How Does Car Financing Work?

If you’re ready to buy a new or pre-owned car, you have three main options: leasing, buying outright with cash, or financing. How does financing a car work? What does it mean to finance a car? These are questions our finance team at Auffenberg Kia gets asked frequently. We’re here to help guide you through the process. Below, you can learn more about car financing and what it entails.

How Does Financing a Car Work?

To get the financing process rolling, you’ll want to start by applying for financing. You can apply through a bank, a credit union, or a dealership like Auffenberg Kia. We offer a handy, secure application that you can complete online to apply for a loan at our Shiloh dealership. Regardless of the lender you choose, they’ll look at the following factors to determine how much you qualify for:

• Credit Score
• Loan Amount
• Length of Loan
• Debt-to-Income Ratio
• Age of the Vehicle

If you have a low credit score, you might be feeling apprehensive about your chances of getting approved. However, it’s not uncommon for people to finance cars with a low credit score or no credit. Consider asking a family member or very close friend if they would be willing to consign on your loan. If they have a good credit score and steady income, their signature can greatly improve your standing as an applicant.

Select Your Lender

When you’re applying for a car loan, you don’t have to settle on the first offer you receive. You might have a few different offers on the table. For example, you can compare a dealership’s in-house financing offer with an offer you received from a bank or credit union. Then, you can make a decision about which one makes the most sense for your lifestyle and budget. Determine how much money you can comfortably afford to put down on the loan. Also, figure out how much your monthly payments will be, so you’ll know for certain that you’ll be able to repay the loan.

Finalize the Loan & Close the Deal

Before you finalize the auto loan and purchase the car, you may feel the need to negotiate the price with a salesperson. You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, but if you’ve done research on market values for a specific used model, for example, you may have some bargaining power. Once a price has been agreed upon, you can settle on a loan with rates and terms that work for you. Finally, close the deal by signing all of the required documents, then drive home in your newly financed car.

Have More Questions About Car Financing in Shiloh?

If you want to know more about how car financing works, the finance team at Auffenberg Kia is happy to answer your questions. Contact us online or call us at 618-624-2277 to speak with one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff members. In the meantime, be sure to check out our car buying tips to learn more about topics like what to bring when buying a car, the meaning of “certified pre-owned,” and more.