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Can You Finance a Used Car?

Used cars on a car lot
 

Absolutely! You can finance a used car with ease, as well as a certified pre-owned vehicle. Just like with a new car, you have the option to finance a used car, making it even more financially accessible. If you’re aiming for the most budget-friendly monthly car payment, you might be curious about the duration for which you can finance a used car. In most cases, used car loan terms typically span from 60 to 72 months.

While exploring this option, Westport buyers should consider a few key factors. Firstly, it’s important to note that a longer loan term may result in higher overall interest payments. Additionally, certain banks may have specific criteria for used car financing, such as restrictions on vehicles meeting certain requirements. Ready to embark on this journey? Want to find out for yourself if you can finance a used car? Our guide from the Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield finance team provides comprehensive insights into the details of how to finance a used car.

 

Used Car Financing Restrictions

What is the maximum number of years you can finance a used car? While there are no official limits on the length of your used car loan term, individual lenders may establish their own restrictions. Some lenders might have policies that prevent financing for used vehicles with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer or those that are over seven years old.

However, there’s no need for concern regarding the availability of a sufficiently long used car loan term. Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield maintains relationships with a diverse array of lenders in the Norwalk area, and our experts are dedicated to assisting you in finding a lender that aligns with your specific needs!

Benefits of Used Car Financing Term Lengths

The duration of how long can you finance a used car may vary depending on your chosen lender. While there’s no strict limit on car financing duration, many banks and auto loan lenders cap used car loans at seven years. Some institutions may not even offer loans for vehicles exceeding 100,000 miles. If you’re considering loan options beyond the average term lengths, be sure to inquire about any restrictions on financing a pre-owned vehicle.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Short-Term Loans

For those finding shorter-term loans appealing when asking, “How long can I finance a used car?” consider the following factors:

Short-Term Auto Loan Pros:

  • Faster Pay-Off: Although short loans have higher monthly payments, you’re able to repay the loan faster and own your car sooner. 
  • Low-Interest Expenses: With a shorter term, you’re less likely to have to worry about higher interest on your loan.
  • Refinancing: During your term length, refinancing can be an option if interest rates drop. 

Short-Term Auto Loan Cons: 

  • Higher Monthly Payment: Be sure your budget can handle the higher monthly payments over the length of the term. You don’t want to put a strain on your budget or affect your credit score by falling behind on payments.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Long-Term Loans

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “How long can you finance a car?” Long-term loans might be the right choice for those with evolving budgets or a need for more flexibility. Consider the following:

Long-Term Auto Loan Pros: 

  • More Affordable Monthly Payment: For more wiggle room when budgeting your lifestyle around Norwalk, a longer-term auto loan allows you to pay less each month. You can always make a higher monthly payment when you can repay it faster.

Long-Term Loan Cons: 

  • Higher Interest Rates: Higher interest rates are often associated with long-term loans, and you’ll also pay more interest by the time the loan has come to an end. 
  • Vehicle Depreciation: You should also consider the value of the vehicle during the loan. Although depreciation rates slow down as the car ages, you risk ending up with negative equity with long-term loans. Negative equity is when the value of your vehicle is less than the balance you owe. 

Explore Your Financing Options with Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield!

When exploring financing options for a pre-owned vehicle at Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield, we strive to accommodate various needs, no matter how many years you need to finance a used car for. From our selection of used car specials to financing options for those with bad credit, our goal is to get you on the roads of Weston in a model that suits both your budget and driving preferences. Should you have questions about how long you can finance a used car, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

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