Refinancing a car loan can seem appealing at times. It is important to take a close look to make sure you will benefit from refinancing. Refinancing has both pros and cons depending on your situation. Making educated decisions about your finances will keep you on the right track to financial well being.
Pros of Refinancing a Car Loan
- Lower your interest rate: One of the best reasons to refinance a car loan is to lower your interest rate. If you previously had no credit or bad credit, it is worth checking into refinancing your car after a couple of years. Your credit score may have improved enough to qualify you for a lower interest rate. With a lower interest rate you will be able to pay off your loan faster.
- Get more money out: If you currently owe less than what your vehicle is worth, you may be able to access more money by refinancing. For instance, you have owned your vehicle for three years. Your vehicle is currently worth $8000 and you owe $5000. You need money for a small home improvement. One option would be to refinance your vehicle for $6500. You will still owe less than what the vehicle is worth and have $1500 after the new loan pays off your previous $5000 balance. The $1500 can now be used for your home improvement.
- Lower your payments by extending the loan: Sometimes a life changing event such as a baby or medical expenses put you in a situation where you absolutely have to reduce your monthly expenses. Refinancing can allow you to extend your loan. For instance, if you owe two more years on your current loan, it may be possible to refinance for four years. Adding two years onto your loan should substantially lower you monthly payments depending on the interest rate you get. You will be paying for two years more, but you will free up some cash on a monthly basis helping you get through a rough patch.
- Change Lenders: Changing lender can be a pro or a con depending on the relationship you have with your lender. If your lender is tough to contact or is not getting you your payment information, changing lenders could be a pro. If you like your lender, you can try to refinance with them however you may need to look elsewhere to get the best rate.
Cons of Refinancing a Car Loan
Pay more interest over the length of the loan: Sometimes you can refinance with a lower interest rate, but because the loan is extended you actually pay more over the length of the loan. Use a loan calculator to make sure you know whether or not you are saving money overall. Getting the lower monthly rate might be what you are looking for, but if you really want to pay less overall it is important to do the math.Pay a higher interest rate: Getting cash fast is sometimes the only reason for refinancing a car loan. Beware of higher interest rates though because most lenders charge higher interest rates on older vehicles. So if you go to refinance you aging car, you might be surprised at the interest rate available to you. It is often a lower rate than a credit card though because your vehicle is being used as collateral.Consider all of your options before committing to refinancing your car. Check around to see what interest rates are available. Keep the length of the loan as short as your budget will allow. Getting the shortest loan term combined with the lowest interest rate will ensure you are getting the best car loan possible.
