The first time you shop for an auto loan can be time-consuming and a little confusing. But, once you know the formula, you’ll be set to save money on car financing for life. Here are some loan basics to get you started:
Evaluate your financial situation. As a first-time borrower, you can’t rely on a credit history to speak for you yet. Still, a record of paying rent and utility bills on time can help you demonstrate your reliability.
- If you have a good credit history, you have plenty of affordable borrowing options. If you made payments late or didn’t fully pay on past loans, you may be required to have a co-signer who would agree to be responsible for the loan should you fail to pay. The same goes if you haven’t borrowed before and have no credit history.
- Compare annual percentage rates (APRs). The APR is the amount lenders charge expressed as a percentage. The lower the APR, the less you will pay in loan interest. Some lenders will give you an APR discount if you make automated payments directly from your checking account. Some will offer a lower rate if you have a down payment. Rates for borrowers with good credit ratings usually are less than those with poor credit ratings. Credit unions also typically have lower APRs than banks.
- Consider buying used. The average cost of a used car is less than half of a new one. Interest rates on new cars generally are lower than on used cars, however, you may have to take out the loan for a longer term to comfortably afford the monthly payments. Buy within your means so you don’t overextend your budget and risk defaulting on the loan.
- Look at insurance. Most lenders will require collision and comprehensive insurance on new and used vehicles. On lower-priced used cars, it actually could be cheaper to take out a somewhat higher-cost personal loan and buy lower-priced insurance.
- Realize the less you borrow, the more you save in loan interest. In most cases applying a manufacturer’s rebate to reduce the amount you need to borrow will be cheaper than taking the dealer loan. Combine a rebate with your credit union’s low loan rate and you may have the best of both worlds. To calculate the advantage, see the rebate calculator.
- A larger down payment gives you a smaller loan payment. If you can afford to put a larger portion of cash down on an auto, the less you will have to borrow and either your monthly payment will in turn be lower or your loan will be paid off sooner.
- Pay off the loan as quickly as you can afford to. Paying a loan off early can save hundreds in interest charges.
- Get your loan pre-approval before shopping. Getting pre-approved can make the buying process go much quicker and also better prepare you for negotiation with the dealer.
- Understand the loan contract. Reading through all that legalese is a chore and takes time, but it’s worth it to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Don’t be reluctant to ask questions—a reputable lender will take the time to help you. A Dutch Point Credit Union loan officer can also help you evaluate a loan agreement from another lender.
