Asking your lender the right
questions before you apply for a used
car loan will save you lots of money and trouble. Before signing your car
loan application, get answers for each of the below questions. 1.
What is the interest rate?
This is the most important number you
need. This will help you to know specifically how much you'll pay in interest
over the life of the loan.
2.
What is the minimum down payment required?
Your down payment or
lack thereof, relative to the amount you're financing, may also affect the interest
rate you'll be charged when you
buy a car .
3.
What is the 'Term'?
The 'Term' or repayment period of your loan
is the length of payment. Typically on used car financing, this may be
anywhere between 24 and 36 months, depending on your loan amount. Your
Term will also help you decide the monthly payments you are comfortable
with. For instance, let's say you're financing $18,000 on the purchase of
a used car at 10% interest rate. On a term of 24 months, your monthly payments
will be $887. On a 36-month term at the same 10% interest rate, your monthly
payments will be $615. You can see a difference of $272 monthly between the
two terms.
4.
What's the monthly payment?
Your monthly car payments, in part,
depend on your loan interest rate. Get the exact figure from your lender before
you purchase the car, so you can factor this into your financial obligations.
You can use our free car
loan payment calculator to find out your estimated cost
of ownership for a car.
5.What
costs will be charged on this loan?
Car loans come with fees for
various services that lenders and other parties provide in processing your loan.
These may include fees for requesting your credit report, loan origination,
and car title application. Your lender may ask that you pay for these costs
up front.
6.
Is there a Prepayment penalty on this loan?
Ask your lender if
there are any prepayment penalties for paying off your loan early. Even if there's
none, your car loan contract may stipulate that you may not be entitled to a
refund of the prepaid finance charges if you decide to do so.
7.
What are the late charges on this loan?
Lenders reserve the right
to charge you for paying your monthly car note late. Typically, the late fee
may be 5% or more of the unpaid portion of your regularly scheduled payment
or a specific dollar amount, regardless of any partial payments the lender has
received.
8.
What do I need to provide?
Apart from proof of income, and/or
assets, a lender typically would require that you purchase comprehensive insurance
coverage before giving you the loan. They will also ask to see proof of this
coverage, during the application process. So contact your lender to find out
what documents will be required for your car loan application.
9.
What could possibly delay the approval of my loan?
All things
being equal, your car loan application's processing should proceed with ease
if you provide your lender with complete and accurate information. Barring any
past credit problems, repossession, or bankruptcy, you shouldn't have any delays
in your loan processing.
Finally, if you do apply for a car loan, read
the loan agreement thoroughly before you sign it. Make sure you understand every
word in it, and ask questions if necessary. Get clarification on any items on
the agreement you don't understand. You can find
your car here before applying for your loan. Happy
car buying! ©
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