subject: Auto Loans Tips: Know Your Price Range [print this page] The US auto loans market was hit big time by the recent surge of people who went on to apply for auto loan even when they could not afford it. This is not a new scenario but it is not something that you should settle for, either. You can use online tools like an auto loan calculator or heed the advice of experts to refrain from becoming part of the 21 percent of Americans suffering from a negative equity on their loans. But the key point here is to know your budget range before you decide to buy a car through a new car loan.
You should not wait until you reach this point. It is your responsibility to figure out exactly how much you can afford to pay for your auto loans. It could be a matter of sales talk, or that sense of urgency to drive your dream car that might drag you into this debt hole. But you need to pause for a while and ask yourself this question: how much can I afford? An auto loan calculator is a good start so you can have a definitive estimate before you take a plunge.
One of the first and most important factors to look into as you determine budget when you apply for auto loan is the location. Each state has varying tax and finance rates on car loans, so it is important to take that into account as you are doing estimation.
Another way to identify your price range for the online loans for auto purchase is to know your target monthly payment. This will vary according to your monthly income. Make sure to pinpoint a specific amount that you can afford to set aside for your new car loan monthly payment. It is also important to note that aside from the monthly fees, you will also have to shoulder maintenance fees on your new vehicle, i.e. gas, maintenance, and insurance fees. Don't forget to take that into account as you are calculating the budget.
The term of the loan is another important consideration when determining the ideal price range when you apply for auto loan. Ideally, you should stick to the 60-month repayment term. When you go for a shorter term, it means you would have to shoulder higher payments on a monthly basis. However, you also need to know that when you extend the life of your loan, the cumulative interest can also hurt you down the road. Use an auto loan calculator to make accurate computations on rates.
Lastly, think about the cash you have on hand. Most finance experts would recommend putting in downpayment on your car loans. Due to the debt problem today, lenders require vehicle buyers to put in a higher downpayment. The ideal downpayment amount is 20 percent of the overall cost of your new car loan. But if you can't make that, just go for whatever you can afford.
Determining the ideal price range on your auto loans is recommended if you want to eliminate hassle later on. This can be a humbling experience when you apply for auto loan because you are forced to confront your financial realities. But it is the best step you can take to ensure peace of mind knowing that you don't have to drown yourself in debt just so you can own a brand new car.
by: Steve
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