The Zebra
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Auto loans · CA
Auto loans in California.
Live APRs from 4 nationally-licensed lenders, plus the California sales tax and registration math most dealers won't show you.
7.25%
California sales tax
California base rate is 7.25%; counties can add up to 2.5% more.
4
Licensed lenders shown
All four below are licensed to originate auto loans in California. Local credit unions may also be worth a quote.
$37,538
$35k car · all-in
Total cost after California sales tax on a $35,000 vehicle (before fees / financing).
Auto loan lenders in California.
National lenders, soft pull, no spam. Click a row to expand our editorial review.
Rates as of May 24, 2026
Today's rates
Free to compare · No obligation
| Lender | APR | Min. credit | Loan amount | Term | Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Zebra Compare 100+ insurers | Varies | — | — | — | Reviewed today | |
AutoPay Best refi marketplace | 4.99–17.99% | 560+ | $5K–$100K | 24–96 mo | Reviewed today | |
LightStream Best for excellent credit | 6.94–14.94% | 660+ | $5K–$100K | 24–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
LendingTree Insurance Best multi-quote tool | Varies | — | — | — | Reviewed today | |
Caribou Best for subprime refi | 5.49–17.99% | 580+ | $8K–$80K | 24–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
AutoPay Best marketplace | 5.69–17.99% | 580+ | $5K–$100K | 24–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
PenFed Credit Union Best credit union | 5.24–17.99% | 610+ | $500–$150K | 36–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
LightStream Best for prime refi | 6.49–13.74% | 660+ | $5K–$100K | 24–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
PenFed Credit Union Best credit union refi | 5.24–17.99% | 610+ | $500–$150K | 36–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
Capital One Auto Navigator Best soft-pull pre-qual | 6.99–22.90% | 540+ | $4K–$75K | 36–75 mo | Reviewed today |
AutoPay
Best refi marketplace
Reviewed today
- APR
- 4.99–17.99%
- Min. credit
- 560+
- Loan amount
- $5K–$100K
- Term
- 24–96 mo
LightStream
Best for excellent credit
Reviewed today
- APR
- 6.94–14.94%
- Min. credit
- 660+
- Loan amount
- $5K–$100K
- Term
- 24–84 mo
LendingTree Insurance
Best multi-quote tool
Reviewed today
- APR
- Varies
- Min. credit
- —
- Loan amount
- —
- Term
- —
Caribou
Best for subprime refi
Reviewed today
- APR
- 5.49–17.99%
- Min. credit
- 580+
- Loan amount
- $8K–$80K
- Term
- 24–84 mo
AutoPay
Best marketplace
Reviewed today
- APR
- 5.69–17.99%
- Min. credit
- 580+
- Loan amount
- $5K–$100K
- Term
- 24–84 mo
PenFed Credit Union
Best credit union
Reviewed today
- APR
- 5.24–17.99%
- Min. credit
- 610+
- Loan amount
- $500–$150K
- Term
- 36–84 mo
LightStream
Best for prime refi
Reviewed today
- APR
- 6.49–13.74%
- Min. credit
- 660+
- Loan amount
- $5K–$100K
- Term
- 24–84 mo
PenFed Credit Union
Best credit union refi
Reviewed today
- APR
- 5.24–17.99%
- Min. credit
- 610+
- Loan amount
- $500–$150K
- Term
- 36–84 mo
Capital One Auto Navigator
Best soft-pull pre-qual
Reviewed today
- APR
- 6.99–22.90%
- Min. credit
- 540+
- Loan amount
- $4K–$75K
- Term
- 36–75 mo
APR ranges are sourced from each lender's public site and are updated regularly. Your actual rate depends on credit history, loan amount, vehicle, and state. CarSavr may earn a commission when you apply through our links — it never affects how we rank lenders.
California auto loan FAQ
What's the sales tax on a car in California?+
California applies a sales tax of 7.25% to vehicle purchases. California base rate is 7.25%; counties can add up to 2.5% more.
Are out-of-state lenders licensed to operate in California?+
Yes — all four lenders on this page are licensed to originate auto loans nationwide. Many California drivers can also save by checking local credit unions, which sometimes beat national APRs by 0.5–1 point.
How does California's insurance requirement affect my loan?+
Your lender will require comprehensive + collision coverage at minimum (gap insurance is recommended). Prop 103 prohibits credit-based insurance pricing — clean record matters more here.
Can I deduct auto sales tax in California?+
If you itemize on your federal return, you can choose to deduct state sales tax instead of state income tax. On a $35k vehicle in California, that's a potential ~$2,538 deduction line.