Every car enthusiast has that one vehicle they’ve always dreamed of owning. Your pick might be a high-performance machine that wouldn’t look out of place in a street racing movie. For more open areas, plenty dream of having a rugged adventure vehicle performing equally well on and off roads. Family-oriented drivers may want a luxury SUV for extreme comfort and safety.
But why settle for dreaming? Forming a solid plan is the first step in turning any goal into reality. Learn how much your dream car will cost you and your financing options. Your budget and credit limit can tell you how much you have to save and the best way to get to your dream car.
With this guide, all you’ll have to worry about is not speeding once you’re behind the wheel!
Understanding Your Financing Options
You have two primary financing options to consider: auto loans or leasing. Each avenue has its advantages and drawbacks—influenced by factors such as your budget, credit score, and personal preferences. This section highlights how different credit scores and budget levels can impact each choice.
Auto loans
Auto loans are perhaps the most common method of financing a vehicle purchase. It’s a loan type that’s specifically for helping people fully or partially pay for their car. Here’s how your credit score might affect an auto loan.
Low credit score (Below 580)
Individuals with low credit scores may struggle to secure an auto loan. And, if approved, they may be subject to higher interest rates. Lending bodies may also require a larger down payment to offset the higher risk associated with the loan.
Average credit score (580 to 669)
People with average credit scores may qualify for auto loans but may still face slightly worse rates compared to those with excellent credit. Additionally, loan terms may be less favorable, resulting in higher monthly payments.
High credit score (Above 670)
Those with high credit scores are likely to qualify for auto loans with lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms. They may also have the option to choose from a broader range of lenders and financing options.
Budget Considerations
Auto loans can still be accessible for individuals with modest budgets, especially if they opt for used or certified pre-owned vehicles. However, you should still consider the total cost of ownership, including interest and insurance.
For individuals with a standard budget, auto loans are a practical way to finance a reliable vehicle without depleting savings or building credit card debt. With a high budget, people have more flexibility in terms of vehicle choices and loan options. Their loan terms will likely allow them to pay off the vehicle sooner.
Leasing
Leasing involves renting a vehicle from a dealership for a set period, typically around two to three years. People who lease a vehicle have the option to either return the car or purchase it at the end of the lease term. Here’s how a credit score can affect your vehicle lease:
Low credit score (Below 580)
People with low credit scores may struggle to qualify or may be required to provide a larger security deposit. Additionally, lease terms may be less favorable, with higher monthly payments and mileage restrictions.
Average credit score (580 to 669)
Those with average credit scores may qualify for leasing but may still face slightly higher monthly payments and stricter lease terms compared to individuals with higher credit.
High credit score (Above 670)
Similar to auto loans, persons with high credit scores are likely to qualify for lease agreements with lower monthly payments and more favorable terms. They may also have the option to negotiate a lower down payment or higher mileage allowance.
Budget Considerations
Leasing can be a better option than loans for people with a low budget, as it typically has lower upfront costs and monthly payments than purchasing a new vehicle outright. While people with an average budget benefit from the chance to drive a newer vehicle with lower payments than an auto loan. However, mileage restrictions and lease-end fees are factors to consider.
While individuals with a high budget may have the means to purchase a vehicle outright, leasing lets them enjoy the latest models without committing to long-term ownership. It also provides flexibility to upgrade to a new vehicle more frequently.
Achieve Your Dream Car Today!
The race to your dream car doesn’t start at the dealership—it begins with the decisions you make beforehand.
Just like any race, the distance might seem daunting, especially when faced with different budgets and credit scores that set individuals at varying starting lines. However, regardless of where you begin, the destination remains the same: the exhilarating moment when you finally drive off in your dream car.
