing
Compare the APR you're being offered with rates available from a bank or credit union. A lower APR can save you significant money over the life of the loan.
Also check the loan term. A longer term can lower the monthly payment, but may increase the total interest you pay.
Compare current auto-loan rates:
Bankrate — Current Auto Loan Rates →
NerdWallet — Auto Loan Resources →
These are comparison resources, not guarantees of the rate you will qualify for. Your credit profile, vehicle, loan term and lender can affect your actual APR.
🔄 Trade-In
Compare your trade-in's value with what you still owe on the old loan. If you owe more than the vehicle is worth, the difference is negative equity and may be added to your new loan.
Ask the dealer to show exactly how your trade-in value, loan payoff and any negative equity are reflected in the final paperwork.
A higher trade-in value does not necessarily mean you're getting a better deal. Look at the complete transaction, including the new vehicle price and financing.
📋 Deal extras
Optional products or services added to the deal. Ask which ones you can decline.
Check the buyer's order to see exactly what each fee is for.
👤 Your affordability picture
🧭 How It Works
Enter your deal numbers
Use the numbers from the dealer's worksheet or your best estimates.
We analyze the deal
The calculator looks at vehicle price, financing, affordability and deal structure.
Review the score
See what's driving the score, along with specific things to review before signing.
Make your own decision
Use the information to ask better questions and decide what you're comfortable with.
📚 Learn the Numbers
APR
APR is the cost of borrowing. We compare it with an estimated benchmark based on vehicle condition and credit profile.
Loan Term
A lower payment can hide a much longer loan and significantly more interest.
Negative Equity
Rolling old debt into a new loan can make the new deal much more expensive.
Add-ons
Optional products can add thousands. Ask what each item costs and whether it is required.
Category Floors
Weak categories retain a small floor so different bad deals do not all collapse to zero.
Critical Red Flags
Certain severe risks can cap the overall score because strengths elsewhere should not completely cancel them out.
🗣️ Questions to Ask at the Dealership
What is the total out-the-door price?
Ask for the complete price, including taxes, fees, add-ons, and other charges.
What is my APR and loan term?
Ask for the exact interest rate and number of months, not just the monthly payment.
How much will I pay in interest?
Ask for the total finance charge and total amount you will pay over the life of the loan.
What are you giving me for my trade?
Ask for the trade-in value and the exact payoff amount on your old loan.
Which add-ons are optional?
Ask what each add-on costs and whether you can decline it.
Can I take the paperwork home to review?
You should be able to review the final numbers before signing.
📋 Deal Worksheet
Enter the numbers from the dealer's worksheet or buyer's order. This tool checks the math and highlights numbers worth reviewing.
Usually listed as the vehicle selling price or cash price.
This is the total price you're being asked to pay before financing, including the vehicle price, taxes, title/registration, dealer fees and add-ons.
Enter the sales tax shown on the dealer's paperwork.
Enter title, registration and tag charges shown on the paperwork.
Enter any other required government charges shown on the paperwork.
Look for the amount the dealer is giving you for your trade.
Find the exact payoff amount for your existing vehicle loan.
Enter the cash you're putting toward the purchase.
Look for optional products or services added to the deal.
Check the buyer's order for dealer or processing fees.
Find the annual percentage rate on the financing disclosure.
Enter the number of monthly payments, such as 60 or 72.
Enter the monthly payment shown on the dealer's paperwork.
This worksheet is a math and review tool. It does not determine whether a deal is good or bad and does not replace reviewing your contract.
About Don't Sign This Yet
We're not here to tell you what to do. We're here to help you understand what you're agreeing to.
This tool organizes the information you enter and highlights areas that appear worth reviewing. It does not guarantee that a deal is good or bad and cannot replace reading your contract or obtaining professional advice.
About the provisional Version 1.0 engine
Version 1.0 uses four categories: Vehicle Deal, Financing, Affordability, and Deal Structure. Each contributes up to 25 points. Category floors and critical score caps are applied after category calculations.