Minnesota Car Buying Budget Calculator

By Monthly Payment
By Annual Income
MN gives a sales-tax credit for trade-in value.
Advanced: fees & local tax
MN average is ~$340; state cap is $350.
State rate is 6.875%; some cities/counties add up to ~1.5% more.
Out-the-door price you can afford
$0
Give this number to the dealer — not your monthly payment.
Price breakdown
Financing
Estimate only, not a loan offer or a quote from any lender or dealer. State sales tax (6.875%), title ($8.25), filing ($12), technology surcharge ($2.25), and wheelage tax ($20 in metro counties) reflect current Minnesota DPS/Revenue figures. Registration tax is approximated using the current-vehicle formula (1.54% of price + $10) and will differ from your actual DVS tab renewal, which depreciates by vehicle age and exact MSRP — confirm at drive.mn.gov. Interest rates shown are illustrative credit-union benchmarks, not a live rate feed — verify current rates with your credit union before shopping. Dealer doc fees vary by dealership up to Minnesota's $350 cap.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an out-the-door price?

Out-the-door (OTD) price is the full amount you pay to drive the car home — vehicle price plus sales tax, registration tax, title/filing fees, dealer documentation fee, and any plate or wheelage taxes. CarSoup recommends negotiating with this number, not a monthly payment.

How does Minnesota sales tax work with a trade-in?

Minnesota gives a sales-tax credit for trade-in value. State motor vehicle sales tax is 6.875% of the taxable amount after the trade-in credit. Some cities or counties add local sales tax on top of the state rate.

Are the interest rates in this calculator real offers?

No. The APRs shown are illustrative Minnesota credit-union benchmarks by self-reported credit tier and vehicle condition. They are not a live rate feed or a loan offer. Confirm current rates with your credit union or lender before shopping.

What dealer documentation fee should I use?

Minnesota averages around $340, and state law caps dealer doc fees at $350. Adjust the Advanced settings to match the dealership you are visiting.

What is the Twin Cities metro wheelage tax?

Some Twin Cities metro counties charge a $20 wheelage tax when you title or register a vehicle. Check the Twin Cities metro county box if that applies to you.

Is registration tax the same as my yearly tabs?

This calculator approximates registration tax with the current-vehicle formula (1.54% of price + $10). Actual DVS tab renewals depreciate by vehicle age and exact MSRP — confirm at drive.mn.gov.