4 Easy Steps to Improve Your Auto Loan Terms

Shopping around for an auto loan can be a trying experience, especially with a low credit score. It can seem impossible to find the car you want at rates and terms you can afford. Most people don’t know that they can improve their chances of getting a better rate, though, by following these 4 simple steps.

  1. Be Honest with Yourself: Take a look over your personal finances and ask yourself how much you can really afford to spend. Do you really need a new car, or are you better able to afford a good used car? If your finances are tight already, then a reliable vehicle that generally doesn’t need a lot of repairs is a smarter choice than something flashier (and pricier).
  2. Research Before Going Into a Dealership: When you go into a dealership, that dealership assumes that you are ready to test drive and buy. If you want to research model reviews, it is better to do so before going in. Otherwise, you could end up buying a car you didn’t really want or hem and haw over the pros and cons of a model and waste the salesperson’s time. It is always good to go into a sale certain that this is the car you want, but keep in mind that the dealership’s sales staff make money on commissions. Be considerate of that, and if you aren’t ready to buy, walk away and let that salesperson help another customer.
  3. Bring a Down Payment: Fox Business recommends having a 20 percent down payment for a new car and 10 percent for a used car. By having that down payment, it increases the chances of getting a better interest rate and lower monthly payments.
  4. Shoot For a Shorter Loan Length: The value of a car, especially a new car, depreciates fairly quickly, so it is better to go with a shorter loan length. Even if it means higher monthly payments, you will probably end up with a higher interest rate if you get a longer loan.

Are you shopping for an auto loan but running into problems because of your credit? Give Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge a chance to help you. You can see our online new and pre-owned inventory here, and be sure to like Bayside on Facebook and follow Bayside on Twitter to get the latest news from the auto industry.

Start Doing These Good Credit Habits

We talk so much about what to do when you have bad credit, we don’t spend any time on what to do once you’ve achieved good credit.  You’ve fought your way back, your credit rating is on the up.  What do you do to either maintain it?  Here is some behaviors to keep in mind to keep that credit rating good.

  • Know Your Credit Score:

Yes, even with good credit, this is still important.  Don’t risk sliding back into bad behaviors, you can keep yourself in good standing by making certain that your credit report remains clear and good of any false reporting.  Errors happen, and you should get on top of it asap so it doesn’t have a negative impact.

  • Keep the Credit Card Companies Happy:

This is a two-parter.  First up, a method of doing this is by sticking to a ratio of 30 percent of your credit allotment.  Every month, make it a habit of only using your credit card(s) till the 30 percent mark and then back off.  People who consistently go over this part tend to get the credit card companies nervous.

Second, make sure that you use your credit card.  This may seem like talking out of both sides of the mouth, but the key word in this is to use the credit card and maintain it without going over 30 percent.  Being consistent with that ratio and paying it off every month will keep the credit card companies happy.

If you need help with purchasing a new or used vehicle, be sure to contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. If you need further assistance in finding financing for a new vehicle on bad credit, contact our financing department.  We love to say yes, you’re approved!   Be sure to like Bayside on Facebook, following on Twitter, or subscribing on YouTube.

How Purchasing a New Car Can Improve Credit

Looking to get a vehicle for yourself but are also suffering from having bad credit at the same time?  What you might not know is that having credit issues and purchasing that very car can actually go a long way in helping you improve your score.

Auto Credit Express breaks down the how this can help.  Lenders are looking to get people through the dealership doors even if they have low FICO scores.  Just because your credit is bad now doesn’t mean that it was in the past.  If they can see that changes in your score occurred due to major life events, such as losing your job or experiencing a medical problem, then the odds are more in your favor of getting a good loan.

Before you do head into the dealership, however, there are things to keep in mind.  First, that loan you’re getting after a dip in the FICO score will be at a higher rate than many consumers are used to.  You’ll also want to make sure to make each payment on time, as well as other bills you have, so that you can qualify for a better rate the next time around.  If you miss a payment on time, then it will take your credit score even lower down.

The point of purchasing a car in this case is to improve your credit while getting the vehicle you need.  The best tips to do this are to make sure that you look for an inexpensive car, small or midsized.  See if you can choose a loan term of 48 months or less.  Make sure you check on the history of the vehicle.  By following these steps, you place your self in a position to save money by trading out in 18 to 30 months for a better deal.  Also, knowing that history makes sure you avoid thousands of dollars in repair bills.

Come on in to Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge and start the process of improving your credit while driving away in that car you need.  We love to say yes at the dealership.  Be sure to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for more tips and deals.