Sometimes buying a new car is something you don’t really want to do, but it’s a necessity. However, it is not always possible to purchase it on your own. This is where a car loan can come to the rescue, which allows you to pay for the vehicle in fixed payments once a month.
That is why it is so crucial to choose the best car loan rate, as it will help you save money over the life of the loan by charging lower interest rates. Such a car loan should feature a simple application process, flexible repayment terms, and a variety of financing options for both new and used vehicles. In today’s article, we will tell you how to choose the most suitable and beneficial car loan with advice from debexpert.com, so keep on reading!
Before looking for the lowest car loan rate, you should prepare in advance and analyze the necessary details that may be required in the loan application process for car finance.
Here are five things to consider:
Some underestimate this factor, but in fact, it is one of the most important, as it directly affects the interest rate. It works as follows: the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate, and vice versa. It is possible to improve your credit rating by paying any outstanding debt. Something like this can quickly increase it.
Do not be deceived by thinking that all lenders are the same because it is not at all the case. You should take a closer look at them. You can get quotes from several lenders. It can be done at your local financial institution or dealership, or you can even check online lenders to find the best rate on offer.
Applicants need to pay a certain amount as a down payment to dealers. If you are willing to pay a higher down payment than your lender requires, then you show that you pose less of a risk to them. In this case, the lender may offer you a lower interest rate than the original one.
Shorter loan terms mean less risk, which is literally key for lenders. Financing over three years instead of five, or four instead of five, will usually give you a better rate. That is, you will pay less over the life of the loan.
However, please note that your monthly payment, in this case, will increase.
If you have a low credit rating, it is recommended to add a guarantor in order not only to apply for a car loan yourself but also to improve the rate you are offered. Having one means you can effectively use their credit score to approve a loan and get a lower rate. That’s because now your guarantor or co-signer is also responsible for repaying the loan in case you don’t.
As mentioned earlier, your interest rate is tied to your credit score. Often, the best rates are reserved for highly ranked applicants, while credit-damaged ones are more likely to receive higher interest rates. Once again, a good car loan interest rate is one that allows you to finance your car with manageable monthly payments for your budget.
According to Forbes’s article, based on each level of credit rating, you can expect these interest rates.
| Tier and Range of Your Credit Score | Average Loan Rate for a New Car | Average Loan Rate for a Used Car |
| Deep subprime
(579 or below) |
14.39% | 20.45% |
| Subprime
(580 to 619) |
11.92% | 17.74% |
| Nonprime
(620 to 659) |
7.65% | 11.26% |
| Prime
(660 to 719) |
4.68% | 6.04% |
| Super prime
(720 or above) |
3.65% | 4.29% |
Both banks and dealerships can offer good terms for car loans. Banks, just like sellers and manufacturers of new cars, can offer the borrower attractive and unique loan products. They may vary depending on your credit score and the general market situation. As an example, the interest rate offered by a car dealer can be zero percent or lower than the current rates offered by banks.
Investopedia recommends not to overlook dealership financing as it can also be helpful for buying a car. When you know your credit score, it will be easier to find the right rate for you from a bank or other lender on the Internet. This decision will help you understand what to expect in the open market and choose the financing option that is most profitable for you.
