If you're planning on purchasing a new car, you will most likely need to take out an auto loan. Even if you buy a quality used car, there is a good chance that you don't have enough extra money in the bank to pay for a car in full with cash. Thus, it is important to be prepared and know what you are doing prior to taking out an auto loan to help ensure that you get the best terms available. Whether you are thinking of buying a car next week or next month, use the following tips to secure the best auto loan possible.
Check Out Your Credit Score
Before you apply for any auto loans, it is always in your best interest to check your credit report and find out what your credit score is. With mortgages or credit cards, people with poor credit are typically denied outright, but when it comes to auto loans, people with all types of credit can usually get an auto loan. This is because if a person defaults on an auto loan, all the lender has to do is repossess the vehicle.
However, if you have a low credit score, you may be charged a very high interest rate on your auto loan. Thus, knowing your credit score will give you an idea of what you can expect when you begin to get auto loan offers.
Get Auto Loan Quotes in Advance
If you have extremely good credit, you may want to explore your financing options at a dealership. Most auto dealerships offer fantastic auto loans with very low interest or no interest for a set amount of time for people who have excellent credit.
But, if you don't have excellent credit, you should always get a few auto loan quotes before you begin shopping for a new vehicle. When you get auto loan quotes, you can compare the terms, see what interest rate is being offered, and see how long you will be paying off the loan.
Try to Secure the Shortest Auto Loan Possible
The longer you're paying off an auto loan, the more you will pay in the long run due to interest. So, it is always best to take out the shortest auto loan that you can comfortably afford.
The monthly payments for a 3-year auto loan will be a bit higher than a 6-year auto loan, but in the long run, you will most likely spend thousands of dollars less when you factor in your savings in interest. Another way to shorten the length of your auto loan is to have a good down payment available so you're financing a lower amount. For more information, contact an auto loan service.