Do you have a dream car in mind but struggling to pay for it upfront?
Financing a car seems complex and daunting but once you understand the process, it really is quite simple and straightforward and may be the perfect option for you! In this article, we will explore how does financing a car work and what you can do to buy your dream car.
How does financing a car work?
The time has come to buy a car on easy installments. Come here and read the details of this question how financing a car works before borrowing loan for a car. The total cost of a car will be spread into months or years because it makes the loan accessible for many clients.
First we have to understand what financing a car means and how to get started. Financing basically refers to borrowing money to buy a car and returning the money in small amounts over months to years. This makes it accessible to buy a car and pay it off slowly. There are also options to pay the amount back faster if you have the financial capacity to do so. Here are some steps to go through when you start thinking about how does financing a car work.
1. Choose the Car
Selection of a car is the fundamental need before acquiring and getting into the circle of a loan process. It would be the matter of fact to decide your preference, budge, and need before finalizing the decision.
The first step is to choose the car you want and decide on the model, build as well as extra features. This is important because the price of the car will be impacted by how many additional features are available with the car.
2. Research Financing Options
After analysing your needs, preferences and budget, you can start searching for financing options offered by many institutions. Some options are given below:
– Bank or Credit Union Loans
Bank or Credit Union Loans are the main platform offering loans for acquiring a car. You should apply for your car under the procedure of these banks or credit union loans. After verification, if your loan application is approved, you will be provided with your loan and can purchase your dream car.
– Dealership Financing
Most car dealerships also have a financing department which can loan you your required amount directly. You can apply for a loan through the car dealership’s financial department when you first book your car or when the production has been completed. The department will assess your finances and if they are satisfied that you will be able to pay the loan back, they will lease the money to you. There are many nuances within dealership financing so it is important to go through all the details and ask for any clarifications.
– Online Lenders
Online lenders are another option for you to acquire the loan for buying a car. There are many online lenders who specialise in loans for vehicles. Fill the online application form provided on their website to get started.
– Leasing
This option has been considered as a two edge sword because through this option you can lease and rent a car. The days of lease will be fixed and after ending the date you can purchase or return the car to the lender.
3. Check Your Credit Score
Check out your credit score before applying because with a good credit score you can manage the interest rate and conditions of the loan. If the lenders ask you to improve your credit history, then you can work on it before re-applying for a loan.
Websites to Check your Credit Score: Equifax – illion
4. Get Pre-approved
When you select to finance through a credit union or bank, you may get pre-approved for a loan before visiting the dealership. This thing can give you more bargaining power and a better understanding of your budget.
5. Negotiate the Terms
Understanding how does financing a car work can be confusing and it is important that you understand all aspects of your agreement. We highly recommend seeking any additional clarification if you need it and ask questions from your dealership and your lender until you completely understand the process and are happy with it.
6. Review and Sign the Contract
The contract is very important in this process and you should make sure to spend some time to read the entire contract, including the terms and conditions which can be a tedious task. Make sure you are happy with the contract and seek any clarifications or amendments as needed.
7. Make a Down Payment
By this point you will have a reasonable understanding of how does financing a car work and the next step is to make a down payment. The minimum amount will vary depending on the amount of your loan as well as the rules of your lender. Most do ask for a down payment but in some cases you may not need to provide one. Always check with your lender as you don’t want to be caught out by surprise if they ask for a down payment you weren’t expecting. The benefit of a down payment is the payment you need to repay will be lower so if you can, pay an extra down payment as it will reduce the interest you pay on your loan.
8. Drive your car
After all those steps, you are finally ready to reap the rewards of your hard work and can drive home your new car!
9. Repay the Loan
The duration of the loan depends on the amount borrowed, interest rate and monthly payment amounts but the standard in Australia in anywhere from 3-7 years. You can always pay back earlier if possible and options can be explored if you need additional time to pay off the loan. Make sure to discuss with your lender and work through any issues that arise.
Conclusion
Hopefully this article has provided you with a quick overview with exactly how does financing a car work. With a few steps and some research into the best options for you, you can finance your dream car and pay it off according to your financial means.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are cars worth financing?
If you are wanting to buy a brand new or second hand car that is outside your current budget, financing may provide a good option to purchase the car and pay the loan back slowly without it disrupting your finances too much. The other alternative is to save up and buy when you can or to buy a cheaper car. No option is better than the other and it all depends on personal preferences.
Does financing a car hurt your credit?
The answer to this question is yes. Purchasing a car through an auto loan can lead to a minor decline in your credit score initially. But consistent and timely payments on the main loan throughout its entire duration will significantly outweigh the initial dip.
