Classic car loans are loans for classic cars. These loans are often marketed as short-term fintech solutions to help car enthusiasts maintain their vehicles when they may not be able to afford a full purchase or lease. However, these loans carry significant risks, and borrowers should be aware of their risks before signing.
Classic car loan deals can offer significant benefits, such as no down payment, low-interest rates, and even deferment while still owning the vehicle during repayment. But on the flip side, if you default on your payments, you could lose your vehicle in foreclosure. The standard loan conditions could also include an annual percentage rate (APR) exceeding 28%.
After obtaining a classic car loan, the most common payment structure is an installment loan made every month. The loans may even be available with slightly higher APRs. The standard terms to include in your contract are generally over five years. Some better lenders will even offer up to eight years before requiring that you return the vehicle as a condition for repayment or resale.
These loans can help you afford the vehicle without having to make additional payments for a short period and then be able to sell it once you’ve repaid your loan in full.
How to finance a classic car in four steps
Signing up for a loan is a four-step process. You will need to register your vehicle, find an appropriate lender, fill out an application and then start making payments.
Step 1. Register your car as “classic”.
Suppose you want to obtain financing from lenders specializing in classic car loans. In that case, you will first need to register your vehicle with the U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as a classic or collectible car. This means that you will need to provide the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the DMV along with any related information required by the state where your vehicle is registered and ensure that future insurance information must include this designation.
Step 2. Find an appropriate lender.
After registering your vehicle, the next step is to find a lender specializing in these types of loans. Many of these lenders offer online applications. The listings on sites often feature a comparison table comparing interest rates, fees, and other factors to select the best deal for your money and personal situation.
Step 3. Apply for the loan.
The third step is to apply to the lender of your choice. This will generally include basic information about yourself, such as your name, address, and driver’s license number. You may also be required to submit information about your vehicle along with proof of registration and insurance.
Step 4. Start making monthly payments.
Once your loan is approved, you can make timely, consistent payments that meet all the terms of your contract. You may have the option to make extra payments to repay the loan early and get out of debt faster.
Often, a classic car is considered a “big-ticket item” with a high initial price tag and a long-term cost that can be prohibitive to many consumers who may want it but cannot afford it. It is where classic car loans can come into play.
After you’re done with your loan, you may want to sell your vehicle and use the net profit from it to purchase another car. However, if you have outstanding debts after the loan is finished, there is an increased chance that the lender will choose to foreclose if they can’t get payment in full or receive any portion of those payments back.
Is it harder to get a loan for a classic car?
It is generally easier to get a car loan for a new vehicle than a classic car. If you want to purchase the vehicle outright and don’t need to finance the purchase, then you’ll probably have much easier access to financing for cars with lower prices.
It is because lenders usually look at what you can afford in terms of how much you spend on buying a new car every month. Classic cars can be more difficult since they have higher prices, often larger down payments, and sometimes more complex loan terms than new vehicles. The classic car loan lenders, however, try to reduce their risk of default by offering loans that allow smaller down payments and other restrictions to be relaxed so you can afford the vehicle.
Some banks and lenders look at the vehicle’s replacement value in relation to your monthly car payment. This means that if you have a low payment on a relatively expensive car, it will affect your credit score negatively. The idea is to ensure you don’t go over budget on your monthly payments so it doesn’t appear as a debit on your credit report. As long as you make timely payments, this won’t hurt your ability to get the financing you want.
How do you get financing for a classic car?
Thanks to the advent of the Internet, more choices are available than ever to get financing for your classic car. Many websites specializing in financing classics have listings of what they offer and information about how to apply. After choosing your site, you can fill out the application and hope it is approved.
If your application is not accepted, try searching for other sites to help you with your search. Many lenders specializing in classic car loans will be glad to consider your loan once you have registered it correctly and made sure that it has been insured properly.
Once you have found the lender you want to work with, you will typically receive a proposal. This will include details about the loan, interest rate, and applicable fees listed on the application.
You then have to decide whether or not this prospect is right for you. Consider factors like your credit history before taking out a classic car loan with anyone else. Get quotes from several lenders to find one with the best deal available. When all your questions are answered, just ensure that you provide what they need from you to start the process of getting going on your loan request.
What credit score is needed for a classic car loan?
When you apply for a classic car loan, the lender will look at your credit score and consider whether or not you are likely to default on the loan. A good credit score can help reduce your risk of default and make it more likely that you’ll qualify for financing. While lenders will consider all aspects of your financial situation, always remember to be accurate and honest with your information.
A bad credit score, however, can sometimes make it difficult to get approval on a loan immediately. However, not all lenders are affected equally by anyone’s credit score. Some creditors may be willing to give you a chance to improve your credit and maintain the loan.
If you want to improve your credit, check with a financial professional about how you can do this best. Then pay attention to the steps necessary for good credit and use it frequently to establish healthy habits that will work in your favor later on.
What should I consider before applying for a classic car loan?
Before applying for a classic car loan, it is important to consider whether you are comfortable working with the lender. You should know who will provide you with the loan and what terms they offer. You may also want to talk to friends, family members, or other people in your social circle who have experience with classic car loans. If they can recommend a reputable site or lender they used a few years ago that they had positive experiences with, you may want to apply there.
When taking out a loan, consider all factors such as interest rates and fees to make an informed decision about your potential purchase. If you don’t have to spend more money than you can afford each month, then the classic car loan might be the right choice.
How long can you finance a classic car for?
Many factors influence the length of time you can finance a classic car. The amount of money that you can put down often determines the length of time you will be able to finance. If you have a higher down payment, then it could mean that you can finance the vehicle for longer than someone with a lower down payment.
If you want to be ready to make payments before your due date, then remember that you must pay off your loan in full. If not, interest will accrue and increase the amount owed on loan over time.
Loan terms also affect how long it takes to repay your money after purchasing the classic car. With longer terms, you will more likely be able to pay off the loan and still have enough money left over to afford other things. If you have any questions about the length of time available for your classic car loan, talk to your lender or your online financing source to get an answer.
What are the requirements for a classic car loan?
When trying to get a classic car loan, it is important to understand the terms that a bank will require for you to be eligible for financing.
These requirements can vary from one lender to another and from one application to another. In general, however, you should be able to provide the following information:
- Identification information such as your name, address, and social security number.
- A copy of your credit report.
- Your vehicle’s registration documents.
- Your tax documents.
You might need or want many other things when it comes time to finance your classic car purchase, such as a copy of your driver’s license and vehicle insurance policy.
If you cannot provide any of these documents, your loan application may be turned down. You must remember that for the lender to feel comfortable with the borrower and his or her ability to make payments on time, they want specific documents. It is important that you can provide them with everything they need by showing identification and being honest.