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[I379]Interest Rate On Car Loans

by David Balmer, Dav

Here are 3 ways that you can the best interest rate for your car loan:

Shop Around

Just like you might find a different price for a car at a different dealership, you will find a different interest rate at each different lending institution that you visit. For example, a bank may give you an interest rate of 6 percent if you have a history with them, while a car dealership might give you a 5.5 percent interest rate if they really want to make a sale. Therefore, be sure to ask several different sources what their interest rate would be for the same loan amount.

Note: be sure that when you compare interest rates, you are comparing the same type of interest. For example, a fixed interest rate is a rate that will stay the same until you have completely paid off the loan. However, an adjustable interest rate may change with the economy. The adjustable rate could increase or decrease, but it is not ensured to be the same for the entire time that you have the loan.

Negotiate

Always negotiate for the interest rate. Every lending institution wants your business, as long as you have a good credit history and are committed to paying off the loan. Therefore, you will have some wiggle room when it comes to negotiating for the best interest rate. You may not be able to reduce the interest rate by a whole point, but every little fraction of a point helps when it comes to being able to afford your car loan.

Improve Your Credit Score

If you are finding that you just can't get a car loan at the interest rate that you want, then it's time to focus on improving your credit score. In order to improve your credit score, pay off any credit cards that you currently have balances on and close any unused accounts. Because lenders will look at the balance on your credit cards from about six weeks prior, it's a good idea to wait six weeks before accumulating a balance on those cards again.

Improving your credit score may take time, so start early if you think you will need to take out an auto loan any time soon.

Remember: when it comes to getting the best interest rate on your car loan, research, patience, and negotiation tactics can mean the difference in thousands of dollars. Plan a budget before each visit with a lender in order to ensure that you do not agree upon an interest rate that you cannot afford. Your auto loan payments will be easy to afford when you have the right interest rate and dedication towards paying the loan off on time.

If you're like the average American, chances are you buy a new car every five years or so. Most people need an auto loan when they buy a new vehicle, whether it's a car, truck, SUV or van and since the interest on auto loans can add up over time--especially on a five or seven year loan!--it's important to try and get the lowest rate possible on your car loan. So find a low rate car loan by?

Getting your loan before you shop!

If you wait until you get to the car lot to think about financing, the dealer will try and push "dealer financing" on you. That's because his financing usually comes with extra "padding" to make you pay more--and to boost his bottom line. The interest rate on dealer financing is often 3% higher than financing from a bank, credit union and or online loan company. So get a loan before you shop for a car. Another bonus: you'll have more negotiating power for the price of the car since the dealer knows you're a financially stable customer.

Knowing the current rates!

You'll never know if you're getting a good deal unless you know the going rates for car loans! Search the web, call around to local banks and ask friends or family what the current interest rates are for car loans. Be sure to compare apples to apples by considering things like loan term, since longer term loans often have lower rates. Your credit history will have an effect on your rate, too.

Comparison shopping!

Get quotes from as many lenders as possible. Check with your current bank, credit unions, online lending services and other loan companies. Get at least 3 or 4 different loan quotes so you can compare rates, terms and fees. Let them know you're shopping around and that you've received better offers. It's possible they'll lower your rate or drop your fees to get your business.

You may also want to consider an online lending service that allows you to compare rates between multiple banks and loan companies at one time, since they're a convenient way to shop around without getting multiple hits on your credit report.

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About Author

Both David Balmer & Carrie Reeder are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

David Balmer has sinced written about articles on various topics from Information Technology, Car Loans and Cars. Apply today and we will get you approved and find you the car that you deserve! . David Balmer's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.

Carrie Reeder has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Mortgage and Finances. Try using for a list of