It’s not unusual to hear family, friends, colleagues, and even spouses say they had taken a loan to purchase a car of their choice or their “dream car,” so to speak. Then you begin to wonder how they can afford such (beautiful) cars when you know how much is on their paycheck. If you are thinking about inheritance or some jackpot, these are possibilities but not always the case. In most cases, they were able to secure a car loan to enable them to finance the purchase of the car. How does a car loan work and how easy is it to get one? We will discuss these and share tips on how to get profitable car loans. A car loan can best be described as an agreement entered into with a financial institution, say a bank, or any other legally recognized entity capable of offering you money to buy any car of your choice with arrangements on how you will repay the money given to you.

What’s the Duration of a Car Loan?

Typically, a car loan spans between 24 months to 60 months, even though the duration could be extended.

How Much Interest Do I Pay Back?

A car loan is usually split into two parts; the capital and the interest. Whatever percentage is agreed upon (depending on the interest rate) as a monthly payment, will be used to service the capital until it’s fully paid – then, the other aspects including interest, tax, and additional fees come next. Have it in mind that interest rates vary from lender to lender, as such, you should seek professional advice and concisely discuss the terms of the loan.

What Do I Need to Acquire A Car Loan?

Most lenders would ask for proof of employment, evidence of tax payment, and documents showing how much you earn – this is to help them determine how much loan you are eligible for. Another document a lender will be interested in is your credit report – A detailed document of your credit history in the form of loans or debts. If you have a good credit history (meaning that you are prompt with paying mortgages or loans), you stand a better chance of getting a car loan; otherwise, your request may be declined.

Benefits of Car Loans – Why Do People Take Car Loans?

• Quick Fund

To begin with, taking loans helps you to get any car of your choice almost immediately without having to save up over an extended period of time.

• Future Savings

Rather than saving up to buy a used car, why not take a loan and get a new one? Taking a loan saves you the stress of buying an old or used car and the burden of occasional repairs. Financing a new car with loans gives you a long break from repairs – and an added advantage is that virtually all modern cars are fuel-efficient, so you get to spend less at the gas station.

• No Collateral Needed

Unlike what most people think, you don’t need collateral to take a car loan. The car becomes collateral until you pay off the loan and take full ownership of the car. However, you must have it at the back of your mind that, if you if fail to meet the payment deadline as agreed, the lender reserves the right to seize the car.

• Healthy Financial Management

At the point of taking a car loan, you must have agreed on how much money you will pay monthly until the loan is fully paid. This allows you to plan your finances, so you don’t have to cut on other needs to service the loan. Hopefully, you now understand how car loans work and what makes you eligible for one. Now you know there’s a way to get that car you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank.