Loans Canada Launches Free Credit Score Portal And Is Recognized As One Of Canada’s Top Growing Companies
Loans Canada is pleased to announce it placed No. 131 on the 2022 Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.
In Canada, financing a brand new car is not something everyone can afford to do. So, it’s common for a lot of drivers out there to buy their vehicles from dealerships that sell used cars. With a used car, they’ll have transportation from point-A to point-B, but they won’t have to worry as much about the wear n’ tear a Canadian car goes through, or the price tag that comes with it. That being said, when we’re talking about used cars, for the most part, we mean something a little bit more pricey than your grandmother’s 1999 Corolla. Often, when a used car requires consumer financing in order to be purchased, it’s because the car itself is only a few years old and has relatively low mileage.
What is a certified pre-owned vehicle? Find out here.
Despite the initial price tag being lower than that of a new vehicle, there are a few other factors that should be considered before pen hits paper. Don’t worry, we have a few pointers for you, if and when you’re in the market for a used vehicle.
Strictly speaking, there are two ways that the majority of Canadians go about securing a loan to finance a used car, through a bank or through the car dealership itself. Again, we’re assuming here that you’re not just buying a $1,000 fixer-upper from a private seller on Kijiji, but instead looking to acquire a lightly used car that’s less than 10 years old and has less than 100,000 kilometres on the odometer. Each financing option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks and choosing the option that’s right for you can depend on a number of different factors.
Actually, as is the case with many types of loans, one of the most significant factors that will determine your likelihood of approval will be the health of your credit. As we’ve discussed in many of our other articles, your credit score can be the difference between you getting approved or denied for various credit and loan products. And, for the first financing option especially, it may be the difference between you getting your used car or not.
Do you need a bad credit car loan? Read this for more information.
Before we get to the financing options for used cars, we first have to discuss the topic of interest rates. Being that affordability is probably the biggest issue that most people face when they’re thinking of buying a car, regardless of whether it’s new or used, which institution offers the best interest rates can make or break a deal quickly. So, when it comes to interest rates, it’s very important to do a lot of research, because every bank, dealership or otherwise is going to offer different rates for every year, make and model of car they have available. While the vehicle itself might be so great that you’re tempted to buy it without asking questions, choosing the wrong rate can certainly be bad for your financial stability.
For example, when talking to a bank or dealership, you need to ask them whether they offer a “fixed” or “variable” interest rate. A fixed rate means that the interest rate will remain the same, no matter how many years it takes you to pay off the full loan amount. A variable or “floating” rate will fluctuate according to the market premium, so when the market interest rate shifts, your rate will go with it. Regardless of which financing option you decide on, always remember that both banks and dealerships are businesses. They want to make a profit from their clients and will find ways to do so, no matter how much sugar coating they add along the way. This isn’t to say that both forms of financing are bad, it’s just something that needs to be considered before settling on the first place that offers an appealing interest rate.
For more detailed information about interest rates, read this.
The first option for financing a used car is as close to home as you can get, acquiring a loan through a bank. While you might be thinking of choosing the bank you’re currently with, know that different banks will offer different rates, so it can be beneficial to shop around a bit before making your decision. Even if your bank doesn’t offer a reasonable enough rate for a used car loan, you can always get financing through a separate banking institution or credit union.
The second option is to finance your used car through the dealership itself. Potential borrowers can walk in, shop around for cars, take a test drive, sign some contracts, and have the keys in their hand by the end of the day. Just like with banks, however, dealership financing does have its advantages and disadvantages. So, before you go running towards the nearest car lot with an inflatable tube-man waving out front, it’s important to consider what’s best for your financial situation.
For more pros and cons of in-house dealership financing, click here.
Between the two financing options for used cars, it can be tough to come up with an exact response to a question that so many drivers have. Each option has its upsides and downsides and everyone has a preference as to the way they choose to go about paying off their loans. The choice really depends on your own financial situation. If you’ve got a credit score that’s less than favorable, chances are you’ll have an easier time getting financing through a dealership. If your credit is favorable and your income is solid, maybe your bank will give you good a deal. Then again, whatever “good deals” offered by banks or car dealerships can simply be the convincing tactics of the most charming salesperson.
It’s extremely important that, if you’re trying to finance a car of any kind, you discuss the situation properly, read the fine print, and realize what you could be getting yourself into. A car is a big responsibility, no matter what condition it’s in. It’s an investment that can and will cost you a lot of money in the long run. If your payment period is not properly managed, you could end up paying twice as much as the car is actually worth, even more with the way that a car’s value can depreciate over time. In fact, even a brand new car loses a lot of value the minute you drive it off the lot. Take your time, be patient and really think things through before buying a car just because of the way it looks, or the “special deal” the salesperson offers. Remember, your financial health should always take priority.
Rating of 4/5 based on 34 votes.
Save time and money with Loans Canada. Research and compare lenders before you apply. Share your experiences with Canada's top lenders.
Loans Canada is pleased to announce it placed No. 131 on the 2022 Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.
Frank Mortgage is Canada’s one-stop shop for mortgages. Get up to $1,500 cash back on your mortgage.
Great unsecured credit card for customers currently in, or recently discharged from, a consumer proposal or bankruptcy
Earn an average 5%¹ cashback at thousands of partners and at least 0.5%² cashback guaranteed with Neo.
KOHO’s Credit Building Program helps you build a better credit history with easy to manage payments for just $10/month.
All consultations and conversations with Loans Canada and its partners are confidential and risk-free. Speak with a trusted specialist today and see how we can help you achieve your financial goals faster. Loans Canada and its partners will never ask you for an upfront fee, deposit or insurance payments on a loan. Loans Canada is not a mortgage broker and does not arrange mortgage loans or any other type of financial service.
When you apply for a Loans Canada service, our website simply refers your request to qualified third party providers who can assist you with your search. Loans Canada may receive compensation from the offers shown on its website.
Only provide your information to trusted sources and be aware of online phishing scams and the risks associated with them, including identity theft and financial loss. Nothing on this website constitutes professional and/or financial advice.