Auto Financing Options

Is it a Good Time to buy a Car?

In a market where most people seem to be losing their job, buying a car may not figure on a person's agenda. However, now is the time for making the most of the great deals that are being offered by auto manufacturers. The automotive industry has experienced a huge decline in demand, forcing manufacturers to cut production. November '08 car sales were 30% lower than car sales for November 2007. Falling prices of fuels in December 2008 provided some relief to the SUV and truck manufacturers. However, the sales were still nowhere close to sales for December 2007. Housing market crash, declining consumer confidence and economic recession further aggravated the situation. The lack of demand, coupled with a number of other operational factors, forced General Motors to file for bankruptcy protection.
Car manufacturers and dealers are now offering a number of incentives to people interested in purchasing a car. In fact, many auto manufacturers like Hyundai, Ford and General Motors are offering to protect a buyer in the event of the his inability to repay the car loan because of a lay off. Hence, it is a good time to buy a car for a throw away price. Following are some of the car financing options that are available to a buyer.

Auto Financing Options

Loans: The interest rate on loans for both old and new cars have fallen drastically. As of 26 March 2009, a 60-month car loan for a new car could be obtained at an interest rate of 6.85%. In case of a used car, interest on the 36-month car loan was around 7.65%. In fact some credit unions are offering car loans at an interest rate of 4.75%. In the current scenario, it is possible for a person to obtain a cheap auto loan from a bank or a credit union, provided he has a good credit score. A person interested in applying for a loan should ensure that his credit report is accurate. It would be sensible to scrutinize the credit report well in advance so that any inaccuracies can be rectified.

Car Manufacturer's Deals: In May 2009, the unemployment rate in the US jumped to 9.4%, the highest in 25 years. In order to encourage people to buy cars, automobile manufacturers are providing incentives like cash back deals and low cost financing. Many auto manufacturers are also offering payment protection plans. These plans absolve a person of the responsibility of making payments on the car loan in case he loses his job. In such a situation, the car manufacturer would make all the necessary payments in return for the buyer handing over the car keys. Most payment protection plans will be expiring on the 30th of June, 2009. However a certain Korean manufacturer who pioneered the payment protection plan is extending this offer for the entire calendar year.

Dealership Financing: Generally, dealers provide financing on the basis of credit scores and charge a higher rate of interest than the interest on loans offered by credit unions and banks. Falling sales has forced many dealers to shut shop while others are willing to offer deals in order to get rid of excess inventory and stay in business.

Leasing: For people who are still unsure about buying a car, leasing may be a good alternative. The main advantage of leasing is that in the short term the monthly payments are much lower than the interest payments on a car loan. In the long term leasing works out to be more expensive.

Buying a car in 2009 can be a great decision for a person who is in a fairly stable situation. A number of deals which would not normally be available are being offered by auto manufacturers, who are desperate to increase sales.