Car loan interest rates arent set in stone. You can get low rates even with bad credit by finding an independent lender, depositing a large down payment, or getting a co-signer with good credit. Any of these factors will lower your rates, but put them together and you will get the best car loan rates out there.

Find An Independent Lender

Deals between financing companies and car dealerships usually mean high costing car loans for you. Before you purchase a car, line up your financing ahead of time with an independent lender. Not only will you get a reasonable rate, but you can find the lowest costing loans by shopping lenders.

The internet makes car loan shopping easy. You have the option of going to a broker site for multiple quotes or searching out companies one by one. Without completing an application, you can request a car loan estimate and make your decision based on the best numbers.

Look At Vehicle Loan Terms

Vehicle loan terms will also raise or lower your rates. New cars usually will qualify you for better rates and used. Buying from a dealership will also get you better rates.

Large down payments, 20% or more, qualify you for better rates. By ensuring that there is equity in the car, the risk level of the loan drops significantly. Knowing you have a vested interest in keeping up on payments, financial companies will drop their rates.

For the largest reduction in interest rates, find a co-signer with good credit. That way, financial companies will be looking at the co-signers credit score, not yours. But be ware that there are legal ramifications for the co-signer that should be disclosed before signing any loan contract.

Strategies For The Future

Just like with mortgages, you can refinance your car loan when your credit score improves for better rates. In as little as two years, you can have a good score after a bankruptcy or foreclosure. Just make sure that your current car loan doesnt have an early payment fee.

Spend the time to shop for the best car loan rates. A few minutes invested now can save you hundreds in the future.