Car Loans Interest Rates and Comparison Rates

Car loan interest rates can be complex animals, but they are something that you should k now about when financing a car. Buying a new car can often be considered an exciting time, and indeed for most people happens only every few years. Such a major purchase requires a good deal of research and planning, since once purchased, you are often committed to a long-term purchase arrangement.

While initial decisions will likely focus on preferred makes, models, and perhaps most importantly of all, the actual budget available to spend, a time will come when the loan becomes the only thing on your mind. Many people choose to obtain a car loan in order to finance the purchase of their vehicle, and this will inevitably involve an even wider range of factors which will need to be considered carefully.

Many people are reasonably happy with considering aspects of a car loan such as total price paid, monthly payment, length of term and whether to opt for a lease arrangement or a straightforward loan. Unfortunately, one of the critical aspects of any car loan or lease agreement that is ignored, or at least only glanced at with little regard for its consequences, is the interest rates which will be charged and the frequency with which these charges will be calculated and accumulated.

Perhaps the main reason for interest rates to be so widely ignored it is because of the widespread confusion in understanding the implications caused by even a fraction of percent difference between or one rate and another.

On the first of July 2004, new legislation was introduced in Australia that forced credit providers, loan providers and car finance brokers to provide a comparison rate whenever an annual percentage rate was advertised. Since annual percentage rates can be calculated in at least a dozen different ways, each of which will result in a significantly different end cost being incurred, this was almost certainly the main cause of the widespread ignorance and confusion relating to the calculation of interest rates and the impact of interest rates on the eventual repayment of the loan.

The interest comparison rates which must be advertised by all credit providers and finance brokers must, by law, take into account every possible fee and charge which could be included in the loan. This legislation does not simply cover the purchasing of cars and vehicles, but is extended to any credit arrangement, from the relatively small all the way through to mortgages. This enables those who are borrowing money to finance a purchase to be very clear as to which company is actually offering the best rate.

For typical car loans, the interest charged will be calculated on a daily rate, which means that customers need only take the standard car loans interest rates and divide it by 365 to be able to identify the amount charged per day. This interest will accrue daily and each month will be charged and thereby handing to the total balance due. It is important to be aware of the significant difference that only one or 2% can make when looking for a car loan.

For those people who have a good credit rating a typical finance rate over a five-year period should be around 8.99%, although clearly this is likely to be variable depending upon the general economic situation. However, loans are available for car purchase at anything up to 12.6%, generally for those with a poorer credit record. As usual, those that find it harder to pay are charged the most. Whilst this may only appear to be two or 3% difference, over the course of the five years this represents nearly $8,000 more.

It is also worth bearing in mind that when you are looking to purchase a new car the interest charged may be either initially or entirely set at 0%. Imagine purchasing a car that is brand new and which costs $15,000. Whilst this may seem too expensive, opting to purchase a used car at around $13,500, even at the very low rate of interest of 7% you would actually still be paying more than the purchase of a brand new car would have cost you.

The terms of a car loans are usually very explicit and as long as payments are maintained in full and on time there no penalty charges can be added, meaning that the interest will be the only charge that can be added to the eventual cost of the loan. However, it is important to be aware that with any car loan, should you make late payments or fall behind with your payments, you are almost certain to incur late payment charges.

These may well vary from one company to another, and although you should not be entering into a loan agreement if your financial circles stances are uncertain, it is also wise to be aware of the charges that would be incurred should you fall behind with your payments, and ensure that these are not extortionate.

An aspect of car loans which is generally standard across all brokers and finance providers breaks, the fees for which vary very little. As long as you enter into a car loan agreement fully aware of the comparison car loan interest rates, the eventual cost to you assuming all payments are made on time and no extra charges are incurred, then you should be in a position to be able to make a sound decision regarding not only which company you choose to obtain your finance from, but also the maximum value of car which you can realistically afford.

Considering Car Loans Interest Rates

Buying a car is an exciting time in any person’s life, more so if this is your first car. So you may think that knowing which car you want and applying for a loan is all there is to it. But hold on for just a minute. Car loans are a financial commitment that is expected to last a long time, until the loan is paid off. Usually a car loan has a term period of five to seven years. It is vital that you think through all the details regarding car loans before you make up your mind.

Car Loans Interest Rates

The most important detail for car loans is the interest rates that are being offered in the market. Today there are numerous banks and financial institutions that offer car loans and are willing to provide customers competitive rates. A difference of even .25% in the interest rates can make a large difference to the amount you will be paying for your car. Thus it is a good idea to consider a few car loan interest rates before you decide on the bank or financial institution that you wish to borrow from.

It is a good idea to use a car loan calculator, available on websites of most banks and financial institutions. These will help you calculate how much loan you can take and how much the rate of interest will cost you. By making a substantial down payment you may be able to get better interest rates. Whether the interest rates are fixed or variable will also affect the amount of money you will be repaying. The model of a car may also influence the interest you pay on the car loan. The latest model of a car may be charged a higher rate of interest than one that is relatively older.
If you have a bad credit score you may be offered car loans at higher interest rates, as the lenders think that they are taking a bigger risk by lending you the money. It may be a good idea to improve your credit rating and then apply for a car loan.

Comparison Car Loans Interest Rates

A comparison rate was introduced in 2003 to help consumers identify the true cost of a loan. It includes the car loans interest rate, loan fees both upfront and ongoing, and charges relating to a loan. It shows the rate to a single percentage figure to give a true comparison of the coast of the loan.

How is a comparison rate calculated?
Comparison rates are calculated on:
• the amount of the car finance;
• the term of the car loan;
• the repayment frequency (for example monthly payments or weekly payments);
• the interest rate charged; and
• Any fees and charges directly connected with the loan.

What doesn’t a comparison rate include?
• Government charges or taxes, such as stamp duty and mortgage registration fees.
• Any fees and charges which are not ascertainable (cannot be calculated) at the time the comparison rate is provided
• Any fees and charges which may or may not be occur and charged. They may depend on some event which may or may not occur. This may be an early termination fee or a late payment penalty.

When must I be provided with a comparison rate?
Comparison rates are provided for:
• Finance which is wholly or mainly for personal, domestic or household purposes and not proximately for business use.
• Fixed term credit or credit that must be repaid within a specific time period. (A car loan with a term of 5 years) An example of a loan that would not have to provide a comparison rate would by a credit card which does not have to be repaid within a particular time period.

From 1 July 2003 a comparison rate must be included in any advertisement for fixed term consumer credit which shows an interest rate by credit providers, car finance brokers, and businesses advertising goods that also refer to finance to a particular credit provider.

Consumers must be provided with comparison rate schedule which lists of the comparison rates for a standard range of finance amounts and terms.



Where can I get further information?

A list of frequently asked questions about comparison rates is available at www.creditcode.gov.au

Questions can also be directed to your nearest Fair Trading Centre.

Car Loans With A Car Finance Broker

Buying a car can be a very emotional decision and can leaving us regretting not doing our checks first. Quiet often we focus on the car price and bargaining with the sales person but we spend very little time checking the car finance package.

How do we know what is a good interest rate in the market?

Generally we head straight for our bank which can mean not getting the right interest rate.
Using the internet can save you a lot of time. Check out car finance brokers and bank websites. The car dealership can sometimes have car finance available.

There are many choices.
Often different car financiers and banks price differently. Some price on how much you are borrowing. The age of the vehicle can make a difference.

Personal car loans can be different to commercial loans.
Generally newer cars can attract cheaper interest rates. The older a car gets the higher the risk the finance companies experience. Check with the lender and ask about their differences.

A good car finance broker can helpful but make sure you find a car finance broker that deals with many finance companies. Get them to check on break fees and month additional costs. Is the loan fixed and secured with the car or unsecured? Normally a secured car loan in Australia can offer better interest rates because of the car being offered as security.

Car Loans Interest Rates

The most important detail for car loans is the interest rates that are being offered in the market. Today there are numerous banks and financial Buying a car is an exciting time in any person's life, more so if this is your first car.

So you may think that knowing which car you want and applying for a loan is all there is to it. But hold on for just a minute. Car loans are a financial commitment that is expected to last a long time, until the loan is paid off. Usually a car loan has a term period of five to seven years.

It is vital that you think through all the details regarding car loans before you make up your mind institutions that offer car loans and are willing to provide customers competitive rates. A difference of even .25% in the interest rates can make a large difference to the amount you will be paying for your car.

Thus it is a good idea to consider a few car loan interest rates before you decide on the bank or financial institution that you wish to borrow from. you may want to use a good car loan broker to assist.

It is a good idea to use a car loan calculator, available on websites of most banks and financial institutions. These will help you calculate how much loan you can take and how much the rate of interest will cost you. By making a substantial down payment you may be able to get bettercar loans interest rates. Whether the interest rates are fixed or variable will also affect the amount of money you will be repaying.

The model of a car may also influence the interest you pay on the car loan. The latest model of a car may be charged a higher rate of interest than one that is relatively older.

If you have a bad credit score you may be offered car loans with bad credit at higher interest rates, as the lenders think that they are taking a bigger risk by lending you the money. It may be a good idea to improve your credit rating and then apply for a car loan.