Seven Questions About Auto Loans Answered
Q. What advantage is there to applying for a direct auto loan
online?
A. The biggest advantage of applying through an online lender is
that the online auto loan application and loan processing
usually gives you the opportunity to get the best rate, and
allows you to do it in the privacy of your own home. Online auto
lenders will inform you in a matter of minutes whether or not
you have been approved for a loan.
A. What are basic criteria to apply for auto financing?
Q. You must be at least 18 years old. Your monthly income from
one source of employment and other income should be a minimum of
$2,000 for a direct auto loan, but can be significantly less
when using indirect financing through an auto dealer. You need
good residence and employment history showing of at least two
years at the same location.
Q. What is the difference between direct and indirect auto
financing?
A. Direct financing is a cash voucher or draft approval from
financial institution for buying at a dealer of your choice.
Indirect auto loan means you get financing from a dealer.
Q. What is the difference between prime lending and special
finance?
A. People who have excellent credit, with no latest dings on
their credit history, can apply for prime lending. Special
finance, also called subprime auto loans, is for people who do
not have perfect credit.
Q. Do I must choose my vehicle before I apply for an auto loan?
A. Do not choose your vehicle first! Your first task is to apply
for direct auto loan financing. Once you are approved, you will
receive a voucher for a maximum amount of money to spend, based
on your current credit standing and your current debt-to-income
ratio. You will simply complete the voucher by filling in the
amount for the cost of the vehicle.
Q. What factors determine my auto loan interest rate?
A. The interest rate you will pay for your auto loan depends on
several factors. First, it depends on your credit history - the
better your credit score, the lower your interest rate.
Additionally, your interest rate also depends on loan term and
on whether you are buying a new car or a used car (the year of
the vehicle).
Q. Is there a down payment for the purchase of my vehicle?
A. Down payments, if required, typically are 10% or $1,000
whichever is lower. Your current credit standing will determine
the need for a down payment.