Finding the cheapest car loan rates could help you enjoy some significant savings. But beyond car loan rates, there are several other factors to consider in order to find an affordable car loan for your situation.
Compare rates from multiple lenders
Shopping around for a car loan from multiple lenders could help you find a more competitive interest rate. One way to do this is to compare car loans side by side with the help of comparison tables.
Remember to check the comparison rate to get an idea of each car loan's overall cost, including interest charges and standard fees. You could also use filters to narrow down your options to only car loans that should suit your needs, then sort your results by their interest rates to find the cheapest options.
Another helpful tool is the car loan repayment calculator to help you estimate the repayments for different car loans. After calculating your repayments, you can compare car loans that may better match your requirements and be better suited to your financial situation.
Consider the loan term
The length of your car loan could also affect its total cost. A low interest rate coupled with a longer loan term may mean smaller monthly repayments, but you could end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan. Make sure to consider the loan's duration when evaluating its total cost.
Evaluate the fees and other costs
It’s important to consider all the costs associated with a car loan, including interest rates, fees, and additional charges. While standard fees are included in the comparison rate, there may also be extra fees to pay.
For example, some lenders may also charge a fee for paying off a loan early. If you're looking for more flexibility in the way you manage your debt, you could consider looking for options without any prepayment penalty.
View the RateCity Car Loan Leaderboards
RateCity's Real Time Ratings™ combine the cost (e.g. interest charges and fees) and flexibility (e.g. approval/funding time, extra repayments, redraw and early exit penalties) of car loans into a single simple star rating, giving you a better idea of each car loan’s potential value for money. These ratings are calculated as you use the site, making them as up to date as possible. You can compare some of the top-rated car loans in individual categories at RateCity's Leaderboards, and some of the top-rated car loans may also become eligible for a RateCity Gold Award.
Remember that even if you can't get the cheapest rates when you first apply for your car loan, you may be able to refinance further down the track. If your financial situation has changed, you may qualify for a car loan with lower rates and/or lower fees, allowing you to save some money.
But before you start the refinancing process, check if fees or charges apply, and remember that extending your car loan term may cost you more money in total, even if your new interest rate is lower.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or need guidance to navigate the car loan market, consider consulting a car loan broker. Much like how mortgage brokers help borrowers on their home loan journey, car finance brokers can help you through the process of vehicle finance.
From searching for a car loan that suits your financial goals and situation to completing your application, a broker can assist you at every stage of your car loan journey. Simply contact a car loan broker in your area today to start benefiting from their local knowledge of the market.
