What are the negatives of refinancing a car?
Depending on the reason you are refinancing in the first place, you could actually pay higher interest costs than what you have on your current loan. For example, if you need more time to pay back the loan and refinance for a longer term, you'll end up paying more in interest – even if the rate is lower.
If the interest rate you qualify for today is significantly lower than your current loan rate, it may be a good time to refinance a car. If it's the same or higher, it's probably not the right time to refinance.
The benefits when you refinance a car loan can include lowering your monthly car payment, reducing the interest you pay or shortening your loan term. The downsides to auto loan refinancing can include paying lender fees and additional interest if you extend the loan term or cash out auto equity.
If you aren't able to get a better interest rate than you had on your original loan, refinancing probably isn't a good option. That's because you'll likely increase the amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan.
The main benefits of refinancing your home are saving money on interest and having the opportunity to change loan terms. Drawbacks include the closing costs you'll pay and the potential for limited savings if you take out a larger loan or choose a longer term.
An interest rate under 5% is a great rate for a 72-month auto loan. However, the best loan offers are only available to borrowers who have the best credit scores and payment histories.
A rule of thumb says that you'll benefit from refinancing if the new rate is at least 1% lower than the rate you have. More to the point, consider whether the monthly savings is enough to make a positive change in your life, or whether the overall savings over the life of the loan will benefit you substantially.
A good interest rate for a car loan is typically below 5.18% for new cars and 6.79% for used vehicles. However, the best rate is unique to the borrower so it's best to look at the average interest rates for your credit score category to know if you're getting a good deal.
You'll likely see a small drop in your credit score when refinancing. But don't steer clear of refinancing your auto loan just because of a temporarily lowered score. It could be a sound decision that results in cost savings or much-needed financial relief.
Your lender may have strict requirements about the type of car insurance you must carry with your loan. If your new lender has different rules than your previous one, refinancing may increase or decrease what you pay for car insurance. Most lenders require comprehensive insurance coverage for any vehicle they finance.
Does refinancing mean starting over?
Because refinancing involves taking out a new loan with new terms, you're essentially starting over from the beginning. However, you don't have to choose a term based on your original loan's term or the remaining repayment period.
- Refinance with a new lender. Refinancing can be an easy way to pay off your loan faster. ...
- Make biweekly payments. ...
- Round your payments to the nearest hundred. ...
- Opt out of unnecessary add-ons. ...
- Make a large additional payment. ...
- Pay each month.
The general advice is to wait at least six months before refinancing your auto loan.
You'll Pay More in the Long Run
While refinancing can help you lower your interest rate, it also typically results in extending your repayment term back to a 15-, 20- or 30-year period. Even if you're saving on a monthly basis, the extended term could result in you paying more interest overall.
| Product | Interest rate | APR |
|---|---|---|
| 30-year fixed-rate | 6.926% | 7.008% |
| 20-year fixed-rate | 6.804% | 6.903% |
| 15-year fixed-rate | 6.067% | 6.197% |
| 10-year fixed-rate | 5.969% | 6.190% |
- Make a full lump sum payment. ...
- Make a partial lump sum payment. ...
- Make extra payments each month. ...
- Make larger payments each month. ...
- Request extra or larger payments to go toward your principal.
| Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Minimum rate |
|---|---|---|
| PenFed Credit Union | 4.7 | Starting at 5.24% |
| Consumers Credit Union | 4.2 | Starting at 6.84% (with autopay) |
| Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) | 3.7 | Starting at 6.74% (with autopay) |
| USAA | 3.7 | Starting at 5.89% (with autopay) |
In early 2023, average rates for new and used vehicles were 6.58 percent and 11.70 percent, respectively, according to Experian. The third quarter brought similar rates, 7.03 percent for new and 11.35 percent for used.
This may be a good move if you secure higher returns than the interest rate on your refinanced mortgage. But keep in mind that there is a risk of loss with every investment. If you refinance, then lose money, you will end up in a worse financial position than if you had not refinanced.
Paying on the principal reduces the loan balance faster, helps you pay off the loan sooner and saves you money. Most auto loans use simple interest, a method that calculates interest monthly based on the principal amount you still owe.
Do you have to pay closing costs when you refinance?
When you refinance, you are required to pay closing costs like those you paid when you initially purchased your home. The average closing costs on a refinance are approximately $5,000, but the size of your loan and the state and county where you live will play big roles in how much you pay.
The average auto loan interest rate in the third quarter of 2023 was 7.03% for new vehicles and 11.35% for used vehicles, according to Experian. However, the rate you receive on a car loan will depend on your credit scores. The higher your scores, the lower your auto loan rate.
Your credit score is crucial to determine your eligibility for a no down payment car loan. Most lenders require a FICO credit score of at least 680 before you can qualify. If your credit score falls below 680, improve your credit score before you apply to help you qualify in the future.
| Credit score | Average APR, new car | Average APR, used car |
|---|---|---|
| Superprime: 781-850. | 5.61%. | 7.43%. |
| Prime: 661-780. | 6.88%. | 9.33%. |
| Nonprime: 601-660. | 9.29%. | 13.53%. |
| Subprime: 501-600. | 11.86%. | 18.39%. |
Most lenders will require: A regular source of income, a low debt-to-income ratio and good credit. Proof of residence, such as a lease agreement, mortgage statement or utility bill. Your car's make, model, year, vehicle identification number (VIN) and mileage to evaluate your car's worth.
