Click on the Related Car and Auto Finance Questions to View Answers From
Auto Industry Professionals:
What type of auto loan am I applying for?
What type of auto loan am I applying for?
All effort is made to locate an auto loan approval through one of our affiliated direct lenders with a same as "cash" voucher or draft to use like a check to pay for your vehicle. When an approval cannot be granted, our Preferred Special Finance Auto Dealer's go to work for you to find you appropriate Subprime loan for you.
Close Window
|
What is the difference between "Direct" and "Indirect" auto financing?
What is the difference between "Direct" and "Indirect" auto financing?
Direct = Same as cash voucher or Draft approval from financial institution for shopping at a dealer of your choice. Indirect Auto Loan = Dealer Financing
Close Window
|
What is the difference between Prime lending and Special Finance or Subprime auto loan?
What is the difference between Prime lending and Special Finance or Subprime auto loan?
Prime lending is for people who have excellent credit, with no recent dings on their credit history. Special Finance, also know as Subprime auto loans, are granted to people who have less than perfect credit.
Close Window
|
Should I have my automobile picked out before I apply for an auto loan?
Should I have my automobile picked out before I apply for an auto loan?
You do not want to choose the automobile first! Your first goal is to apply for direct online auto loan financing. Upon receiving an auto loan approval you will receive a voucher for a maximum amount of dollars to spend, based on your current debt-to-income ratio and your current credit standing. You will simply complete the voucher by filling in the amount for the cost of the automobile, (not to exceed the maximum amount of your approval), the same as you would a check.
Close Window
|
Does applying to multiple lenders for auto loan financing have a negative affect on my Credit Bureau score?
Does applying to multiple lenders for auto loan financing have a negative affect on my Credit Bureau score?
No. At the present time, the credit scoring agencies say that all credit inquiries within a 14 day period associated with one type of buying are consolidated into one inquiry for scoring purposes.
Close Window
|
Will I be required to have a down payment for the purchase of my auto?
Will I be required to have a down payment for the purchase of my auto?
Down payments, if required, usually are 10% or $1,000 whichever is lower. Your present credit standing will determine the need for a down payment. It is always wise to be prepared to have a down payment, and then be pleasantly surprised when one is not required when finalizing your auto financing.
Close Window
|
What determines my auto loan interest rate?
What determines my auto loan interest rate?
Interest rates are set according to the condition of your credit. Auto loan lenders and automobile dealers use a credit rating score and their own internal rating criteria to determine APR to be set for your auto loan. The credit rating score is normally referred to as FICO or Beacon. Prime borrowing is usually a score above "680", and interest rates for a prime customer are generally 9.99% and lower. A score between "525 and 679" is considered special finance or subprime. Subprime lending rates will usually fall between 9% and 24% depending on your score and present personal credit circumstances.
Close Window
|
What basic criteria are needed to apply for auto financing?
What basic criteria are needed to apply for auto financing?
You must be at least 18 years old. Your monthly income from one source of employment and "other income" (court ordered child support, documented rental income, etc.) should be a minimum of $2,000 for a direct auto loan, but can be considerably less when using indirect financing through an auto dealer. You need good residence and employment history showing of at least 2 years at the same location.
Close Window
|
Can my auto loan be used to purchase a commercially rated vehicle or a vehicle considered "classic"?
Can my auto loan be used to purchase a commercially rated vehicle or a vehicle considered "classic"?
No. Loans are provided for a private passenger motor vehicle, light truck, or van for personal, family or household use. The autos being financed must be no older than 6 years and have less than 80,000 miles.
Close Window
|
If I purchase from an auto dealer, how will I know I am getting a fair deal?
If I purchase from an auto dealer, how will I know I am getting a fair deal?
Fortunately, all credit type customers have the power to negotiate own their auto loan terms with an auto dealer. If you are approved for a direct auto loan, but still want to use dealer auto financing to see if you can do better, you have given yourself a great tool to work with by pre-qualifying on the direct side first. If you should be declined, please allow us to refer you to one of our network auto dealers that are trusted in the industry and committed to servicing our customers with your best interest in mind.
Close Window
|
What is considered a fair deal when purchasing a new or used auto?
What is considered a fair deal when purchasing a new or used auto?
The standard industry calculation for determining a fair price on new auto finance is: Invoice price + upgrade options + destination charges - manufacturer rebates/incentives X 5% dealer profit. When financing a preowned auto, shop the vehicle without making an immediate commitment to the auto dealer. Research the retail/trade value (call your local bank or use an online source for valuing a vehicle), and then go to the dealer and offer somewhere between the current retail and trade value.
Close Window
|
Do I have to purchase from a Franchised Auto Dealer?
Do I have to purchase from a Franchised Auto Dealer?
Purchasing from other than a franchised auto dealer can be accomplished when a customer has satisfactory credit by exception only from the auto loan lender, then only if the dealership is within the state that you reside, and if the dealer has the ability to handle all the tax, title and licensing.
Close Window
|
I already have an auto being financed, can I still get another auto loan for a second automobile?
I already have an auto being financed, can I still get another auto loan for a second automobile?
The basic laws of subprime or special finance lending are only one automobile per applicant can be financed at a time. If your goal is to purchase a second automobile you will need to complete a "joint" application, otherwise it will be required of you to trade your current vehicle. Likewise, when completing a joint application, if you currently have two loans outstanding, one of those automobiles will have to be traded.
Close Window
|
There are so many "Bad Credit Auto Loan Sites" to choose from, how do I know which one is best for me?
There are so many "Bad Credit Auto Loan Sites" to choose from, how do I know which one is best for me?
Bad credit - Special Finance - Subprime auto loan sites basically use the same direct lenders for automobile financing. By applying on multiple sites you could be creating duplicate auto loan applications being sent to the same lending institutions, thereby causing multiple credit reports being pulled on you by the very same auto loan lender for the purpose of obtaining only one loan. Choosing a company that you have confidence in and knowing they have your best interest at heart is probably your safest bet, and will accomplish the same goal.
Close Window
|
What if I am completing a joint auto loan application and my co-applicant's credit is worse than mine?
What if I am completing a joint auto loan application and my co-applicant's credit is worse than mine?
When completing the online auto loan application always remember the first applicant needs to have the strongest credit. However, the first applicant also needs to meet the minimum auto loan qualifications required by the lender. (See Question #6)
Close Window
|
To learn more about Auto Buying Tips and Secrets read our Auto Buyers Guide to give you a heads up regarding all the things you should know before making your auto purchase buying decision.