What to Look For In a Used Car Loan

Many young people could not provide their first car if it werent for the availability of used car financing. They just dont have the cash to buy the car outright. Fortunately, obtaining such financing at very reasonable interest rates is not difficult. You just need to do your research and follow these simple steps.

As youre paging by the used car ads youre bound to come across what looks like absolutely fantastic car loan availability from the car dealers themselves. Youll see zero percent offers, low payment offers that seem too good to be true. Of course, they are! These ads are meant to mislead you, make you come in and apply, and end up getting a loan at 10 to 18 percent over the standard rates! Yes, interest-free offers are obtainable, but only if you have perfect credit. Most used car buyers do not fall into this category. In general, used car loan interest rates go beyond those of new cars by several percentage points on average.

One way to mitigate this cost is to get your loan by a dedicated finance company instead of by the car dealership or your normal bank. These institutions generally have more liberal lending policies. Any lender, however, will require proof of the value of the car, and a 20 percent down payment. This is normal and should not be regarded as a suspicious request. Both these regulations are designed to give the lender a safety margin, should the loan go into default. If that happens, the lenders only recourse is in the collateral, which is the car. consequently, they naturally have a vested interest in knowing that you did not pay too much for the car, and that at the minimum 20 percent of its value holds already if the default happens closest. This is truly an advantage to you, in addition. There is someone looking over your shoulder at the transaction, making sure it is a respectable deal and price for the means in its current state and condition.

Before you apply for your financing, run a credit check on yourself. This will help you determine what you should be able to provide and should be offered. Sometimes you may realize before you really get started that a used car loan isnt affordable for you. This could be because of a low credit score, inability to meet the down payment requirements, or insurance concerns. Knowing this going in is important, because online institutions will entice you with one-day offers. Dont fall for it! Despite their dire warnings of offer expiration, these lenders will be there tomorrow with another fantastic offer for you! Wait until you are comfortable with the amount and the terms. It is not worth the devastation a loan default can play on your credit history to take it now when youre unsure you can repay it as required.

Another caution with car loans and any other financial transactions – keep all your paperwork in good order. If youve obtained the loan online, print out a copy of everything and store it in a safe place. Never sign anything you dont understand completely. Ask questions until you understand. Talk to a third-party specialized to get a different point of view. Its your responsibility to protect your own interests. Dont expect the lender to do it for you. This is the kind of thinking that led to the current mortgage crisis in the United States.

One final piece of advice: As soon as you get your used car loan, look into refinancing it, especially if you werent able to get a zero to three percent interest rate. Refinancing sites will usually have calculators on them so you can calculate your total savings. If you can get a percentage point under your current contract, its worth it.