Access to reliable transportation is a necessity in modern America, although the car-buying process may be intimidating to some. Buying a car is a significant investment, and for many first-time car buyers, it can require moderate to substantial amounts of financing. By having a solid understanding of available financing options and how they work, car buyers can make a better-informed decision that closely aligns with their budget and lifestyle.
In this blog, we'll discuss types of auto loans and financing options available, along with their advantages and disadvantages, to help simplify car buying. We'll also touch on how a buyer's credit score can affect auto loan options, the best car-buying strategies, and the steps necessary to finalize an auto loan. With a better understanding of the financing options available and by taking the time to research and compare them, car buyers can choose the option that best fits their needs.
Types of Auto Loans
Several types of auto loans are available for buyers who need to finance their purchases. The best way to ensure you don't wind up expensive monthly payments or a pile of debt is to understand how each loan works and how it would fit into your budget.
One common type of auto loan is a secured loan. Secured loans are loan agreements that require collateral (often, the car itself is considered collateral) and generally have lower interest rates than unsecured loans. However, the lender may repossess the vehicle if the borrower defaults.
Unsecured loans, on the other hand, do not require any collateral. Because of this, unsecured loans usually have higher interest rates than secured loans. Unsecured loans are also generally more difficult to have approved, especially for applicants with poor credit scores or creditworthiness.
There are also new car loans and used car loans for prospective buyers. New car loans often have lower interest rates than used ones, but the loan term is usually longer. Conversely, used car loans have higher interest rates and shorter terms.
Another potential option for new car buyers is a lease agreement. With a lease agreement, the borrower rents the vehicle for an agreed-upon period of time and then returns it or purchases it at the end of the lease. Lease agreements typically require lower down payments and monthly payments throughout the lease, but the larger the down payment, the lower the monthly payments will be.
Refinancing an existing car loan can be a useful option for some buyers. Refinancing can help lower the interest rate and monthly payment, making the loan much more manageable for the borrower. However, refinancing is generally only an option for borrowers who have already paid off most of their original loan.
Car Buying Financing Options
When it comes time to finance a vehicle, a few options are available – dealership financing, bank loans, and credit unions.
Dealership financing is the most convenient because it allows buyers to finance the purchase directly through the dealership. In some cases, dealerships may also provide special incentives like zero-percent financing or special cashback offers. Although sometimes dealership financing may have higher interest rates and fees, buyers must be savvy and read through the fine print to prevent the dealership from trying to upsell add-ons or other features that you might not need.
Bank loans are another popular financing option and are fairly convenient to obtain. Bank loans often have lower interest rates than dealership financing but may have more rigorous credit score requirements. Bank loans also allow car buyers to know exactly how much they can afford to spend on a vehicle before shopping. However, sometimes the application process for a bank loan can take longer than dealership financing, and the bank will likely require additional documentation to facilitate the loan.
Credit unions are nonprofit organizations that offer loans to their members for various large purchases – including auto loans. Credit unions generally offer the best interest rates compared to traditional banks and dealerships and provide more personalized service. Something to consider is that credit unions may have membership requirements that not everyone would qualify for. Additionally, credit unions may not offer incentives or financing options like dealerships or banks.
When comparing and contrasting these options, car buyers can better understand how much they can afford and what a realistic, beneficial solution might look like. While dealership financing may be convenient, prospective car buyers must compare the interest rates and fees with bank loans and credit unions. By conducting a little extra research, car buyers can get the best deal possible.
Credit Scores and Auto Loans
Credit scores are a significant contributing factor in the realm of auto loan options. Essentially, a person's credit score is a numerical representation of their creditworthiness or financial history. When someone applies for an auto loan, lenders will check the borrower's credit score to determine the likelihood that the borrower will repay the loan. Higher credit scores usually mean borrowers can secure a lower interest rate, while lower credit scores may result in higher interest rates or loan application refusal.
There are a number of ways people can improve their credit scores and increase their chances of accessing better financing options. One of the most important factors contributing to a person's credit score is their ability to pay bills on time each month. Late or missed payments can significantly lower a person's credit score, especially if they are a recurring issue.
Additionally, individuals must regularly check their credit scores, report any errors, or dispute any inaccuracies that may negatively impact their scores. By improving your credit score, you can increase your chances of securing a better deal on your next car purchase while reaping the benefits of lower interest rates.
Car-Buying Strategies
When it's finally time to buy a car, there are several strategies car buyers can utilize to help ensure they get the best deal possible. One strategy that sometimes gets overlooked is price negotiation. By researching the fair market value of the vehicle you wish to buy, you can better understand what a good deal looks like. Consider bringing a printout of comparable listings, and don't be afraid to show that you've done your homework.
Another invaluable strategy is researching the vehicle history, although this only applies to buying pre-owned vehicles. Request a vehicle history report to ensure the car has not been in major accidents or needs significant repairs. Car buyers may also want to go for a test drive and conduct a thorough visual inspection of the vehicle to ensure everything is in good working condition.
It may also help to wait until a local dealership has special deals or is trying to unload inventory toward the end of a calendar year. In these instances, salespeople may be more willing to cut a deal to move inventory off the lot, allowing you to reap the benefits of a deal you might not otherwise have access to.
Overall, conducting your own research and preparing before buying a car is hugely important. You can save hundreds if not thousands on your next vehicle purchase by negotiating the price, inspecting the vehicle history, and determining when the best time of year is for auto sales.
Choosing the Best Auto Loan for You
Once it's time to finalize an auto loan, the borrower must read and understand the loan terms and conditions and sign the contract. People new to the car buying process should take their time and ask any questions if they are unsure about anything in the loan agreement. Be sure to understand your interest rate, repayment terms, your monthly payment, and any other fees associated with the loan.
Additionally, comparing loans from multiple lenders and considering the relative terms, interest rates, and fees is important. You are well within your rights to negotiate with lenders and ask for better terms, and oftentimes lenders will bend somewhat from their initial offer.
After determining the best loan for your needs, sign the contract and file a copy into your records. Ensure you make payments on time and in full each month to avoid late fees and other negative ramifications, and you are all set.
Get a Car that Fits Your Lifestyle
While buying a car can be a daunting endeavor, prospective buyers can prepare by researching and understanding all the options available. Whether you choose dealership financing, bank loans, or credit union loans, you want to be sure that the deal you negotiate fits your budget while still addressing your transportation needs.
If you want a new or pre-owned vehicle, consider applying for a Philadelphia Federal Credit Union membership. As a credit union, PFCU offers competitive auto loan rates and personalized service to help you get the best deal possible.