Down-Payments and How They Help

ID-100194325

One of the biggest problems that auto buyers are facing at the moment is aging vehicles. The average age of an American vehicle is currently 11.4 years. That is just insane. I’m not saying it doesn’t make sense though as the economy and the job market has been hard on people needing new cars. Many people have had to get by on what they could. This meant that they were holding onto a vehicle longer than they wanted to. Now that the market has improved and financing is easier than ever to obtain, many are finally in a position to get rid of their old vehicle in exchange for a new one.

However, there is another problem. Many people in this position also have bad credit. This is a major hit against someone needing that new vehicle and is no longer able to rely on the aging current one. So how can someone get a new vehicle while still being able to afford a monthly payment? One of the best courses of options is a down-payment.

A down-payment is a huge game-changer. Having any amount can go a long way towards decreasing a monthly payment and make purchasing a vehicle much easier on the pocketbook. Just $500 down towards a vehicle can provide benefits such as a lower interest rate or a lower monthly payment.

Check your finances and see if this is possible because it is definitely worth it. Down-payments are a positive thing to have on a vehicle so if you can manage it, do it.

Contact us at the Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge and we’ll walk you through the process. Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter to see our monthly deals and holiday specials.

Consumer Credit Rises Higher than Expected

ID-10032918

February turned out to be a better month than expected in regards to credit. A report from the Federal Reserve shows that consumer credit increased by 16.49 billion to 3.13 trillion dollars. This figured caused them to revise their January numbers from $13.80 billion to 13.70 billion. Economists were expecting consumer credit in February to rise only by $14.09 billion.

The numbers consistently show that consumers are coming back into the auto market, a market that just a few short years ago was in freefall. Since the recovery, many drivers have been either forced to purchase a new vehicle to replace older ones or have finally gotten to a position where they are able to finance a new and necessary vehicle. There is also the fact that many lenders have eased up since the recession and have been lending more and more frequently to lower income consumers.

As these figures show, it is the best time to find good financing for a new or used vehicle. If you’re one such person who needs an auto loan, be sure to contact a sales rep at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. We’ll work with you to secure the right loan to suit your lifestyle. Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter for more specials and offers.

Tax Liens: How Unpaid Taxes Will Hurt Your Credit Score

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.

Image courtesy of renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net