What to know before getting an auto loan in Paoli
Knowledge is power when it comes to getting an auto loan for a new or pre-owned vehicle. That is why it is important to take the time to understand how you can get the most competitive rates and drive off the lot in your new car without breaking the bank.
As trusted auto finance professionals at Chester County Auto Finance, we want to ensure you are well-informed about the car buying process. Even if you have a less-than-perfect credit score or have not yet established credit, we can help you find auto loan rates that work for you.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you search for the best finance programs for your budget and goals.
1. Your Credit Score Is Important
Your credit score is not just another number — it is one of the primary aspects local and national lenders evaluate to approve or deny you for an auto loan. With a high credit score, you can unlock lower interest rates and better financing terms for you, saving you money on interest over the length of your auto loan.
But just because you have a lower credit score does not mean you cannot get approved. At Chester County Auto Finance, we can work with borrowers with credit problems or previous financial issues to find the right finance program. Fill out our quick pre-approval form online to get an approval decision in just 15 minutes.
2. Down Payments Can Ease Your Financing Process
When you go to secure an auto loan, the amount of cash you have to offer for a down payment can help lower your monthly payments or improve your chances of getting approved at a lower interest rate.
It is common for a buyer to put between 10% and 20% down in cash for their vehicle purchase, but a higher down payment traditionally means smaller monthly payments and less interest over the loan term.
While not all auto financing requires a sizable down payment, having one can significantly improve the terms of your loan and make your long-term payment commitment more manageable. Using a payment calculator, you can see the impact your down payment amount can have on your buying power.
3. Loan Term Length Can Impact Your Finances
When you go through the auto loan process, you will get to choose how long you want to repay the loan. The longer your loan term, the lower your monthly payments will be, but the more interest you will be paying. With a shorter loan, you will have higher monthly payments but pay less in interest over the length of the loan.
For most borrowers, the average car loan falls between 24 and 84 months. But often the lowest interest rates available are for shorter loan terms and come with a higher monthly payment.
We recommend you consider how much you can comfortably spend each month and consider any long-term implications of the loan amounts. While we offer flexible terms, you will want to keep your financial situation stable enough to accommodate any monthly payments comfortably.
4. Pre-approval May Offer You an Edge
Securing pre-approval means you have a conditional commitment from a lender for a specified auto loan amount before you even start car shopping. This can be extremely helpful to give you insights and confidence as you start shopping for new or pre-owned vehicles and ensures you understand exactly what your budget is.
Getting pre-approved also helps put you in a stronger negotiating position since you will be looking at the total price of the vehicle and not monthly payments or interest rates. When you have pre-approval from local Pennsylvania banks or national financial institutions, you will know your spending limit, approximate interest rate, and loan term, enabling you to shop with confidence.
At Chester County Auto Finance, we offer a quick pre-approval form so you can see within minutes what finance programs you are eligible for and what kind of low-interest rates you can secure.
5. Consider Total Ownership Cost, Not Just Monthly Payments
When budgeting for a car, many people consider the sticker price and monthly payments as their primary financial factors. However, the real cost of owning a car extends far beyond just these payment terms. You should also consider things like insurance, fuel, maintenance, and potential repair expenses.
The true cost of buying a car has increased due to higher insurance rates and car maintenance expenses, so we recommend doing research beforehand for the model you are looking at purchasing.
When you consider all the extra costs associated with owning a car, it is important to have confidence in your ability to afford not only the current auto loan but also any maintenance expenses that can pop up. This will give you a more accurate understanding of the total cost of ownership and ensure that you can comfortably cover all of the associated expenses.
Apply for an auto loan today!
Now that you are armed with everything you need to finance your next car, are you ready to take the next step?
At Chester County Auto Finance, we are committed not just to getting you behind the wheel, but also to guiding you through the auto loan process so you can find the most competitive rates directly. We are committed to going above and beyond for our customers and supporting them in reaching their financial goals through competitive auto loans.
Looking to establish or reestablish your credit? Our flexible terms can help you get access to an auto loan at competitive rates, regardless of your past credit history. We can work with you whether you have good, fair, bad, or no previous credit history.
