| By :
Mark Etinger
Car loans are all about borrowing money. When you borrow money for a loan, you have what is called a loan principle. That’s the amount of money you’re borrowing. The bank will also charge you interest, because unfortunately for us, banks don’t lend out money to make friends. The Loan When you take out a loan to buy a car, that doesn’t mean that you own it; in fact, it means that the bank owns it, and is letting you use it. Each payment you make allows you to own a little more of the car than before. This borrowing continues until you pay off your last loan payment. Then the title to the car is yours. The Interest Rate All interest rates aren’t the same. They vary according to your credit score. If you have a high credit score, then your interest rate will be lower than if you have a low credit score. Credit scores are determined according to how well you repay your debt. If you have not been good about paying your bills on time, then you will have a low credit score. Young people especially can have low credit scores because they don’t have the credit history that older folks have. As a result, lenders don’t know how risky it is to lend them money, and charge them higher rates. The Process Applying to more than one bank can potentially save you lots of cash. You will want to get the lowest interest rate possible, and certain banks may be more likely to help you than others. When you fill out your applications, don’t lie or exaggerate. The creditors will verify your information, and will offer you a loan based on your credit score and buying history. Don’t just look at the interest rate – there are other factors that can save you cash. Extra fees are no good, and prepayment penalties can wind up costing you if you somehow are able to pay off the loan early (which is a great idea, if you’re able). The Dealer Many car dealers have good financing options, but they may not be the best. Do your research beforehand. That way, if a bank offers you a better option, you may be able to negotiate with the dealer to get an even lower rate. Some dealers may offer you a low price on the car, and a high interest rate, so talking to a bank first can help you stay informed about what to look for when buying or leasing a car. The Possibility of Rejection It exists, but don’t get all down if it happens. It just means that the bank didn’t think you’d be able to repay the loan. But you can show them. Being in debt is no fun, so choose a cheaper car, or save up some more cash in the meanwhile. While lease terms are usually shorter than loan contracts, if you decide on leasing a car for five years or more, then a loan is practical.
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