Nothing in life worth having is easy, they say. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to make difficult processes a bit more hassle-free, though. One responsibility that many people have that is ripe for some overhaul is buying and owning a car.
The number one desire of most car buyers? Making the dealership experience simpler and bringing down those monthly payments to a more reasonable level. Here’s how you can do both if you’ve got the means to go about it.
Keep Your Credit Score High
This comes into play well before you even think about getting a new vehicle. Your credit history, assuming you have one, follows you around for a lifetime and influences the way that lenders view you. According to http://auto.loan, you should, “…Look at your credit record and consider paying a fee to check your current score. This will give you a better idea of what to expect.”
The better your credit score, the better terms you can get on a loan (in other words, lower interest rates). The lower the interest rates, the less money you have to pay over the length of the loan, and the more you get to keep in your pockets.
You can keep your credit score high by staying on top of your payments, controlling how much you owe, and following a wide array of additional credit boosting tips that will put you firmly in the “low risk” borrower category.
Remember, even if your score is low at the moment, it doesn’t have to stay there. Credit scores can be improved, and if you take advantage of the best practices, you can do the same for yours. Remember to check your score regularly, so you know exactly where you stand.
Take Advantage Of Down Payments & Trade-Ins
When going to buy a new car, you can get your monthly payments down by knocking some money off that initial purchase price of the vehicle. Negotiating with your dealer can help, but beyond that, you can shave off some dollars with a down payment or a trade-in.
The down payment could be money you have in the bank that you’ve saved for this very purpose. If you think you’re going to be in the market for a car, make sure to stash some money away regularly so you can apply it to your car purchase up front.
Alternatively, if you already have a vehicle, trade it in when you go to purchase your new car. The resale value of your current ride will vary based on a number of factors, so you might get more or less depending on some things that are outside of your control.
A good general rule, though, is to keep your mileage as low as you can, keep your car well-maintained, and avoid damaging the interior/exterior of your car to help it retain its value.
If you’re buying a car you know you are going to resell at some point, try to stick with normal colors, refrain from aftermarket customization, and get options and upgrades that will add value when it’s time for the trade.
Compare Your Lenders
Last, but not least, you should know all of the options available to you. There are a lot of lenders out there who might give you the money you need for your next car purchase, but not all of them are created equal.
Some might offer lower interest rates to those with better credit scores, some might focus on getting the best rates for those with damaged credit, some might be uniquely suited to a specific kind of borrower.
The best way to know is to shop around. You can get a robust listing of available lenders online, compare their rates, review their pros and cons, and get more tips on what to do when applying for a loan.
Knowing what’s out there and carefully considering all the deals available is the best strategy for getting the best deals. Make sure that you always know the score before you head out to buy your next vehicle.
