A car loan is a loan made to purchase a vehicle. Car loans usually carry high-interest rates and long repayment periods. The term can also refer to a vehicle lease or rental agreement in which the borrower becomes the sole lessee of an automobile at the end of one or more fixed-term agreements. First, in general terms, a long-term car loan is any loan or line of credit that requires you to make payments for more than 36 months.
The amount of time you borrow depends on your financial situation. If you are good credit, you can get a loan for up to 144 months. If you have bad credit and have to deal with a high-interest rate, it may take up to 36 months. With a long-term car loan, the interest rate is fixed, and you will be able to drive off in your new car.
What is a 144-month Car Loan?
A 144-month car loan is a loan that comes with a long repayment period and, therefore, lower monthly payments. Due to the growth in competitive financing options for new and used cars, long-term car loans are now more accessible than ever. While most car loans are for 36 to 60 months, many lenders offer loans with repayment periods of up to 144 months or even longer.
If you take a 144-month car loan, it should be noted that the monthly payment is less than what you would pay with a 36-month car or auto loan. It is because each payment cycle lasts 12 months instead of 10 months. At the end of the plan, however, you will have paid more in interest and finance charges than with a 36-month loan. But this is not always the case. Instead of your monthly payment growing as time progresses, it decreases with each successive payment period because you are making payments for less time.
Your final balance due at the end of a 144-month loan can be significantly higher than it would be over a traditional 36-month loan plan. The options for getting a long-term car loan are not as restricted as they once were. Many lenders are offering these loans, including; banks, credit unions, finance companies, and specialized car buying companies.
The challenge with a long-term car loan, especially if you have bad credit, is that the rate you pay on your vehicle is usually higher than the rate you could get on an auto or truck lease. In some cases, you may be charged even interest on cash-down payments.
Advantages of a 144-month car loan
- Your monthly payments are lower because you are paying off your loan over a longer period of time.
- It is possible to purchase a vehicle with an interest rate that is competitive with leases, even if you have bad credit.
- The initial down payment amount required is smaller than your money down payment with a 36-month car loan or even 72- or 84-month loans. If you are short on cash but otherwise have good credit, this could be an ideal form of financing.
- You have the option of increasing your monthly payments if you are having difficulty making them.
Disadvantages of a 144-month car loan
- You have to pay more interest over the life of your loan.
- You will typically have to fill out a lot of paperwork, including a lengthy application.
- The loan rates on these plans are usually higher than those you can get with a lease or loan contract for a shorter period.
Is 144-month good for a car loan?
The answer is simple. It depends on your financial situation and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. If you are looking for a two or three-year car, then taking a 36-month car loan makes perfect sense because it will provide low monthly payments.
If you intend to keep the vehicle for longer, taking a 144-month auto loan will probably be better for you in the long run. The interest rates on a long-term car loan are usually lower than that of a short-term auto loan. This will help you save money in the long run because you won’t have to pay as much interest and finance charges.
Some people use monthly payments as the primary way to determine whether or not they can afford or should purchase something. But with a long-term car loan, it’s best to focus on how much you’ll pay at the end of the repayment period.
What happens if I default on a 144-month car loan?
Defaulting on a car loan is something that no one wants to face. If you decide that you want to walk away from the vehicle during the repayment period, be aware that you could be sued or sued by your lender for the difference between your original purchase price and what you still owe.
It is also possible that you could be sued by the original loan company and made to pay off your entire outstanding balance. The lender will probably sue for repossession and start charging you for storage fees, legal fees, and interest.
If you default on a 144-month car loan, the bank will start charging a late fee on any payments that are not made on time. It’s vital to always pay your car loan in full every month because if you do not, the car lender can do whatever it wants with your vehicle, including selling it at a junkyard or simply dumping it on the side of the road. Getting in trouble with your car lender can have big consequences.
What is a good interest rate for a car for 144 months?
The best interest rate you should pay for a 144-month loan depends on many different factors. There are some variables in the type and model of the car you have, the amount of down payment, and your credit rating.
If you have bad credit, the best interest rate to try to negotiate is between 4 % and 7%. You can find a long-term auto loan for as little as 2.25%, but you may have to put up as much as $5,000 in cash as a down payment. You should always ask your lender about their specific guidelines when it comes to securing financing because there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
How to apply for a 144-month car loan?
Applying for a long-term car loan is similar to a traditional 36-month auto loan. It’s best to visit your lender in person if you already have a pre-approval to get an exact price quote based on the vehicle of your choice. Once you have secured financing, it will be time for you to shop for your vehicle. Find the one that best suits your wants and needs and purchase after signing all the necessary paperwork.
If you have good credit, online shopping for a 144-month car loan is a great way to get the lowest interest rate possible. Before applying, it is important to check your credit score and ensure no problems impede getting long-term financing. Your car dealer will usually be willing to help you with this if it concerns you.
What are the documents required to apply for a 144-month car loan?
You will need to provide certain documents and information to get approved for a 144-month car loan:
- Valid driver’s license.
- Proof of income.
- Proof of residency.
- Proof of Social Security number.
To get approved for a 144-month loan, it is essential that you provide information regarding your income and employment status. You will also require bank statements or loans already secured as proof of being able to repay the loan. Your credit history needs to be clean so that no one can find any problem with your application. If this is not the case, you may be denied and given a lower-than-expected rate.
You will also be asked to provide information regarding the vehicle you want to purchase and its mileage history. The car loan application process may require proof of employment, income, and asset information. When pursuing a long-term car loan, you must be aware of the types of documents required so that you don’t have any surprises during the application process.
Alternatives to a 144-Month Auto Loan
Sometimes there are other options available to consumers that could provide a better alternative than buying a vehicle with a long-term car loan. One of the most popular alternatives is buying a new vehicle. Buying a new car would eliminate any problems with the financing process, and you could avoid paying additional interest on your monthly payment.
Another alternative is leasing. Leasing can provide many advantages over owning, including; fast monthly payments, no down payment required, tax deductions, and no maintenance or maintenance fees. Leasing also comes with its limitations, though. Your rate is set by the dealer and can be as high as 36%, so it’s never an easy choice to make between buying or leasing.
What to Look For When Applying for a Long Term Auto Loan?
If you are considering applying for a long-term car loan, you must do your research first. There are several things to consider before choosing one lender over another. The best way to find out how reputable a lender is and what their policies are is to visit the Better Business Bureau website and check for any complaints against them.
Before applying for a 144-month car loan, make sure you have the following information:
- The total price of the vehicle.
- The amount of money is down.
- Payment Interest rate.
- Terms of repayment.
It is important that you get all this information in writing when making an offer on your vehicle.
Most lenders prefer working with consumers with a good credit history and solid income. Contact your lender before applying to ask what their guidelines are for applying for a long-term auto loan.