topic Re: Shopping for best auto loan rate in Auto Loans

Shopping for best auto loan rate

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:56:33 GMT

Hello all, newbie here. I am in the market for a used car. I know I will qualify for the loan, but wonder where is the best place(s) are to apply. My scores are as follows : 802 Eq, 778(?) Ex, 804 Tu. I stopped by my CU and their rate was 6.75% for 5yr, and 5.75% 4 yr. I had heard of sites like Lending Tree, let you apply at several institutions at once. I have also read on this site that Capitol One seems to be a popular auto lender as well. The dealer was offering 3.99%, but the car he was selling was not up to the "Certified Pre-Owned" level in my mind. One too many issues. Can anybody make a suggestion on where I should look?

TIA

Poirot

Re: Shopping for best auto loan rate

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:00:23 GMT

The big question is: what are your expectations?

Most conventional banks will have a 5 year rate for a used car of 5.0% plus.

there may be some lower Promo rates out there, but I am not going to get involved with that.

A 3.9-4.9 rate at a conventional bank/credit union for a used car at 5 years is an exception.

Since there is no used car factory, you are limited by what a dealership has access too when looking for a used car.

You can yourself easily go to many banks websites and see what their current "best" rates are and apply if interested.

Re: Shopping for best auto loan rate

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:47:44 GMT

Thanks for the response. I didn't expect my CU to match the dealers financing at 3.99, it would be nice, but so would be world peace. I didn't really know what to expect when I stopped by the CU, right across the street where I work. I was actually just looking for a brochure or a rate sheet, but the branch manager corralled me into a seat. Funny how that happens. The last time I got a car loan was over 10 years ago. I tend keep/drive a car till she won't go anymore. It was a sad day when they hauled her off on a flatbed....

Other than looking at seperate banks and CU's, would you recommend sites like Lendingtree.com?

TIA

Poirot

Re: Shopping for best auto loan rate

Anonymous — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:22:02 GMT

Other than looking at seperate banks and CU's, would you recommend sites like Lendingtree.com?

Knowing what I know from following this forum, No ,,,

And I'd avoid CrapOne auto loans as well,

Right now NASA Federal has 3.65% loans on 2005 and newer vehicles for 63-months, Joining NASA was a hard on EQ and I haven't app'd for any loans from them so I don't know what they pull for a loan, I refi'd with PenFed CU at 3.99 for 60-mo this past spring, they pulled EQ and TU,

I saw NASA After I refi'd with PenFed,

Good Luck,