Buying a car is a major step for any buyer, and before taking the plunge into bringing a set of wheels home, it is important to have a clear understanding of how car loans work, and what is the best option for you. The length of a car loan is a critical decision, since it bears an effect on the next few years of your life, making it important to know what you are signing up for. Car loan terms can range from as less as 1 year to as long as 6 years.

There is no one perfect term that is ideal for all buyers, since the length of the car loan depends largely on one’s monthly income, and how much they can afford to pay towards the car loan each month. The car loan term is also influenced by the condition of the car, its price, the amount of down payment the buyer is willing to pay, and several other factors. So the question is, if you are buying a used car, what is the ideal term that you should settle on for your car loan?

Let us take a look at both sides of the coin-

• Short term auto loan- A short term loan, which is usually considered to be less than three years, can be a good way to save money in the long run, since this shall mean lower interest rates, as well as a lower total payment towards interest. Another advantage of getting a short term  used car loan is that you own the asset faster than you do with a long auto loan. However, the disadvantage of such a loan is the higher monthly payments, which put you at a risk of falling behind on payments.
• Long term auto loan- Loans that last up to around 72 months are considered to be long term auto loans, and are often the preferred option among buyers who wish to have lower monthly payments, even if this means making these payments for a longer period. Even though you will end up paying more towards interest with a long term loan, it will be easier on your pocket on a monthly/ weekly basis, which is a major advantage for those with low monthly incomes.

Whichever loan term you choose to go with for your auto loan, you can always pay it off before the period, albeit with an early termination fee. In addition to this, you can also refinance your car if you come across a more favorable loan.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide low interest loans for both new and old cars. For more information, you can visit us at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542 or call (254) 690-2274.

When going for a car loan, one of the most important factors to take into consideration is the term of the loan. Going for a short-term loan or a long-term loan is a personal choice that has to be made as per your current financial position. If you are able to pay higher rates of interest over a short period of time, then short term loans are a good option for you. On the other hand, if you earn a fixed income every month and feel you cannot pay huge amounts of interest every month and would prefer to pay smaller installments over a long period, then long term loans are the way to go.

Short-term loans are generally those that stretch from 12 months to 36 months whereas long-term loans are those that go up to 72 months. Nowadays, considering that the prices of cars are escalating due to better technology and durability, it is advisable to go for 72 Month Auto Financing as an economical option. These loans also let you set your hands on some of the most expensive cars in the automobile market as you can easily pay them off without affecting your day-to-day life.

Benefits of opting for 72-month car loans:

• These loans significantly cut down on your monthly payments as they are spread over a long period with low interest rates.
• You can always re-finance such a loan to reduce your costs, as it will cut down on the interest payments you have to make.
• Today’s cars are far more reliable than those of the yesteryears and come with longer warranties than before. This means that even after five to six years, your car will be in great shape even if you are still repaying your car loan. This is a great relaxation for those under the misconception that long-term loans extend beyond a cars useful life.
• Another great advantage of opting for these loans is that you get to buy the car of your dreams without worrying about whether you can afford it or not. The reason for this is the ease with which you can make your payments by installments spread over up to 6 years.

So,  next time if you are confused as to which term length to choose for a car loan, you can safely opt for a long-term one as it is economical and comes along with many more benefits. If you are interested in procuring 72 month auto loan, visit us Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We are located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.