How to finance an auto purchase

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Asian car driver woman smiling showing new car keys and car. Mixed-race Asian and Caucasian girl.
Asian car driver woman smiling showing new car keys and car. Mixed-race Asian and Caucasian girl.

Paying the full payment for a new or used car is often not possible for most. Luckily there are financial institutions that can assist you to get the vehicle you’ve always dreamed of. When obtaining your auto financing, it is best to not approach your car dealer and instead obtain auto financing from a financial institution.

You should look at allocating 20% of your disposable monthly income for your car payment. This will include all other expenses like insurance and fuel costs as well. It is best to avoid long-term car loans, as you will pay a lot in interest, instead, choose one for 3-5 years.

Payment in cash – When you visit a car dealer to look at your options, it is a good idea to tell the dealer that you will be paying in cash and this will signal to your dealer that you are not interested in dealer or manufacturer financing. Informing the dealer early on about your payment plan will also prevent the dealer from padding the deal for extra profit. This method will also give you the ability to focus on the features and the price of the car and not worry about the monthly payment figure.

The purchase price – Avoid opting for a car lease, which is similar to a car rental. At the end of the lease, you will pay more to buy the car, than a similar used car. Look for pre-own factory certified cars. This is a smart choice as it means that the car has been inspected, fixed and is road worthy.