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Most people know that it is possible to refinance their homes
but did you know it is also possible to refinance your auto?
Indeed for many people who have high interest sub prime car
loans, refinancing their auto loans may be a wise decision. How
do you know when refinancing your bad credit auto loan might be
a good idea? And once you have decided to refinance, how should
you go about doing it so that you actually improve your loan
situation?
Just as when you refinance your home loan, when you refinance
your auto loan the old loan is paid off in full and it is
replaced by a new loan. If when you bought your car your credit
score was below 620, the interest rate on your auto loan may be
significantly above the interest rate you can qualify for today.
By refinancing your bad credit auto loan the monthly payment may
go down substantially. Also, over the life of the loan you may
save several thousand dollars in interest payments.
You may be a candidate for an auto loan refinance if
Your car loan has become "seasoned"; that is, if you have had it
for at least a year.
You have made your payments in a timely manner.
Your car's value is more than the amount you owe on it.
If all of the above statements are true, then it may be time to
investigate refinancing your car.
First, make sure you are fully aware of the state of your
current credit report and current credit rating. Both of these
are easily available online. You are entitled to one free credit
report each year. Your current credit score (FICO score) should
also be available for a nominal fee.
Second, find out your car's value. Having your car appraised is
not a requirement for refinancing your auto loan but you should
know its value. Most auto loan refinance companies require that
your loan be at least $7,500 so your car value must be at least
that amount. At your local bookstore and online there are many
resources for estimating your car's worth. Two of the most
popular sources are the Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds Buyer
Guides. Be sure and have a realistic eye when surveying your
car's condition, you can be sure your lender will.
Third, research the available lenders. It may be that your
current lender will be open to refinancing your car. However,
you should shop around for the institution that will give you
the lowest interest rate and refinance as small an amount as
possible. When these two conditions are met you will then also
get the lowest monthly payment available.
Fourth, as with any loan, have all offers put in writing. Take
the time to read the fine print and compare the proposals.
Finding a lender to refinance your bad credit auto loan may take
some time and effort. The savings to your pocketbook every month
and over the life of the loan, however, can easily make the time
and effort worthwhile.
About the author:
Carrie Reeder is the owner of www.abcloanguide.com, an
informational website about various types of loans. View her
recommended Bad
Credit Car Refinance lenders.
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