Any Newfoundland and Labrador consumer can take advantage of the benefits that come with a solid car loan. If you’re one of those hopeful drivers, you can use a car loan to:

• Build, repair or improve your credit – Your lender or dealership should be relaying your car payments to one of Canada’s two credit reporting agencies (TransUnion/Equifax). If you’ve been making those payments on time and in full, your credit score will gradually rise, improving your whole credit report.
• Drive a car that’s normally not affordable for you – Even factory floor models can be expensive, so a car loan can help you pay for one by stretching out your payments over a more reasonable schedule.
• Get a new vehicle following an accident or breakdown – Either of these events can leave your current car completely undrivable. It’s best to get something more reliable if you want to get to work on time.
• Change your lifestyle for the better – A new hybrid can save you money and be good for the environment. A new minivan can help you start a family. Don’t skip out on a great car just because the junker you have now is “good enough”.

The Way Bad Credit Changes Your Car Loan

If your credit is as worn out as your old vehicle, meaning your credit score is below 620 (Canadian credit scores range from 300-900), it can change your car loan in various ways. For instance:

• Bad credit can make you a risky Newfoundland and Labrador borrower. Some lenders and dealerships might not approve your application.
• Those that do approve you may give you a higher interest rate. A higher interest rate can cost you thousands more over the life of your car loan.

Don’t worry, you can still get approved if you:

• Apply for a “secured” loan – Your odds will improve and your interest rate may be lowered if you offer your lender in in Newfoundland and Labrador some security upfront, such as your home, piece of land or another valuable asset. Just know that your asset will be at risk of seizure and sale if you don’t make your payments responsibly. To learn more about asset-based financing, watch this video.  
• Save for a down payment – Another way to earn your lender’s trust is to make a down payment for your car. This should give you a higher approval chance, a better interest rate, and a shorter overall payment term.
• Find a bad credit lender/dealership in Newfoundland and Labrador – If you don’t qualify with conventional lenders and dealerships, you can seek one that deals specifically with bad credit borrowers, of which there are many in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Want to know about bad credit loans in Newfoundland and Labrador? Click here.

If you’d prefer to raise your credit score, you can always:

• Improve your credit profile – Making responsible payments for all your other loans and credit products is a good first step. It takes time and effort, but it’s still one of the most efficient ways to improve your creditworthiness.
• Avoid credit inquiries – When a lender in Newfoundland and Labrador is considering you for a car loan, they’ll perform a “hard inquiry” to examine your credit report for signs of financial delinquency. Every hard inquiry deducts points from your credit score, which is why it’s best not to apply numerous times within a few months.
• Request a higher credit limit or use less credit – Straying too close to your credit limit (common with revolving products) can also harm your score. Use a maximum of 30-35% for the best results. Trying to manage your revolving debt? Check this out.
• Dispute credit reporting errors – It’s essential to maintain the health of your credit report, which contains a history of your credit activity over a certain number of years. Errors caused by improperly relayed information, spelling mistakes, fraud and identity theft can ruin your credit score before you even notice.

Trying to decide between a new car and a used car? Check out this infographic.

Your Options in Newfoundland and Labrador: Vehicle Trade-Ins

Any car loan can be costly in Newfoundland and Labrador, even when you’re approved for a low-interest rate on a reasonably priced vehicle. One money-saving option is to trade in your used vehicle.

Here’s what the process looks like:

• You must already own or be in the process of financing a vehicle that’s still got some market value to it. Get it inspected and appraised for a better idea of that value.
• The same type of inspection process will likely be performed at the dealership.
• If approved, the dealer will give you a quote based on how much they would be able to resell the car for.
• You should keep your expectations low, as your dealer can’t give you top dollar if they want to make a profit.  
• If you like their offer, however, the quoted amount will be subtracted from the initial price of your new car, making it slightly more affordable.

Other Options in Newfoundland and Labrador: Vehicle Title Loans

This will only work if you own your car completely, meaning no payment balance remains. If so, you can leverage your car title in exchange for regular loan money, which you can use however you’d like. Similar to a trade-in, your car will be evaluated and you’ll be given a quote based on your lender’s expectations for resale. Your car title then acts as collateral to secure the loan. If you default on too many payments, your lender has the right to sell your vehicle at auction to regain part of their loss.

For more information about borrowing using your car title, check this out.

Approval Granted: Cars and Vehicles Available for Purchase in Newfoundland and Labrador

Once you’re approved, you should have a whole selection of cars and other vehicles to choose from. However, your selection generally depends on elements such as:

• Your budget – A car loan may only put you in terrible debt if it can’t actually fit into your budget. Always factor your payments, interest rate, and other fees into your list of everyday expenses before you buy it.  

• Your dealership’s inventory – Before applying, make sure your dealership in Newfoundland and Labrador actually has the car you need. If not, you’ll be putting a hard inquiry on your credit report for no reason.

• Your credit, income and employment history – For obvious reasons, your options will be more limited if your lender in Newfoundland and Labrador thinks there’s a chance you won’t keep up with your payments.

However, a decent financial profile will help you purchase vehicles of all kinds, such as:

• Sedans
• Minivans and oversized-vans
• Hatchbacks
• SUVs
• Pickup trucks
• Recreational vehicles:
  • Motorcycles, roadsters, etc.
  • Motorhomes, trailers, etc.
  • Boats, jet-skis, etc.
  • Snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, dirt-bikes, etc.

Getting Your Next Car Loan Through Loans Canada

Don’t wait! Apply today if you’d like to get access to the best car loans and other types of loans in Newfoundland and Labrador. Loans Canada has a solution for everyone!