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How to get a good car loan – here are six tips
Getting a good deal on an auto loan or lease starts before you set foot on a car lot.
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Thousands of car buyers complain every year about their loan or lease. When planning to buy a car, here are some tips to consider:
- Shop for financing before you shop for a car. If you find a car you like and then have to scramble to find a lender, you may be faced with settling for lousy terms.
- Don’t sign anything called “conditional delivery” or “spot delivery” that says your terms, including your interest rate, aren’t final. If you feel like you have no choice but to sign a document like this, consider telling the dealership you don’t want to drive your car off the lot until financing is final.
- With poor or no credit, you may think you have to purchase a car from a dealer advertising “no credit-check” loans. Often this is not the case, and exploring options from traditional lending companies may result in a more affordable and safer loan.
- Never sign any documents until you or a trusted relative or adviser have read all documents you are asked to sign. Do not sign any document that states the transaction is different than you were told. Always keep a copy of everything you sign.
- If you get a call that your financing has fallen through and you have to return your car or pay more than what you agreed, call a lawyer.
- Say no to overpriced add-on products. You don’t need extra insurance products or service plans.
For more tips, visit our Buying a Car consumer guide.
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