How to Get the Lowest Auto Loan APR

When buying a car, many people will have to take out an auto loan, which means you will want the lowest auto loan APR you can find. So here, we will take a look at how to find the best rates for you.

Credit Scores and Locations

Your rates will vary most of the time due to your credit score. You can find out your credit score through credit score companies, but your best luck in finding out is after you apply for a few loans. If your credit score is on the lower end, you will likely be offered a lower APR rate. However, if you have a higher credit score, you can get a lower rate by having a solid credit card history or agreeing to pay up front on some interest. You can also ask around at local banks in your area, which you should also include credit unions in your search.

You can also call around and ask about different types of loan in your area. Chances are some will vary, and you will want to know what you will need in order to qualify. The smaller the bank is, the fewer requirements you will likely need. But you should always double check with them first.

How much can You Afford Vs How much You Want in the Loan?

Next step is to figure out just how much you can really afford to pay and compare that to the loan you will take out. Write this down and ask around regarding the APR rates that are the usual rate for those types of loans. That way you can see what will be considered the lowest APR rate for the loan and you will know what to expect.

If you feel that the APR rates for that certain amount is something that you cannot afford, you can know ahead of time and choose to have a lower loan in total.

What can You do for a Lower APR Rate?

Once you know how much you are willing and can afford, you can find out how to get the best APR rates. Ask if having a co-signer who is in a better credit bracket can help lower the score, and also for other details on how have a lower rate. You may ask for a lower auto loan even if you can afford a higher loan, as this may lower not only your APR rates but also your interest rate.

When you apply for a loan, you should also always understand the fine print. Sometimes they will give you a lower APR rate and as time goes on it will grow, or they can up it for different reasons. So this is a very important step and it will also assure you of any policies you may otherwise not know about. It is just a good idea to do that and when you do get a loan, you may want to check up on any policy changes as time goes on since you first got the loan.