What to Know Before Auto Financing

Taking out a car loan is often a prerequisite for buying a car. Here are the most important things to remember – to choose the cheapest car loan for you.

Several things determine which financing is best, such as how much cash you have, the car’s year model, and whether you buy privately or from a car dealer.

Far from everyone can buy a car without taking out a loan. How much you can borrow depends entirely on your financial situation – and it also governs how good an interest rate you can get on the car loan.

Here are a few crucial points to go through before you borrow money to buy a car.

Private loans without a Cash deposit – or use the Car as security

How much money you must deposit in cash determines the type of car financing you can choose. A cash investment of 20% of the car price is required for a car loan from a car dealer or the bank. If you do not have money to put in, you can take out a private loan, a so-called blank loan, to get cash for the entire purchase price. The disadvantage is then that the interest rate is usually higher.

Compare car loans – and Negotiate interest rates

A basic rule is not to settle for the first offer you receive. There are often bargains, even when you are borrowing a car. Check what other lenders are willing to give you and see if, for example, your regular bank can think of going under it. If you buy from a car company, it is wise to see what they can offer to finance the car. Sometimes they can have excellent promotions.

The best Option is not the lowest Interest rate

The interest rate may be the difference, as you get offered, such as the nominal rate of interest and the actual cost of the loan, called the effective rate of interest. Always ask to know the effective interest rate, then you can calculate what the car loan will cost you. High fees and set-up costs can make the loan significantly more expensive than you thought.

Right to deduct the Interest cost

Do not forget the right to deduct. It can be good to remember this if you choose between two loans with different interest rates. Then it can be most advantageous for you to choose the loan with a higher interest rate, considering the right to deduct, which only applies to the interest and no other fees linked to the loan. It’s something to think about.

Make a careful Calculation on the Car loan

It is not the monthly cost that determines the loan’s cost. The total cost of the loan that you should look at and then the repayment period will be crucial. The longer the repayment period – the higher the total cost of the loan.

For your finances, you should also include what it costs to have the car in operation, everything from inspection and tax to service and repairs. Always do your calculation.

Avoid residual Debt

When choosing a repayment period on your car loan, it is essential to consider the car’s depreciation so that you do not end up in a situation where you have a higher loan than the car’s value. If you want to sell, or if the vehicle breaks down, you are in a situation where you do not have a car but must pay off the loan.

Conclusion