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Auto loans December 2024

An auto loan can be used to purchase a new and used vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, planes, boats, etc. Auto loans are usually offered as fixed-term loans with a low-interest rate, which is usually lower than other types of personal loans since the vehicle serves as collateral.

There are many uses for an auto loan, including:

  • Buying a new or used car
  • Paying for repairs on your current vehicle
  • Purchasing a motorcycle, boat, RV, etc
  • Making improvements to your current car
  • Refinancing your current auto loans

What are the different types of auto loans?

New car loans

The average new car buyer will finance their purchase at an average interest rate of 6.2%. The rates for a traditional loan are usually higher to compensate for the default risk. But if you have a good credit score, you can qualify for a first car purchase loan with an interest rate below 4%.

Used car loans

The rates for used car purchase loans are typically lower than for other loans. This makes them more affordable and accessible to those who might not qualify for other types of loans. Used car loan interest rates range from 2% to 20%. Although this will depend on the lender and your credit score. The interest rates on these loans can vary depending on who you choose as your lender, your credit score, and the vehicle you want to purchase.

Car loans refinance

This type of loan is available to people who have an existing car loan and want to refinance it. With a car refinancing loan, you can get the same terms as your original auto loan but with different interest rates. These rates are usually lower than the ones on your original auto loan. Auto refinancing loans' interest rates range from 6% to 36%. However, this will depend on the lender and your credit score.

Cash-out auto refinances loans

A cash-out auto refinance loan allows people to borrow money to repay their existing car loans. Cash-out auto refinances loans allow you to borrow money to repay your car loan and use the money for other purposes. Interest rates on these loans are usually higher than standard rates. Interest rates on cash-out auto refinance loans range from 3% to 10%. However, this will depend on the lender and your credit score.

Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval

It is helpful for people looking for car loans to know the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval because it can help them decide what steps to take next in their quest for financing.

Pre-Qualification

Pre-qualification is establishing a person's creditworthiness for a loan. It does not require an application or any other documentation and does not obligate the lender to approve the loan.

Pre-qualification is a process by which a lender evaluates an applicant's creditworthiness before formally approving a loan. Preapproval is the preliminary process of approving a loan before the borrower applies for it.

Pre-Approval

A pre-approval is more beneficial to the borrower because they know how much they will be approved for, while with pre-qualification, they are not sure what their approval amount will be. Preapproval can also increase your chances of getting approved because it shows that you have been evaluated and found to be creditworthy.

How to Get Started?

To apply auto loan, you will need to take the following steps.

  • Check Your Credit Score. Before you apply for a vehicle loan online, you need to check your credit score because the loan terms are based on your credit score.
  • Select Your Loan Type. Some companies specialize in car loan funding, go through them if you want to get the best rates for this loan type.
  • Get Prequalified for Car Loan Financing. When you choose several lending providers you like, you will need to get prequalified for your loan next. Doing so will give you the repayment details and terms for your Car loan funding.
  • Compare the Lenders. Compare the best lender for your needs, you can review the loan terms and APRs, and see which one fits best with your lending.
  • Supply the Necessary Info and Documents. When you choose an auto loan lender, you will need to provide the required loan documents and information for a car loan. In this case, you need to supply the following details and documents:
    • Personal Identification (Social security card, passport, or driver’s license)
    • Proof of earnings or income (W-2s, paystubs, or filed tax returns)
    • Employer information (Name of company, manager’s name, and phone number and address)
    • Proof of residence (utility bill with your name and address or a lease agreement)
  • Apply for the Loan and Start Making Payments. After you apply for your car finance personal loan and start making payments, you might add some extra money to your payment each month to repay the loan faster. Doing so will make the loan repayment smoother and easier.