An auto loan is a type of financing that allows you to purchase a new or used car. It is a secured installment loan, meaning that the vehicle you purchase acts as collateral for the lender. Interest rates on these loans are typically lower than unsecured borrowing options, such as personal loans or credit cards.

The auto loan rate, also known as an annual percentage rate (APR), is what you pay for the loan based on your credit score. This is an important factor because it reflects how much risk a lender is willing to take on when offering you a loan.

There are several ways to get the best auto loan rate. Some of them include shopping around, negotiating with lenders, and using a cosigner.

Getting the lowest rate possible is essential to ensuring that you don’t end up paying more for your vehicle than you have to. Whether you’re looking to buy a brand-new or used car, finding the best deal can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your loan.

Low-interest car loans are available from many sources, including banks, credit unions and private lenders. If you’re shopping for a new car, check out the auto finance options offered by major car manufacturers, such as Ford and General Motors. These companies offer competitively priced car loans to customers with excellent credit profiles.

Another option is to shop for an auto loan at a local credit union, which often offers competitive rates and flexible terms. Some credit unions may also be willing to consider loans with a cosigner, such as a family member or friend with good credit.

Some lenders also offer special loan programs that let you buy a new or used car at a discount. These programs can offer discounts on interest rates or other fees, as well as reduced monthly payments.

For example, Carvana is an online used car dealer that also provides direct financing. Its no-credit-score minimum and flexible loan terms make it an attractive option for fair credit borrowers.

It also offers a number of convenient features, such as a calculator that estimates how much your loan payment will be if you refinance or switch to a shorter term. You can also set up automatic payments that are withdrawn from your bank account each month.

The auto loan rate you pay largely depends on your credit score, the type of car you purchase and the loan term. A higher credit score generally leads to better loan terms, such as a longer loan term and lower monthly payments.

A lower credit score is usually associated with higher interest rates, but there are a few things that you can do to improve your credit and secure the best rates for an auto loan. First, you can work to lower your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of debt you have compared to how much of your income you use for expenses.