Auto Loans For New & Used Cars

 

Auto loan financing is very similar to shopping for any other loan product. You are likely to secure better financing terms if you plan and prepare ahead of making your vehicle purchase. Step one in the process should involve understanding your credit. Taking the time to research your credit scores will help you understand if lenders will offer you terms for excellent, good, average or poor credit scoring.  Your credit score will impact the terms and rates you may qualify for and could impact the vehicle you are able to purchase. Securing your financing prior to finding your new car will position you to negotiate the best terms of the sale.

Financing for a new car is likely to carry different rates and terms than financing a used car. Your loan term is likely to influence your interest rate. The shorter your loan term, the lower your expected interest rate should be. Most lenders are very cautious with rolling negative equity into a new car loan.

In years past, auto manufacturers often were able to provide financing for their perspective customers through their own financial institutions. Companies such as GMAC, Ford & Toyota Motor credit provided a convenient process for car dealers to provide one stop shopping to new car buyers. These companies still offer financing to perspective car buyers, but have significantly tightened their underwriting guidelines following the credit crunch. Consumers who have credit scores in the mid six hundred range have fewer financing options today. A good alternative for consumers to explore auto financing is through a credit union. Credit unions are often more lenient on borrowers who do not have credit scores abve 720.

 

 

Auto Loan News & Advice Articles

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