Let’s face it: the traditional car buying experience is anything but enjoyable. Sure, you’re excited about purchasing a new car, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have a good time from start to finish. Fortunately, with the help of the internet, you can save yourself a lot of time and unnecessary stress. If you’re interested in completing the entire process (or most of it) online, here are some steps to take: 1. Do Your Homework Even though...
Your auto loan payments are one of the most important of your monthly payments. Missing loan payments can have serious consequences for your credit and put you at risk of losing your only source of transportation. After three missed payments, many auto lenders will declare your loan in default and at that point they may begin the repossession process. In repossession, the lender takes possession of your car – they don’t have to ask or warn...
The financial decisions you make in the months leading up to your car purchase will play a big role in whether you’re approved for an auto loan and the interest rate you pay. Making the right money moves is key to a smooth car purchase. Keep only the credit cards you have. Opening new credit cards can hurt your credit score in two ways: by adding additional inquiries to your credit report and lowering your average credit age....
Are you in the market for a new or used vehicle? If you aren’t making your purchase with cash, it’s time to learn more about the financing process. Although it can be intimidating to search for a car loan, there are some steps you can take to make this process more enjoyable. Here are several tips you can use to your advantage: • Save for a down payment before making your purchase. In short, the more...
Regardless of your circumstances, buying a new car should be an enjoyable experience. When you take the right steps at the right time, you will end up with a set of wheels you will enjoy for many years to come. While some people show up at a dealer and choose the first car that catches their eye, others implement a more detail oriented approach. If you are in the market for a new car, here is...
The thought of buying a new car is exciting, until you realize you have to negotiate with a pushy salesperson. At that point, you begin to wonder what you were thinking. Would you be better off with your old vehicle? If you are interested in buying a new car, if you don’t want to go through the hassles of negotiation, here are a few things you can do: 1. Start online. Use the internet to not...
Unless you have an unlimited supply of money (don’t we all wish), buying a car is a big financial decision. To protect against a costly mistake, it’s essential to answer a few key questions before signing on the dotted line. Here are a few to address: 1. Will you finance the purchase or pay in cash? There are benefits of both, so make sure you list out the pros and cons. If you don’t have the...
Buying a brand new car is definitely exciting. Maybe it’s knowing that you’re the first person to ever own the car. Or, knowing that you'll have a few good years before you start having major mechanical issues. Everything on a new car is clean and shiny and the new smell is unmatched. Most people who buy a brand new car do so for a certain feeling and that feeling comes at a cost. Here are three reasons a new...
As you search for a car loan, you may begin to wonder if you are taking the right approach. Many consumers don’t care how they find a loan as long as the rate is low and the lender is reputable. But here is the question: how can you guarantee that you are getting the best deal? Here are three strategies to consider as you search for a car loan: 1. Call around to as many lenders...
More Americans are choosing long-term auto loans, up to 84 months in some cases. That's seven years of car payments! Longer-term car loans are attractive because they allow buyers to purchase a more expensive vehicle with a lower monthly payment compared to a shorter-term loan. While a long-term car loan make it more affordable to get behind the wheel of the car of your dreams, there are several drawbacks to vehicle loans with long repayment periods. You’ll end up upside...
