Category Archives: Auto Loans & Financing News

What To Know About Car Loan Credit Reports

Car loans are becoming an increasingly popular way to fit a used vehicle into a budget, but completing the procedure is still difficult for many drivers. Those who have never applied for an auto loan or are unfamiliar with the process of receiving one should know a few things about credit loan reports before they begin shopping around for a pre-owned vehicle. 

Be Prepared to Apply
When you head into a dealer to shop around for a used car, you should be ready to fill out a credit application. Just as you will want to learn about prospective vehicles or the type of financing you could receive, the dealer wants to know more about you, so there's a good chance they will encourage you to complete a credit application. You shouldn't fill out an application if you are hesitant or have any reservations, but keep an open mind as you approach the process. 

Know What to Expect
Regardless of whether or not you are going to complete a credit application, you should know what to expect on your credit report. Your credit report will show your financial history, including how you have paid off past debts and the current loans you have to make payments on. The dealer will need this information to give you an accurate look at your financing options, but if you get a credit history beforehand, you won't be surprised by the results and you'll have a better grasp on the situation. 

If you have questions about the car-buying process, reach out to the Financing Department at NJ State Auto Auction. The experts on hand are able to figure out what payments you can work with and the type of loan you should be searching for, as well as provide guidance for getting pre-approved for loans. 

Car Loans Vary By Geographic Location

The latest news about auto loans has largely been positive for prospective drivers. Relaxed restrictions are allowing more subprime buyers to take advantage of financing tools, especially loans, as they strive to purchase a used car. In fact, the recent trends throughout the industry are lengthening loan terms and lowering monthly payments, which is helping many individuals meet deadlines and stay on top of their budget. 

With the availability of auto loans and decreasing monthly payments, more people are getting access to pre-owned vehicles. However, these individuals still have to pay off debts, and in many instances the extended loan period means they have to pay a considerable amount of interest. 

USA Today recently reported on the 10 cities in the U.S. where people owe the most money on their auto loans. The top city was Shreveport, La., where residents had an average of $18,603 left to be paid on their cars. New Orleans was No. 2, while Lafayette, La., was sixth – and those were just three of the six Southern areas on the list. Houston, Little Rock, Ark., and San Antonio rounded out the top five. 

Also ranked on the list, which was compiled using data from Manilla.com, was New York City. The Big Apple was seventh, as its residents owed an average of $16,566 on their auto loans. 

Future car buyers who need the help of auto loans to make a purchase shouldn't let the prospect of debt deter them from shopping around for a used car. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can browse through a selection of hundreds of CARFAX-certified vehicles while also receiving help from the financing department. They can assist you in applying for the car loans you may need. 

Status Of Auto Loans Is Good News For Drivers

Used cars can be expensive, but recent good news regarding auto loans may make purchases easier for all kinds of buyers. Experian Automotive released its latest State of Automotive Finance Market report, and the data collected showed that more people are taking out car loans and fewer are defaulting on them. 

According to the report, 30-day auto loan delinquencies decreased 3.4 percent during the third quarter of 2013 compared to the same time last year. This drop comes as loan balances grow. Outstanding balances jumped by $103 billion in the past year, bringing the total amount of debt to be repaid to $782.9 billion. Although that may seem like a large sum, it is indicative of more individuals being granted larger loans, which is a good sign for subprime buyers who may have struggled with their finances in the past. 

"The combination of higher loan balances and relatively flat loan delinquencies is good news for everyone connected to the automotive industry, including consumers, lenders, retailers and manufacturers," said Melinda Zabritski, a senior director at Experian Automotive. "The availability of credit, combined with consumers' continued strong performance repaying their loans, has a positive spiral effect. It allows lenders to slowly but surely take on additional risk while providing more access to loans and paving the way for higher auto sales." 

With loans becoming more obtainable for all individuals, more people may begin looking into the possibility of investing in used cars. 

Anyone interested in buying a used car but needs help budgeting should reach out to the Financing Department at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Not only can you browse through the collection of CARFAX-certified vehicles on the lot, but you can also get advice and guidance regarding auto loans and financing options. 

Millennials Investing In More Used Cars And Alternate Driving Options

Buying a car is a big investment, and it's one that many drivers have to put a lot of thought into. Perhaps that is why many Millennials, or those people who are currently between the ages of 18 and 34, are putting off purchasing a new vehicle in favor of driving used cars or sharing vehicles with friends and family members. 

According to data from Edmunds.com, Millennials are still struggling with a turbulent economy, and fewer are searching for vehicles as a result. 

"Millennials haven't seem the same benefits in labor, housing and stock markets that Baby Boomers and others have enjoyed over the last year," said Dr. Lacey Plache, the chief economist for Edmunds.com. "As a result, younger Americans across all income levels had trouble pulling together the financial motivation to buy a new car." 

Although these young motorists may not have the finances for a new car, many are investing in high-quality used models. Often, the price points of the used cars for sale are more in line with a Millennial's budget. As the cars in the pool of pre-owned vehicles boasts better quality and offer more options than ever before, they are becoming attractive alternatives to new cars. That is something all motorists can appreciate, regardless of their age and financial situation. 

Drivers of any age who want to find a used car that can meet their needs and fit in their budget should look at the options at NJ Auto Auction. The auction lot boasts hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, and any one of these vehicles could be a wise investment for those who want an affordable used car. A financing department is also available to help motorists budget for an automobile.  

Many Car Buyers Look For Longer Loans

The changing economic landscape has had a major impact on car loans. Many financing options have expanded to longer terms and lower monthly payments, which provides opportunities for subprime buyers to afford a vehicle even when on a tight budget. A recent trend involves car loans spread out for as long as seven years in an attempt to keep payments as manageable as possible, USA Today reported. 

According to the news source, some of the longest auto loans can extend anywhere from 73 to 84 months. Such payment plans have seen a dramatic increase in popularity in the past year, largely due to the current market for cars. Prices of vehicles have gone up in recent years thanks to improved quality, enhanced features and a smaller pool of used cars, which has forced prospective buyers to shop around for a good deal. 

"It's definitely market driven," Allen Foster, general manager of an auto lot, told the news source. "Customers want a vehicle, but have a budget to work within." 

Despite these long payment periods, many drivers are still looking for options that can help them reduce their monthly out-of-pocket costs. The majority of these individuals are shouldered with a worse credit score and have difficulty acquiring loans, regardless of the state of their bank account. 

If you still have more questions, consider reaching out to the Finance Department at NJ State Auto Auction. There you can work with experts who can provide tips for finding the best auto loan, while also taking advantage of the department's pre-approval form to qualify for special financing programs. One of these options could help you afford a used vehicle from the site. 

Bad Credit Has Major Impact On Car Insurance

Buying a used car is about more than finding the vehicle with the right features. You've also got to locate the automobile that fits your budget. That goes beyond the sticker price, as drivers must also choose a car that has manageable monthly payments and insurance premiums. Unfortunately, that is a problem for many, as motorists with poor credit are forced to pay high costs for auto insurance. 

According to a report from InsuranceQuotes.com, drivers with bad credit scores can pay as much as 91 percent more than people with high scores. Even those with average scores were found to pay about 24 percent more than those with good credit. 

Other facts that play into projected insurance premiums include your age, gender, driving record and any past insurance claims made, CNN reported. 

"About 40 percent of every consumer's bottom line score will be driven by whether or not you paid your credit obligations on time," Larmont Boyd, an analyst at the Fair Isaac Corporation, told the news source. "Responsible habits, such as paying your bills on time and minimizing debt, pay off in many ways, including paying less for car insurance." 

Some states have banned insurers from using credit scores to decide insurance rates, but that is far from being a national practice. Instead, many drivers are left to find the best options for themselves – but they can take advantage of services from car dealerships if they know where to look. 

You can reap the benefits of the financing options at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Not only does the lot have hundreds of CARFAX-certified vehicles, but it also boasts its own finance department that can help you make decisions about your next investment. 

Average Length Of Car Loan Extends Past 5 Years

Many drivers need help to pay for a used car. As pre-owned vehicles boast higher-quality features and excellent amenities, their prices are being driven up, and that means motorists are turning to auto financing options to lessen the impact on their bank accounts. Car loans are a popular option, and as more subprime buyers are getting approved, the length of these commitments is growing. 

According to Automotive News, the average car loan is now at 65 months. Subprime borrowers now account for 27.4 percent of all loans taken out, which is up from 25.4 percent at the end of 2012. 

The longer loans are a result of people looking for options with low monthly payments. While this extends the time period they are in debt, it also increases the odds they can successfully make payments. This trend seems to be working, as delinquent loans, which are debts that are more than three months overdue, remain low despite the increase in borrowers. Automotive News reported. 

"On the consumer side, you have many years of austerity in terms of how to handle their finances and a lot of debt has been paid down on the household side," Lacey Plache, chief economist at Edmunds.com, told the news source. "People are living more within their means." 

The ability for more drivers to get manageable loans is contributing to a higher demand for vehicles throughout the auto industry. Luckily, there are many places prospective buyers can turn to as they search for the perfect used car. 

If you want to purchase a used car but need the help of auto loans and financing, let NJ State Auto Auction help. The auction lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified used cars, trucks and vehicles, and it also offers a Finance Department that works with each customer to find the right program for everyone. 

Get A Car Loan After Bankruptcy

Outside factors can have a significant impact on your personal finances, and these elements can occasionally lead to issues like bankruptcy. This hiccup doesn't have to mean the end of your investments, however. Many people rebound enough to make future purchases and are capable of receiving loans even with bankruptcy in their history. 

Buying a car is often one of the biggest purchases an individual would make after bankruptcy. Even pre-owned vehicles can come with a price tag that will put a dent in your wallet, so it is sometimes necessary to use an auto loan to make ends meet. Getting approved for car loans is still possible even if bankruptcy is on your credit history. 

According to Edmunds.com, the key to finding a quality car loan after bankruptcy is to shop around for the right financing option. Although you may be tempted to agree with the first offer you receive after going through a bankruptcy, you should do your best to keep a level head. Not comparing options can lead to higher interest rates, which in turn can put more stress on you as you try to pay back loans. 

Another tip for car buyers is to manage expectations. You won't be purchasing a luxury automobile, but there is no reason you can't make the most of your monetary constraints and make a purchase that meets your needs. 

For a large selection of cost-efficient options, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The auction lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, all of which are available in a wide price range that suits most budgets. Prospective buyers can even take advantage of the on-site finance department, which can provide advice and financing options for motorists. 

Tips For Below-Prime Car Buyers

Purchasing a used car is not easy, especially if you are trying to find an option that fits within your budget as a below-prime buyer. Luckily, there are a few tips that should help prospective drivers sort through used cars for sale and select just the right one, all without putting a major dent in their wallet. 

The first thing shoppers should do is set a realistic budget for themselves. This goes beyond just considering the sticker price of a car – instead, a savvy buyer will be looking at the total cost of ownership. Fuel economy, maintenance costs, rebates and loan payments are all aspects of ownership that need to be taken into account as you calculate the actual cost of a car. 

Another important step buyers should take is assessing their current credit score and loan situation. Financing can be a big help to sub-prime buyers, but it is important to put yourself in the best position to get loans by improving a credit score and making yourself an attractive candidate. 

If there's one thing below-prime buyers should do, it's research. Learning the ins and outs of a potential vehicle can help you understand the costs tied to it as well as areas where you could save. Looking into the history of a specific automobile can alert you as to crash history, reliability and similar factors that may influence your decision to purchase a car. 

No matter what your budget is, you should be able to find a suitable vehicle among the hundreds for sale at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot contains many CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, all of which offer affordable options for used car shoppers. 

Auto Loans Extend To More Than 5 Years In Length

A car is a major purchase, and it's not uncommon for individuals to need some help to close the deal. Many turn to auto loans to spread out the cost of the investment, and recently this financing option has undergone an evolution that makes it more attractive to motorists. Whereas loan payments once were restricted to four years or less, the uncertain state of the economy and a surge of subprime borrowers have extended the typical financing timeline. 

While the length of a loan payment will vary from person to person based on individual financial situations, recently providers have been offering longer deals for drivers. Instead of short-term loans, which were once the norm, many motorists are embracing financing deals of five years or more. 

According to a study from Experian Automotive, the average car loan now runs about 65 months. That is longer than it was a decade ago, and as a result consumers are turning their attention to slightly more expensive vehicles. Because the payments are spread out over a longer period, the monthly rates stay low, allowing drivers to take advantage of high-quality cars without breaking the bank. 

"The days of four-year loans are rare," Ronald Montoya, the consumer advice editor of Edmunds.com, told The Salt Lake Tribune. "Consumers are getting more and more focused on monthly payments and getting into a loan cheap." 

Finding a high-quality, low-cost vehicle can make taking out an auto loan more palatable. That's why many motorists turn to places like New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that won't put a dent in their wallets.