Buying a car is a major step for any buyer, and before taking the plunge into bringing a set of wheels home, it is important to have a clear understanding of how car loans work, and what is the best option for you. The length of a car loan is a critical decision, since it bears an effect on the next few years of your life, making it important to know what you are signing up for. Car loan terms can range from as less as 1 year to as long as 6 years.

There is no one perfect term that is ideal for all buyers, since the length of the car loan depends largely on one’s monthly income, and how much they can afford to pay towards the car loan each month. The car loan term is also influenced by the condition of the car, its price, the amount of down payment the buyer is willing to pay, and several other factors. So the question is, if you are buying a used car, what is the ideal term that you should settle on for your car loan?

Let us take a look at both sides of the coin-

• Short term auto loan- A short term loan, which is usually considered to be less than three years, can be a good way to save money in the long run, since this shall mean lower interest rates, as well as a lower total payment towards interest. Another advantage of getting a short term  used car loan is that you own the asset faster than you do with a long auto loan. However, the disadvantage of such a loan is the higher monthly payments, which put you at a risk of falling behind on payments.
• Long term auto loan- Loans that last up to around 72 months are considered to be long term auto loans, and are often the preferred option among buyers who wish to have lower monthly payments, even if this means making these payments for a longer period. Even though you will end up paying more towards interest with a long term loan, it will be easier on your pocket on a monthly/ weekly basis, which is a major advantage for those with low monthly incomes.

Whichever loan term you choose to go with for your auto loan, you can always pay it off before the period, albeit with an early termination fee. In addition to this, you can also refinance your car if you come across a more favorable loan.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide low interest loans for both new and old cars. For more information, you can visit us at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542 or call (254) 690-2274.

Auto loans have come as a savior to many over the decades, with them making cars easily affordable to all and sundry. Even those who have the complete amount required to buy the car usually opt for an auto lveoan, because they believe that they can generate a greater income by investing the capital amount, than the amount they will have to pay as interest over the years. Getting an auto loan can be a tricky process, with the technical jargon and overhead expenses making the situation more complex. Here, we shall discuss one of the major considerations that any car buyer will have to make- a secured loan versus an unsecured loan.

Just like any other personal loan, auto loans can also be of two types- secured and unsecured. The principle difference between these two loans is that, while the former loans require you to give collateral as security to the lender, the latter require no such security. Thus, unsecured loans are riskier for the lender, which is compensated for by an increase in the interest on the loan. These loans rely solely on the promise made by the borrower, and are rarely offered by auto companies, due to the risk involved.

The major advantage of a secured auto loan, is that such a loan involves a lower amount of interest, which is payable over a longer period. This makes it less stressful for the borrower to repay the loan, with the monthly installments being easily payable. Moreover, these loans are easily available, and are rarely turned down. The few disadvantages involved would be the large amount of paper work involved, the need to get an auto insurance, and submission of proof of income, which might be difficult for those who do not wish to project their actual income or does not have appreciable income to get a loan.

Unsecured auto loans, on the other hand, offer the advantage of not having to place collateral. A good credit history is enough to procure such a loan. Secondly, all that such a loan takes is a single-paper application, with no more paperwork required. This makes it less likely for a borrower to be spoofed with unfavorable clauses hidden between volumes of paperwork. Another major advantage is that the buyer does not need to furnish financial statements. This is especially beneficial for borrowers who wish to keep their income discreet. The major disadvantages of an unsecured loan are the greater rates of interest, and shorter periods for repayment.

To obtain cheap and secured auto loans easily and quickly, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union only. You can visit at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274. 

Cheap Auto Loan - Secured Auto Loan