Financially securing your first car may seem intimidating at first, but with proper research it can become much simpler.
Before visiting a dealership, get preapproved for an auto loan to secure the lowest possible rate and use an online calculator to see how various loan amounts, APRs and terms will impact your monthly payment.
1. Lease-to-Own
Lease to Own (also referred to as rent-to-own) financing options offer similar convenience to traditional loans but with one main difference: ownership. Instead of an interest rate, you pay a lease purchase price based on the sale price and divided into affordable installment payments over time – usually on paydays. Afterward, at the end of your lease term you have options such as renewing, returning or buying it at predetermined prices; usually lease payments are 30-60% lower than traditional loan payments for similar vehicles and terms. Lease financing solutions may even be accessible to buyers with poor credit ratings!
Lease-to-own agreements provide an ideal option for those wanting to test out a vehicle before purchasing it and those whose low credit scores prevent them from qualifying for mortgages. Before signing such an agreement, though, make a plan to improve your score and prepare for homeownership as best you can.
2. Finance-to-Own
When purchasing a car, there are two payment methods available to you – cash or personal loan. Should you opt for the latter, your ownership doesn’t transfer until all your payments have been completed; however it may be difficult to get an affordable short-term loan option, since many lenders provide 24-84 month payments plans.
Longer loan terms tend to be more costly for you as interest rates rise and you risk owing more than what your car is worth. Plus, missed payments can damage your credit score further.
To avoid these potential traps, first make sure you can afford the total monthly costs, including running costs. After doing your research on different lenders’ rates and finding one with competitive offers, shop around until you find one with favorable terms – this will keep finance costs at a minimum and enable you to purchase with just a deposit payment.
3. Finance-to-Lease
Leasing has recently seen a resurgence among consumers, and can make sense in certain instances. Leasing typically offers lower monthly payments than financing a new car loan and allows drivers to gain access to vehicles they wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise.
Leasing comes with its own set of risks; residual value (the estimated end-of-lease value) will be calculated into your monthly payment along with rent charges and taxes. At the end of your lease term, unless stated in your contract otherwise, the vehicle must be turned in.
Some lenders provide lease-buyout loans that allow you to acquire your leased vehicle at the end of its term. Before choosing one of these, shop around for loans with competitive interest rates and terms; consider your credit score, payment history and debt-to-income ratio when selecting a lender before applying for one about a month before the lease term ends.
4. Finance-to-Buy
Most car buyers obtain financing either through the dealer or an external lender, increasing the total cost by covering credit costs and interest charges in addition to your purchase price. Before going to the dealer, shop around for financing to find an APR and loan term suitable to you – both are important aspects that may add up over time.
Car finance can help you take advantage of dealership incentives and manufacturer specials, but it’s essential that you weigh all available options carefully in order to avoid overpaying. Longer loan terms may lower monthly payments but could mean owing more than what the car is worth after several years if payments go unmade; missing payments could damage your credit rating as well. To avoid these potential pitfalls and protect against depreciation more efficiently, choose shorter loan terms with faster pay-off. This strategy could save time.
