Online Car Loans Canada

What to know before you apply for a car loan

Repayment term: There is a little flexibility when choosing your repayment term. If you want more monthly cash flow, choose a longer loan term, just be aware you’ll pay more interest over the life of your loan.

Easy to Pay Interest: There are two types of interest rates, fixed and variable interest rate. You are also free to choose the interest rate based on your particular needs. The lower the interest rate on the loan, the less you’ll pay for the car in the long run.

Down Payment: Money put down on the vehicle, either with cash or trade in, will help reduce your total owing, therefore reducing the time spent paying off your new vehicle.

Easy Payment: Lenders often let you choose the payment frequency of your car loan, for example, weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly or monthly payments. Choose a payment frequency that matches your pay schedule and set up automatic deductions for stress free payment.

Buying a car can be a stressful (but also exciting!) experience. Most people are going to need financial help when purchasing a car, and that’s where car loans come in. There’s a lot to know about the ins and outs of car loans, so it’s worth doing your research. We’re here to help you get informed with some of the most commonly asked questions about car loans in Canada.

What are car loans?

A car loan is basically a personal loan that is secured by the vehicle you are purchasing. That means if you default on your loan payments, the lender has the right to seize your vehicle as collateral.

How do new car loans work?

 You get a car loan through a bank, an alternative lender, or a dealership. Generally, lenders will allow you to borrow from 80% to 100% of the value of the car. Repaying a car loan involves making regular payments (monthly, weekly, etc.) plus interest over a certain time period. Car loan terms typically vary between 2 to 8 years.

How do used car loans work?

A used car loan works exactly like a new car loan with some extra limitations, namely:

• The percentage of the car’s value you can borrow is typically less than a new car loan.
• Interest rates for used car loans are usually higher than a loan for a new car.

What is auto refinancing?

Auto refinancing means replacing your current car loan with a new loan that has different rates and terms. You can renegotiate the terms with your current lender or you can choose to switch to a new lender. This is normally done to extend the loan’s term or to get a lower interest rate. Generally, an auto refinancing term is between 2 and 7 years.

What is rent-to-own?

Rent-to-own is an option that involves “leasing” a used car for a period of time, after which you can choose to return or buy the car. This option is good if you have bad credit or are unable to get approved for a lease through traditional means. That’s because there’s no credit check – you will just need a personal ID, proof of residence, and an income source.

In the case of rent-to-own agreements, payments are made directly to the dealership or car rental company rather than a bank or third-party lender. Terms typically last 1 to 2 years.

What is in-house financing?

In-house financing is similar to a car loan, but it’s offered only by dealerships. You simply choose a car you like and the dealer will then finance the car for you, after which you will repay them in equal installments with interest over a certain period. Terms usually last up to 5 years.

Do I need a down payment to get an auto loan?

Generally, yes, you’ll need to provide at least a 10% down payment. Note that there are lenders who may accept a smaller down payment. Despite this, you should always make as big of a down payment as you can afford, so as to reduce your monthly payments and improve your chances of getting a better interest rate.

How do I get pre-approved for an auto loan?

To get pre-approved for a car loan in Canada, you simply provide the lender with information about yourself, such as your name, salary, debt amount, and social insurance number. They will perform a “hard” credit check which will affect your credit.  To minimize the impact on your credit score, be sure to get a pre-approval from all lenders within 14 days, as multiple credit checks within a two-week period are considered one credit inquiry.

Can I get an auto loan with bad credit?

Yes, there are many lenders who offer bad credit car loans. Since car loans are secured by the vehicle you’re buying, they are some of the easiest loans a person with bad credit can get.

Are 72+ month auto loans bad?

Some car loans have terms longer than 72 months. You should be wary of these for the following reasons:

• You’ll end up spending way more on interest.
• Interest rates are typically higher with loan terms over 60 months.
• You’ll get less equity. You build equity when your car is worth more than your loan. Longer terms stretch this process out.
• You can end up paying more than the actual value of the car in the end

How can I get 0% financing on a car loan?

 Sometimes you’ll see signs for 0% financing at a dealership. This is typically offered when car dealerships need to meet sales quotas or get rid of old or used cars. To qualify for 0% financing, you’ll typically need to have an excellent credit score. If you do manage to qualify, make sure to find out if the 0% rate is applicable to the entire duration of the term.