A car loan, or auto loan, is a form of personal financing that you can use to purchase a new or used vehicle. It is secured against the vehicle you intend to purchase, which means the vehicle serves as collateral for the loan. So, If you default on your repayments, the lender can seize the auto. The loan is paid off in fixed installments throughout the loan period, which ranges from three to six years depending on your credit score and personal circumstance.

Research different lenders
When you go into the bank for approved car loans, it’s likely that you’ll get pushed toward one lender and not told about others. But you don’t let from doing an additional search on different lenders. You can conduct your own research online or consult an auto navigator, who can help guide you through your options. Automotive experts suggest visiting at least three different lenders to ensure you are getting competitive rates. This will also give you a better understanding of what each lender is offering in terms of the pre-approval process and repayment plans.

Decide how much you can afford
When you receive approved car loans, one size doesn’t match all. The lender will review your situation and determine how much you can afford based on your income and spending habits. However, if you have bad credit, be prepared for less flexibility when it comes to what you can afford. For example, some lenders may offer an auto loan of $20,000 or even more with bad credit, others may cap you at around $12,000.

Know how much value your trade-in will get
If you’re considering getting a new car loan, it’s important to know how much your trade-in is worth and how much that value will influence your monthly payments. Use an auto navigator like AutoFax or Kelley Blue Book to check the fair market value of your current car.

Budget for maintenance and repairs
When you’re working to get a financial home, it can be tempting to buy something just because you can—but bad credit car loans make that much more difficult. In fact, if you’re saddled with bad credit or are applying for a pre-approved car loan on your own merits, it can take hours (or days) of research and time on hold for various lenders until you finally find one that gives you what you need.

Keep up with payments
Usaa car loan rates are lower than most, which may lead you to borrow more than you can afford. If you can’t pay off your car every month, it doesn’t matter what rate you get because when it comes time for your lender to repossess your vehicle, they will seize it and send it back. This will make it difficult for you to secure another auto loan in the future. To avoid that scenario, make sure you understand how much of a monthly payment you can handle before getting approved for an auto loan at usaa car loan rates. You should also keep up with all of your payments throughout your tenure as an auto owner—don’t be late on any payments or miss them altogether!