Are you thinking about buying a new car but do not know how to finance it? Most people finance their vehicles. These are the six most common ways to do it. Which one is best for you?
Obtain a personal loan from a financial institution
It is the most common form of financing usually offered by banks, savings banks, and other credit institutions. To access these loans, you will have to show that you have good credit and can return the money within the agreed period.
The interests and the total costs can vary a lot between the different loan providers, making the purchase of the vehicle much more expensive. Keep in mind that the provider will pretend to secure the loan with one of your assets. By doing this, you may put your possessions at risk.
- Pros: you can process it quickly and immediately dispose of the funds.
- Cons: the risk and the interest rate can be high.
Obtain a loan from a friend or relative
Another option is to get a loan from a friend, relative, or acquaintance instead of a credit institution. In this case, it is essential to discuss the loan in detail and leave everything in writing to avoid future problems.
- Pros: it is unnecessary to perform any solvency analysis, and you will have more flexibility. Depending on your relationship with the person who lends you the money, the interest rate may be lower or even non-existent.
- Cons: You can put at risk a friendship or a family relationship.
Purchase in installments
This method of financing is based on purchasing by installments. It consists of signing a contract with the seller (local or international) by which you agree to buy a vehicle in a certain period. You can use the vehicle while paying fixed monthly fees until paying the full price.
You will be the registered driver and responsible for insurance and vehicle maintenance, but the seller will be the legal owner until the last payment is effective. Afterward, the car will be entirely owned by you.
- Pros: sellers offer this alternative directly, and it is quite simple and quick to process. Payments are flexible, and the deposit is generally small.
- Cons: You may end up paying more in the long term because the interest rate will generally be higher, which is also a drawback. Unlike flexible financing, you usually cannot change the car for another model once it is your property.
Flexible financing
The largest car brands offer the possibility of a flexible payment plan. It is an option like the purchase in installments with some differences. Unlike the previous method, when you complete all the payments, you can decide to keep the car or return it without any commitment or exchange it for another model of the same brand and pay the difference.
You could also negotiate a discount for the new model. This option is usually offered for specific models of the brand and not for all available cars.
- Pros: You can change your mind at the end of the contract about which car you want to have. You have the confidence that offers you a great brand of vehicles recognized in the market.
- Cons: Contract terms may be less flexible to negotiate than with an installment purchase.
Financial leasing
If you are considering renting a car through leasing or renting, you will have to make a monthly payment to the leasing entity to use the vehicle. The only requirement is that the mileage cannot exceed a specified limit. At the end of the contract, you will have to return the vehicle to the entity or buy it for its residual value (some dealers do not offer the purchase option).
- Pros: you will not have to worry about the vehicle’s depreciation, and you can easily switch to another model.
- Cons: the total costs of the operation can be high due to all the included services. A penalty may have to be paid in the case of exceeding the allowed mileage limit.
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