The Pros and Cons of Refinancing an Auto Loan
As individuals and households continue to navigate the economic landscape, many are seeking ways to reduce their monthly financial obligations. One strategy that some car owners may consider is refinancing their existing auto loan. Refinancing involves obtaining a new loan to pay off the existing one to secure a lower interest rate.
This can lead to substantial savings in terms of interest payments over the life of the loan and reduced monthly payments. However, it is essential to carefully evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of refinancing an auto loan before deciding.
How Does Auto Refinancing Work?
The auto refinancing process typically starts when you contact a lender to inquire about the possibility of refinancing your existing auto loan. The lender will then conduct a credit check and review your financial situation, including your credit score, income, and the value of the vehicle.
If the lender determines that you are eligible for a refinance auto loan, they will give you a new loan offer, including the new interest rate, loan term, and monthly car payment. If you agree to the new loan’s terms, you will be required to sign a new loan agreement, and the lender will pay off the original auto loan.
When Does Refinancing Your Car Make Sense?
If you plan to apply for an auto refinance, make sure you do it at the right time. Good indicators that you should refinance loans include:
When interest rates have dropped: If interest rates have dropped since you took out your original car loan, you may be able to secure a lower interest rate by refinancing. This can lead to savings on interest over the life of the loan.
When your credit score has improved: A higher credit score can help you qualify for a lower interest rate. If your credit score has improved since you took out your original car loan, you may be eligible for a better rate by refinancing.
When you want to lower your monthly payment: Refinancing to a longer loan term can lower your monthly payment, making it easier to afford your car.
When you want to pay off your car faster: Refinancing to a shorter loan term can help you pay off your car faster and save on interest.
Pros of Refinancing Your Loan
Refinancing will not change the loan amount, but many other benefits can help offset the cost, such as:
Lower interest rate: The primary advantage of refinancing is securing a lower interest rate on your loan, resulting in interest savings over the life of the loan.
Reduced monthly payments: By securing a lower interest rate, you can lower your monthly payments, making it easier to afford your car.
Improve your credit score: A lower payment makes your car loan more affordable, and more likely that you will make timely payments resulting in a better credit score.
Pay off your car faster: Refinancing to a shorter loan term can help you pay off your car faster and save on interest.
Ability to change the loan term: Refinancing allows you to change the loan term, which will affect the monthly payments and the total interest paid; this will give you more control over the loan and your finances.
Cons of Refinancing Your Loan
Pressing the restart button on your auto loan by refinancing does come with some drawbacks, such as:
You might have to pay fees: Refinancing an auto loan may require you to pay specific fees, such as an application fee, origination fee, or prepayment penalty. These fees can add up and make the process of refinancing more expensive.
Your credit score takes a hit: Applying for a new loan can have a short-term negative impact on your credit score because it generates a hard credit inquiry.
Pay more in interest: By extending the loan term to reduce monthly payments, you may pay more in interest over the life of the loan.
Is Auto Refinancing Right for You?
Auto refinancing can be a great way to save money on interest and reduce your monthly payments, but taking a few additional steps can help determine if it is the right option for your financial goals.
Have a clear objective: Knowing what you want to accomplish when refinancing your auto loan can help you when running numbers on auto loan rates and evaluating offers.
Get refinance offers: Shop different lenders to determine which auto refinancing offers work best for your financial situation. Lenders like T&I Credit Union offer pre-approval, so you can get an estimate of your new car payment without affecting your credit score.
Run the numbers: Use an auto loan calculator to compare your current loan with different refinance possibilities and see how they affect your monthly loan payment.
Apply for a T&I Credit Union Auto Loan Today
If you have decided that auto refinancing is the right choice, consider applying for a T&I Credit Union auto loan. Whether looking for a better interest rate or a more suitable loan term, we’ve been helping our members since 1955 to get behind the wheel and on the road without competitive interest rates and quick approvals.
You can apply for a T&I Credit Union auto loan online, by phone at (248) 588-6688, or in person. The application process is quick and easy, and you will receive a decision on your loan within 24-72 hours.