Loans for Cars: Finding the Best Financing Options

The cost of buying a car is a major financial commitment, so it's important to consider all of your options before making a purchase. In this article, we look at some of the pros and cons of the most common car financing options, including leasing, hire purchase and paying cash, and what difference it makes whether you are buying a new or used vehicle.

The first option may not be an option for a lot of people. However, if you have access to sufficient funds, you could opt to purchase the car outright with cash. This is the most straightforward option, but it requires a large upfront investment.

Another popular option is leasing, which allows the consumer to use the car for a set period and then return it to (or purchase it from) the lender at the end of the lease contract. This option is often more affordable than an outright purchase, but it does have some drawbacks.

Then there is the option of taking out a loan to finance the purchase of a car. This is the most common option, as it allows the buyer to spread the cost of buying the car over some time.

There are also a couple of "hybrid" borrowing options that do not use the car as security for the loan. These include using an unsecured personal loan or, if you have a home loan, accessing funds through the redraw facility.

When choosing the best car financing option for you, it is important to consider your needs and your budget. You should also consider whether you want a new or used car.

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances.

Should you purchase a car outright?

If you have the money available, purchasing a car outright can be a great option. Having the money on hand to pay the dealership or private vendor immediately puts you in a very good negotiating position and you will likely be able to haggle a better price on the car you want.

Another advantage of paying cash vs financing a car is that, by paying cash, you'll own the car immediately - and won't have to make any monthly payments. This can save you money in the long run, since you won't have to pay interest on a car loan.

You'll also have the freedom to sell the car whenever you want or to trade it in for a new model without the need to involve a lender in the process.

However, there are a few things to consider before you purchase a car outright. First, you'll need to make sure you have enough money saved, not just to purchase the vehicle, but also for unexpected ongoing repairs or maintenance - particularly if you are buying a second-hand car.

You'll also need to consider the real cost of tying up a large amount of your cash in a car, (which will depreciate in value quite rapidly) vs. using a car loan to spread the cost of the car over time. This would allow you to invest your cash or have it somewhere that you can access it should the need or an opportunity arise.

Should you lease a car?

If you're considering leasing a car, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, leasing a car generally means that you'll likely have a lower monthly payment than if you were to take a traditional car loan. However, under a car lease agreement, you don't own the vehicle - so you'll likely have to pay more in the long run since you're essentially just paying for the use of the car during the lease term.

Leasing a car can be a great option for those who don't want the commitment of buying a car outright, but it's important to do your research and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions of the lease agreement before signing anything.

Should you get a car loan?

A car loan is a loan that helps you finance the purchase of a vehicle. Many people opt for car loans because they don’t have the full amount of money upfront to buy a car outright.

There are a few things to consider before taking out a car loan. Firstly, car loans can be a great way to finance a new vehicle. However, you will need to make sure that you can afford the monthly repayments and be conscious of the additional interest you will pay.

It should also be acknowledged that buying a car using a loan also allows you to

afford a nicer car than you could otherwise,
build your credit history by meeting your obligations,
and have a set monthly payment for budgeting purposes.

Should I use a personal loan to buy a car?

A personal loan is an unsecured loan that can be used for just about any purpose. One advantage of a personal loan over a secured car loan is, just like when you pay cash, the car is 100% yours immediately.

On the downside, however, the interest rates for unsecured personal loans are quite a bit higher than for a car loan - so the monthly loan repayments will also be higher over the term of the loan.

Whether or not you should use a personal loan to buy a car ultimately depends on your personal financial situation. If you can afford the higher monthly repayments, then a personal loan may be a good option for you. However, if you're tight on cash, you may want to consider a secured car loan instead.

Should I use my mortgage to buy a car?

If you have a home mortgage, you may be able to use it to purchase your car. This is particularly easy if you have a redraw facility attached to your mortgage. Drawing down additional funds from your mortgage to buy a car means that the interest rate that you'll pay will be considerably lower than for a personal loan or a car loan whilst, at the same time, giving you immedite ownership of the vehicle.

The obvious advantage of using your mortgage to finance your car is the low interest rate. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making this decision.

First, by drawing down additional funds from your mortgage, you will increase the amount of interest you will pay over the life of your home loan.

Second, if you don't increase the amount that you are already paying off your mortgage each month, you will be extending the term of your loan, which means you will be paying off your mortgage for a longer period of time.

Finally, if you are unable to make your mortgage repayments, you could risk losing your home.

So, before you use your mortgage to finance your car, be sure to weigh the pros and cons and make the decision that is right for you.

New vs Old Car

There are some additional things that you'll need to consider depending on whether you're planning on buying a new car or a second-hand car.

Buying a new car is a big outlay, and it can be expensive. A new car will depreciate in value as soon as you drive it off the lot. This means that you may lose a significant amount of money if you decide to sell it or trade it in later on. On the other hand, a new car can be a great way to get a new set of wheels and have the latest and greatest features, as well as the peace of mind that comes with a new vehicle.

So, while a new car can be a good investment, there are also a few things to keep in mind before making the purchase.

Comparitively, a used car that is just a few years old can often be had for a fraction of the price of a new car. This is especially true if you purchase a car that is in high demand. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.

One is that a used car may not have the same features as a new car. For example, a used car might not have the latest safety features or the newest technology.

Additionally, you can expect to pay anywhere from 1% to 4% higher interest rates for cars over 3 years old.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a new or old car is up to you and should be based on your specific needs and budget.

Our Car Loan and Car Lease repayment calculators will help you to compare different loan options and interest rates to see how much you can afford to borrow.

If you need help deciding which option is best for you, simply submit our free Car Loan Eligibility Assessment form and a car loan specialist (from our national panel of over 2000 brokers and lenders) will discuss your options in detail to help you work out your best option.

Published: Thursday, 27th Oct 2022
Author: Paige Estritori