Consumer News - Auto Finance Guide; How do I finance my car? Consumer & Government Guides @ Consumer & Government Guides; Info & Help @ consumer-guides.info

With prices averaging more than $20,000 for a new vehicle and $9,500 for a four-year-old vehicle, most consumers need financing or leasing to acquire a vehicle. In some cases, buyers use "direct lending:" they obtain a loan directly from a finance company, bank or credit union. In direct lending, a buyer agrees to pay the amount financed, plus an agreed-upon finance charge, over a period of time. Once a buyer and a vehicle dealership enter into a contract and the buyer agrees to a vehicle price, the buyer uses the loan proceeds from the direct lender to pay the dealership for the vehicle. Consumers also may arrange for a vehicle loan over the Internet.

The most common type of vehicle financing, however, is "dealership financing." In this arrangement, a buyer and a dealership enter into a contract where the buyer agrees to pay the amount financed, plus an agreed-upon finance charge, over a period of time. The dealership may retain the contract, but usually sells it to an assignee (such as a bank, finance company or credit union), which services the account and collects the payments.

For the vehicle buyer, dealership financing offers:

1. Convenience - Dealers offer buyers vehicles and financing in one place.

2. Multiple financing relationships - The dealership's relationships with a variety of banks and finance companies mean they can offer buyers a range of financing options.

3. Special programs - From time to time, dealerships may offer manufacturer-sponsored, low-rate programs to buyers.

This booklet explains dealership financing and can serve as a guide as you evaluate your own financial situation before you finance a new or used vehicle. It will also help you understand vehicle leasing.

Consumer Guides - Automobiles
Lower Auto Insurance Costs

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Table of Contents

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AT A DEALERSHIP

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU APPLY FOR FINANCING?

WHAT INFLUENCES YOUR APR?

WHAT ABOUT A CO-SIGNER?

SHOULD I LEASE A VEHICLE?

DETERMINING HOW MUCH YOU CAN AFFORD

GETTING A COPY OF YOUR CREDIT REPORT

CONCLUSION - REVIEW

WORKSHEET

GLOSSARY

Source: General Services Administration, Pueblo Colorado

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