Tag Archives: advice

Used Car Down Payments: How Much Should You Put Down?

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A down payment is a strong thing to have when shopping for a vehicle.  For someone with bad credit, it can have a major influence on the deal and the rate offered to them.  The question is for many, however, how much they should prepare to put down when shopping for a vehicle.

Edmunds states that the conventional wisdom for down payments puts the amount at 20 percent.  The problem is that in their evaluation of car payments made in 2013, the average amount was only 12 percent.  Why is the number so much lower than the estimated amount?

One of the issues that a Jack Gillis with Consumer Federation of America is quoted as saying is due to the increase of the cost of a vehicle while the buyer’s income has stayed flat.  Another reason is that the minimal down payments required are much lower.  This would lead people to be putting lower amounts to the down payment as buyers are attempting to spend as little as possible.

Even with this struggle though, Edmunds recommends that the buyer should concentrate on achieving that 20 percent down.  It might be a lot up front, but that can really pay off further down.  Think of it as more of playing the long game.  A vehicle is a large investment and the sooner you can pay off the vehicle, the better your financial life will be.  A larger down payment helps speed that process along.

If you need help with financing, contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  We’ll work with you to find the right possible loan to suit your situation.  We love to say yes, you’re approved!  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to see our monthly news and special offers.

Why a Shorter Loan Term is Better

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A dilemma that comes over any buyer is the idea of how long they should pay off an auto loan.  A longer loan can lead to smaller payments made off a longer time, making it less stressful on a slim budget.  On the flip side, a shorter loan period is harder on a monthly budget, but can free up a great deal of funds in a shorter amount of time by having the car fully paid off.

Edmunds looked at their data and saw that the average car loan term is about 5 and a half years now.  Some are even in excess of 7 years!  The reason many consumers are choosing a deal like this is because of how much money they can afford a month.  Even though a deal like that might be tempting, it is best to try and get a shorter car loan term.

A reason for this is because of interest rates.  Basically, the longer the payment, the more interest being paid.  Even though the monthly payment one is making a month on a shorter term may look cheaper, it is actually more money due to the adding up of the interest rate by the time the loan is finished.  You’d be very surprised to see just how much money that can be.

Another reason why such a longer term is a bad idea is because of the life of the vehicle.  These days, newer cars are seemingly announced every month.  There is a point in a car’s life where a driver wants to get a better deal on a newer car.  Those who opt for the shorter term can find themselves able to get into a newer vehicle while the longer term people are stuck.

If you need help with financing, contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  We’ll work with you to find the right possible loan to suit your situation.  We love to say yes, you’re approved!  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to see our monthly news and special offers.

Tax Liens: How Unpaid Taxes Will Hurt Your Credit Score

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ID-10034355The deadline for filing 2013 Federal Tax returns is April 15, only a few days away, and while some people have already made plans for how they will spend their tax refund, others have yet to file their return or are still making payments.

Most advice for improving or maintaining a good credit score tends to focus on credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages, but a tax lien can hurt a credit score significantly. The IRS will report non-payment of taxes to the credit bureaus, and tax liens are listed on credit reports under public records.

Tax liens can drop a credit score by 100 points or more depending upon the amount owed and the number of tax liens listed on the report. Someone who hasn’t paid their taxes in several years will have their payments owed listed separately for each year, and it reflects poorly on the consumer if they apply for a loan, a credit card, or another form of credit.

How can you avoid a tax lien? First, work out an installment plan with the IRS and file for an extension if need be. They will look over your finances and determine how much you can afford to pay. Second, stick to your payment plan. Do not miss a payment. If something changes in your financial situation and you think you will miss a payment, contact the IRS immediately. By missing a payment, you are violating the goodwill extended by the IRS in working out a payment plan, and you will have more worries than a damaged credit score.

Do you have poor credit or no credit? Obtaining an auto loan can be tough, but it is achievable. Contact a sales person at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge and find a time to come in so we can work with you to find the proper loan. We’ll get you driving away in the new or pre-owned vehicle best suited for your lifestyle. Be sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to us on YouTube to see our monthly specials.

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