Learn how to get a car loan
Financing a car is a big decision. It’s a considerable investment, and there are lots of different options out there.
But if you want to get a loan, you’ll need to make sure you’re ready for the process.
Here’s how to finance a car and get a car loan.
Find Out How Much You Can Afford
The first step in financing your next vehicle is figuring out what kind of payment you can afford.
If you have bad credit or no credit at all, it may be hard to nd an affordable auto loan offer on the market. But that doesn’t mean you should give up hope entirely! There are some things you can do to improve your chances when applying for loans online.
You might also consider refinancing your current debt into a lower interest rate – this could save you money on monthly payments while still giving you enough cash to cover your new purchase.
Figure Your Monthly Payment
Once you know how much you can afford each month, use our calculator to figure out exactly how many months will pass before you pay off your entire balance. This gives you a better idea about whether you’d qualify for any loan with those numbers.
Shop Around For The Best Interest Rate & Term
There are two main types of loans: fixed-rate and adjustable-rate. Both work similarly, but they come with their pros and cons.
Fixed-Rate Loans
With a fixed interest rate, your monthly payment stays the same throughout the life of the loan. If rates go down over time, so makes your monthly payment.
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On the other hand, adjustable-rate mortgages adjust automatically based on changes in interest rates.
So even though your APR may start low, it can quickly rise as speeds increase.
That means ARMs aren’t always great for people who don’t plan. They often require higher initial payments than fixed-interest loans, making them less attractive when mortgage rates are high.
Adjustable-Rates vs. Fixed Rates
In general, fixed-rate loans provide more stability because they lock in a set amount every month.
Adjustable rates usually allow borrowers to choose between a fixed-term or variable term.
A variable-rate option lets you decide when you want to refinance your loan. That way, you won’t lose money by paying too little interest early on.
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Types Of Auto Loans
When shopping around for an auto loan, keep these factors in mind:
APRs
This refers to annualized percentage rates, meaning lenders calculate the total cost of borrowing using a yearly basis instead of just one month. APRs range anywhere from 2% to 36%, depending on your credit score and financial situation.
Generally speaking, lower APRs equal more significant savings. A 30-year loan at 4% has $1,000 in fees compared to a 22-month loan at 6%. However, both amounts end up being paid back within 24months.
Interest Rate
Your interest rate determines how much extra you’ll pay per year relative to the car’s original price. Inmost cases, the bigger the number, the cheaper the deal.
For example, let’s say you buy a used Honda Civic LX for $16,500. At 3.5%, you’ll owe $19,935 after five years. On the other hand, if you borrow the same amount at 5.8%, you’ll only owe $17,744.
Loan Terms
Loans typically last either three or seven years, although terms vary widely across lenders. Some companies extend repayment indefinitely; others charge penalties for extending the loan past its expiration date.
Checking Credit Score
Most lenders check your FICO score before approving you for a loan.
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The average person should have no trouble qualifying for a standard personal loan — unless they don’t meet specific requirements. Those include having enough income and good credit history.
If you do fall short, alternatives like secured financing offer flexible options and competitive pricing.
Secured lending requires collateral such as real estate or vehicles; therefore, you must be able to put something else at risk to secure this form of debt.
Secured financing also comes with additional charges and restrictions, including prepayment penalties. Check with several lenders before selecting one.
Car Shopping Tips
To determine what kind of loan works best for you, consider the following factors:
Credit History
You probably already know your credit score affects your ability to obtain a new loan. But did you realize your lender might not give you access to all available products?
Some banks limit customers to specific loan programs, while others offer multiple loan options. Find out what kinds of loans are provided through your bank and shop accordingly.
Consider Your Income
Think carefully about how much cash ow you need to make ends meet. You could get approved for a smaller loan amount, but that would mean making larger monthly installments. Or you could take out a larger loan, but then you wouldn’t be eligible for some perks.
Before signing anything, nd out what your lender offers and what you’re required to sign.
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Once you decide which product will work best for you, compare those offerings side by side. Look closely at each option’s APR because it can help you understand whether a particular loan costs more than another.
Remember, higher APRs don’t necessarily translate into better deals. They indicate that borrowers will pay more over time. The key is finding an affordable payment schedule.
Decide Whether You Need Financing Help
A lot depends on where you live. But if you plan to keep your current job longer, look around for dealerships offering 0% financing. These deals usually come with long-term contracts, requiring buyers to first- trade in their old cars.
In addition, many local governments now offer zero percent down home improvement loans. This type of funding allows consumers to build equity without putting any money down.
Financing a Vehicle
When shopping for a new car, use these tips to ensure you receive maximum value when buying.
Shop Around
Don’t assume the dealership closest to your house has the lowest prices. Instead, ask friends and family members who recently bought a similar model.
They likely received discounts based on location, plus they’ve often had experience negotiating with sales people.
Compare Prices Side By Side
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The internet makes researching auto financing easy. Just enter your zip code and search online.
Compare interest rates from different companies and see what fits your budget.
Your next step should involve visiting a few nearby dealerships. Ask them about special promotions they offer. Also, check out used-car lots to see what other people paid for comparable models.
Get Preapproved Before Applying
It doesn’t matter whether you choose to buy a brand-new or preowned vehicle — getting pre approved will save you thousands of dollars in upfront fees.
Preapprovals allow you to estimate payments accurately and avoid costly surprises later. Plus, you won’t waste valuable time applying for financing after receiving approval.
Find Out When Payments Start
Most manufacturers provide estimates for both principal and interest payments. Use this information to calculate your total cost. Then, add up all outstanding debts and subtract that figure from the estimated price. That gives you your net payoff.
This method helps prevent financial stress during the negotiation process. For example, if you’ll owe$5,000 less than the sticker price, why worry about paying off that balance right away?
Use Online Tools To Save Money
Many websites let users input personal data and create customized budgets. Once you log onto the website, start saving automatically.
For instance, Mint lets you set daily spending limits based on income and savings goals.