Auto Loan Articles & Guides
Straightforward, no-hype explanations of how car financing works.
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New vs. Used Car Loans: Rates, Terms, and Total Cost
Used cars cost less up front but carry higher loan rates, while new cars depreciate faster. Here is how financing differs and how to compare the true cost.
May 30, 2026
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Should You Refinance Your Car Loan? When It Pays Off
Refinancing an auto loan can lower your rate or payment, but it does not always save money. Here are the situations where it makes sense and the traps to avoid.
May 27, 2026
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How Much Should You Put Down on a Car?
How a down payment lowers your payment and interest, the common 10–20% guideline, and how to avoid being upside down on your auto loan.
May 26, 2026
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Auto Loan Preapproval: How It Works and Why It Helps
Getting preapproved for a car loan before you shop gives you a firm budget and real negotiating power. Here is how preapproval works and what it does to your credit.
May 25, 2026
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How Much Car Can You Afford? The 20/4/10 Rule
A simple budgeting rule for car buyers: 20% down, no more than a 4-year loan, and total car costs under 10% of income. Here is how to apply it.
May 22, 2026
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36, 48, 60, or 72 Months: How to Choose a Car Loan Term
A longer car loan lowers your monthly payment but raises total interest. Here is how to weigh loan term length against your budget and the risk of going underwater.
May 20, 2026
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How Your Credit Score Affects Your Auto Loan Rate
See how credit tiers map to auto loan APRs, why the gap between tiers is so large, and practical ways to qualify for a lower rate.
May 19, 2026
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Lease vs. Buy a Car: Which One Costs Less?
Leasing has lower monthly payments, but buying builds equity. Here is how the total cost compares, and when each option makes more sense.
May 18, 2026
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Auto Loan Basics: How Car Financing Works
A plain-English guide to how auto loans work — principal, APR, loan term, amortization, and the numbers that decide your monthly car payment.
May 12, 2026