Here are some useful tips when surfing the net for a used car loan:
1. To qualify for a used car loan, make sure to keep your credit score to at least 680. People with bad credit pay higher car loan interest rates. A used car loan wouldn't be any different. Get hold of your credit report online. Never apply for a car loan, much less for a used car loan unless you get your credit report with credit scores first. Depending on other factors, a high quality lender like some finance companies or banks do, can approve used car loans for people with scores as low as 540.
2. Never pay cash for a deposit on a car. You can dispute purchases made with your credit cards or bank checks, but it’s impossible to fight cash without a receipt. But without proof of the transaction, you can be taken advantaged of by swindlers.
3. Shop for auto insurance costs on the used car you are looking to purchase to make sure your insurance rates will remain the same, because in most cases you will be required to get full car coverage during the terms of the loan period. Auto insurance sites give free online car insurance quotes.
4. Get an extended warranty for your used car from a reputably dealer because extended warranty companies make their money from not having to pay for your car repairs. And in most every case will fight you on the repair issue. If the cost of this warranty is over $500 you may consider not getting the warranty and just keeping a credit card for car repair emergencies. You will save $500 up front and in most cases you won't need the warranty anyway, and in other cases you'll have to pay for the repair first then file papers for your warranty money.
So before deciding on a used car loan you better ask yourself these questions:
What are the drawbacks of a used car?
What are the benefits of a used car?
Think twice: A used car could have a listed maintenance and repair history. And most do not.
Used car warranties often are available at extra cost. And do carry some extra risks.
The maintenance costs get higher as the miles on the vehicle climb toward 100,000. Making sure the oil was changed at the 3,000 mile mark is important when your car starts to age.
There are not as many safety and convenience features as newer vehicles have.
A used car, however, will be significantly cheaper to buy than going with a new model. And if you purchase comprehensive and theft insurance your costs are likely to be less.
After weighing the pros and cons, you can decide if a used car loan is for you.
