How to Refinance a Car Loan

Pineville drivers who are interested in lowering their monthly car payments and saving on interest may want to consider refinancing their car loans. If refinancing is an option that you’re considering, read this guide by the finance team at Tim Short Chrysler of Middlesboro as we cover how to refinance a car loan, as well as when you should make the move to refinance.

How Do You Refinance a Car Loan?

What is the purpose of refinancing a car loan? When drivers choose to refinance their car loans, it’s usually because they’re looking to lower their interest rates. Before starting the refinancing process, you’ll need to know what you’re currently paying. You can either consult your monthly pay statements or reach out to your lender to confirm your current interest rate and monthly payments.

Once you’ve obtained that information, here’s how you can proceed:

• Find out your credit score. Have you been making on-time payments on your bills since you purchased your car? If so, there’s a good chance that your credit score has improved and you could benefit from refinancing.
• Start submitting refinancing applications. To get the best rate, be sure to apply to multiple automotive refinance companies. You’ll want to submit all of the applications within a 14-day period to minimize the negative impact on your credit score.
• Evaluate your offers. Look over the numbers to see if there are any offers that will get you your desired monthly payment. Feel free to use our online monthly payment calculator if you need assistance comparing offers.
• Decide on a loan term. You can either choose a longer term loan or a shorter term loan, depending on your financial situation.Shorter-term loans require larger monthly payments, but you will pay less interest in total. Longer term loans have smaller monthly payments, but you will pay more interest overall.

Ultimately, the best way to refinance an auto loan is to assess your circumstances and find an offer or term that will work for your situation.

What to Know When Refinancing Your Car

There are a few other things that Harrogate drivers should keep in mind when deciding whether or not to refinance their car:

• Fees–There are some car loans that have early-payoff fees. If your lender has any financial repercussions for paying off your loan early, refinancing may not be the best option.
• Underwater Finances: If you currently owe more than what your car is worth–otherwise known as being “underwater” or “upside down” in your loan, you may have more difficulty getting approved for refinancing. 
• Older Vehicles: Because older vehicles have already experienced a bulk of depreciation, many lenders won’t refinance them.

Discover Your Finance Options at Tim Short Chrysler of Middlesboro

Owning a car is a major financial decision, and the finance team here at Tim Short Chrysler of Middlesboro near Ewing is here to help you get the most out of your money. Contact us today if you want to know more about how to refinance a car loan or if you need guidance on whether or not refinancing is the best option for you. Also, be sure to browse more our car buying tips where we answer frequently asked questions such as, “Can you trade in a financed car?”