Bank Car Loan vs. Dealer Financing

When looking for a new automobile in Columbus, Ohio, most individuals prioritize selecting the most excellent vehicle. They do this by looking at dealerships and private sellers for the automobile they want. Over 60% of auto purchasers finance or lease their new or pre-owned vehicle, and many car buyers consider financing as an afterthought.
 
The payment and interest rate for a vehicle is essential since it is the second most costly purchase most individuals make (after a home). On the other hand, intelligent consumers understand that car finance is as crucial as the vehicle itself. So, before looking for a car, they shop and get pre-approved for finance. 
Though you may be itching to get behind the wheel of that Roadster, we recommend that you look into your auto financing choices first.

​The distinction between vehicle loans and dealer financing:

A vehicle loan is a personal loan used to buy an automobile. The automobile serves as collateral (security) for the loan, making it a secured personal loan. Car loans are often significantly shorter than house loans, with loan terms ranging from one to seven years, depending on the lender.
 
Car loans may be used to buy new or used automobiles from dealerships or private sellers. Dealer finance is a loan given by automobile dealerships that allow clients to drive away with a vehicle sooner while also assisting the car salesman in closing the transaction. Dealer financing sometimes has cheaper interest rates than a traditional auto loan, but it usually comes with a payment at the end of the term. Dealer financing programs are mainly restricted to new cars.

​Car Loan:

For many individuals, getting a vehicle loan via a bank is a good alternative, mainly if you deal with a bank that already has your business. They may be willing and able to give you a cheaper financing rate than a dealership since they know you and connect with you. If you conduct all of your banking with them, the bank may even give you incentives to finance.
 
When you finance a vehicle via a bank, you have the option of shopping around to other institutions to get the best offer or conditions for your budget and credit profile. Furthermore, you have a greater possibility of interacting with live and accessible customer support professionals when you want assistance.

​Pros:

Automobiles, both new and used:
​Car loans may be used to buy new, old, antique, or environmentally friendly automobiles from individuals, auctions, or dealerships.

Choice:
You can search around for the best deal since there are so many lenders and vehicle loans to pick from.
​
Flexibility:
Car loans' flexibility might help you keep greater control over your debt throughout the loan. For example, you may be able to refinance to a lower interest rate, convert to a fixed rate, or adjust the frequency of your payments.

​Cons:

Higher rates:
Vehicle loans seldom advertise interest rates between 0% and 1%; instead, interest rates on car loans are frequently above 5%.

Approval time:
Unlike dealer financing, which may be granted on the spot, vehicle loan applications might take anywhere from some time to several days to complete, depending on the lender.

Less space for haggling:
Car loan lenders may be less willing to negotiate loan conditions. Their initial offer may be their finest.

​Dealer Finance Loan:

Even while a typical bank might be a good option for financing your new wheels, a local credit union may be a better fit. Banks are in the job of earning money for their top shareholders, which might result in interest rates that aren't as low as those offered by credit unions since members are also stockholders. 
 
Credit unions not only provide cheaper loan rates than regular banks, but they are also more accommodating when it comes to your narrative. If your credit history has been harmed, a credit union is less likely to view you as a one-dimensional, high-risk consumer.
A credit union is willing to change the loan product to help you succeed. While the vehicle loan application and underwriting processes are identical at both organizations, credit unions are more likely to listen to your unique situation. They will consider unforeseen scenarios and crises that we may all face.

Pros:

Handles Everything:
Dealer financing is handy since you may choose a vehicle, get funding, and drive away the same day. The dealer handles the whole financing procedure, including all documentation, for you.

Inexpensive interest rates:
Dealer financing generally comes with appealing interest rates of 1% or less and low installments during the loan duration.

Negotiable:
You may work out many aspects of finance with the dealer. Dealers may attempt to offer you a better deal than any of the auto loans you mentioned to get you to finance with them.
​

​Cons:

Only new automobiles are allowed:
Dealer financing is often limited to new automobiles, which are more costly and depreciate quicker than used cars.

Payments in balloons:
Because you must make a lump sum 'balloon payment' after the credit term, many dealer finance options are only available at such low-interest rates.

Possibility of a higher selling price:
A financing rate of 0% to 1% may seem attractive, but it might be a sales technique to stimulate the purchase of the car at a higher price.
​

​Conclusion:

Make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions for each financing alternative and that the fees are within your monthly budget and for a long time. Calculate the overall cost of the vehicle throughout the life of each loan, as well as any possible trade-offs.

FAQs

What's the difference between bank finance and dealership financing?
When you get dealer-arranged financing, the dealer gathers information from you and sends it to one or more potential car lenders. Alternatively, with the bank or other lender financing, you apply for a loan directly with a bank, credit union, or another lender.

Why should you not finance your vehicle via a dealership?
Because the dealer is acting as a middleman, the interest you pay is often reflected in the dealer's reward for getting the loan. Your credit score will determine the rise in interest rate, and a higher interest rate may need a longer pay-off time to make your monthly payments affordable.

Direct loan or dealer financing: which is better?
Consumers prefer direct financing in some instances because they may get competitive interest rates through a bank, credit union, or finance firm. However, keep in mind that dealers might provide cheaper credit rates than the manufacturer in many circumstances. Furthermore, the dealer will complete all of the work for you.