If you are looking to buy a car, whether new or used, you might be curious as to what rates you might pay for your car loan. Your interest rate will determine how much your next car will cost you over time, and also how much of a monthly payment you will have to pay each month.

Length Of Loan Term

Most car loans are written from thirty six to seventy two months, and the length of time that you spend paying on your next car will help to determine your interest rate. In general, the longer that you pay on your car, the more interest you will pay. Keep in mind, however, that a car that is being paid on for seventy two months will have a smaller monthly payment than one that is being paid on for thirty six months. Decide beforehand how long you plan to keep your car - this will greatly influence the amount of interest you will pay and ultimately, the total cost of the car when its paid off.

Secured Or Unsecured

To get a better picture of your interest rate, decide if you want to apply for a secured or unsecured car loan. There is a big difference in the two types - and interest will be very different for each.

A secured car loan is one that you pledge security (collateral) against, such as the deed to your home. The lender of the secured car loan assumes less risk when loaning you money under secured terms, and therefore your interest will be less than if you have no security to pledge, or simply do not want to pledge security.

The unsecured car loan, on the other hand, is riskier for the lender to grant you because they are using your personal integrity to judge whether or not you will make timely payments. Therefore, your interest will be substantially greater with this type of loan. You can reduce the amount of interest that you pay on an unsecured car loan by applying for the loan alongside a creditworthy cosigner who will agree to make your payments if you fail to do so.

Down Payment Reduces Interest

You can also lower your interest rates on both the secured and unsecured car loan if you make a down payment. A down payment will be deducted from the original price of the car before the payments are calculated, in most cases. Having a down payment shows the lender that you are ready and willing to assume making payments, and thus they will charge you less interest as they face less risk when loaning you money. Down payments also make the amount that you owe less, which means your payments will be lower and you will be able to pay off your car sooner.

The Internet has become the virtual lending arena of choice for many borrowers, and it is on the Internet that you can further reduce the amount of interest that you will be charged on your next car. Online lenders are eagerly seeking borrowers of all credit types and can get your car loan approved in minutes.