Should I talk to my bank before buying a car?
Working directly with a bank to discuss financing before you head to the dealership could potentially help you save more money because it allows you to compare interest rates. Securing financing ahead of time also means there's no chance of a dealer increasing the loan rate as compensation for its part in the process.
The primary benefit of going directly to a bank or credit union is that you will likely receive lower interest rates. They can offer more competitive deals because you are borrowing directly from them.
In general, you should strive to make a down payment of at least 20% of a new car's purchase price. For used cars, try for at least 10% down.
- 'I love this car! '
- 'I've got to have a monthly payment of $350. '
- 'My lease is up next week. '
- 'I want $10,000 for my trade-in, and I won't take a penny less. '
- 'I've been looking all over for this color. ...
- Information is power.
It's a good idea to get preapproved for a car loan so you can gauge how much you're eligible to borrow and ensure that you get the best terms possible. You may also be able to get more negotiating power if you decide not to use the dealer to arrange financing.
Or you can do that math yourself—there are tons of resources that can also help with that. Here is an example, if you have a $10,000 personal loan with an interest rate of 6% and a repayment period of 24 months, and plug that into a loan calculator, you would get a monthly payment of $443.
Because of the high interest rates and risk of going upside down, most experts agree that a 72-month loan isn't an ideal choice. Experts recommend that borrowers take out a shorter loan. And for an optimal interest rate, a loan term fewer than 60 months is a better way to go. You can learn more about car loans here.
How much should you put down on a car? A down payment between 10 to 20 percent of the vehicle price is the general recommendation. But if you can afford a larger down payment, you can save even more money on interest payments over the life of the loan.
According to experts, a car payment is too high if the car payment is more than 30% of your total income. Remember, the car payment isn't your only car expense! Make sure to consider fuel and maintenance expenses. Make sure your car payment does not exceed 15%-20% of your total income.
Consider putting at least $6,000 down on a $30,000 car if you're buying it new or at least $3,000 if you're buying it used. This follows the guidelines of a 20% down payment for a new car or a 10% down payment for a used car.
Why do car dealers not want you to pay cash?
Dealerships don't want you to pay cash because they don't earn a commission on arranging financing. If you qualify for in-house financing, the profits they miss out on increase since they don't have to work with a third-party lender.
Paying cash may hinder your chances of getting the best deal
"When dealers are negotiating the purchase price, they anticipate making money on the back end, via financing," Bill explains. "So if you tell them up front you're paying cash, the dealer knows he has no opportunity to make money off you from financing.
In most cases, you'll still need to negotiate the value of your trade, the cost of financing and the price of any add-ons. If a car is in high demand, a dealership can charge far more than the sticker price. When demand is lower, you can expect to pay less than the sticker price.
Dealers encourage financing because they may benefit when buyers get loans from automakers' financial arm. Negotiate the best price before letting the dealer know whether you'll use financing or pay cash for your next car.
Because they can make additional money on financing the car for you. The bank will pay the dealer a commission on your loan. If they can get you to take your loan at a higher rate then what the bank or finance would give you they get a piece of the difference as well.
Your credit score is a major factor in whether you'll be approved for a car loan. Some lenders use specialized credit scores, such as a FICO Auto Score. In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate.
Provided the down payment is $5,000, the interest rate is 10%, and the loan length is five years, the monthly payment will be $531.18/month. With a $1,000 down payment and an interest rate of 20% with a five year loan, your monthly payment will be $768.32/month.
A $20,000 loan at 5% for 60 months (5 years) will cost you a total of $22,645.48, whereas the same loan at 3% will cost you $21,562.43. That's a savings of $1,083.05. That same wise shopper will look not only at the interest rate but also the length of the loan.
The monthly payment on a $20,000 loan ranges from $273 to $2,009, depending on the APR and how long the loan lasts. For example, if you take out a $20,000 loan for one year with an APR of 36%, your monthly payment will be $2,009.
Payments would be around $377 per month. According to the results, it will take you 60 months, an interest rate of 5% of $2,645, to fully pay your $20,000 car loan. However, the monthly cost of a $20,000 car loan will depend on your repayment period and the annual percentage rate (APR).
Is a 7 year car payment bad?
But having as long as seven years to pay off your car isn't necessarily a good idea. You can find a number of lenders that offer auto loans over an 84-month period — and some for even longer. But before you take out an 84-month auto loan, you should understand the potential risks and alternatives.
| Top Auto Loan Lender | Lowest APR | Our Award |
|---|---|---|
| PenFed Credit Union | 5.24% | Best Credit Union Auto Loan |
| Auto Approve | 5.24%** | Best Auto Refinance Rates |
| Consumers Credit Union | 6.54% | Excellent Credit Union Auto Loan |
| Auto Credit Express | Varies | Best Auto Loan for Bad Credit |
Disadvantages of a Larger Down Payment
The two biggest cons of making a down payment that's around 50 percent are: More money down doesn't lower your interest rate – Bad credit car buyers get higher than average interest rates, and it's extremely rare that a larger down payment can lower it.
Most experts recommend a 20% down payment for new cars and 10% for used. Getting pre-approval might provide clarity on potential interest rates. Pre-approved auto loans can provide insight into the potential interest rate your lender will be able to offer.
Your credit score is crucial to determine your eligibility for a no down payment car loan. Most lenders require a FICO credit score of at least 680 before you can qualify. If your credit score falls below 680, improve your credit score before you apply to help you qualify in the future.
