Can a Down Payment of $500 Get You An Auto Loan?

Down Payment is an essential element of your auto loan that determines loan terms and interest rates. You may have come across dealership advertisements that suggest that you can avail an auto loan with little or no down payment. However, is it possible to avail an auto loan with a minimal down payment of $500? Understanding the importance of certain elements can help you answer if $500 can work as a down payment or not.

$500 or More: How much Down Payment is good enough for your New Car?

The following factors will give you a clear understanding on down payment and if $500 is enough for putting money down or not.

1) Credit Score

Lenders and dealerships play an important role in determining the amount of down payment. Many dealerships want to help you to build a good credit score. Bad credit auto loans are a great way to build good credit, especially when your credit score is not perfect. Therefore, you will find dealerships that will provide you with bad credit auto loans on a down payment of $500. However, if you wish to obtain an auto loan from a dealership, you may have to opt for captive financing and you can lose out on other attractive deals in the market. So, it is essential that you check the auto loan contract in detail to find out whether it suits your needs or not.

2) Bad Credit Car Buyers

A low down payment amount is risky for bad credit auto buyers. You should aim for a high down payment if the FICO score is less than 670. Lenders view a down payment as a means to analyze your creditworthiness. Additionally, more the down payment, less the negative equity you carry. As the loan amount reduces with a big down payment, your monthly payments will become affordable. This will ensure regular payments and thus improve your credit score.

3) The Right Amount

Putting $500 of money down may get you approved, but it will not take you far. You will be faced with a big loan amount. The appropriate amount of down payment will differ from lender to lender. However, you should at least put down $1000 or 20% of the car’s value. A decent credit history can make $500 of down payment work. However, if you are dealing with bad credit, it is best to try for more. If there is no way in which you can make a big down payment, you can opt for no money down auto loans. The auto financing program will enable you to seek loan approval without a down payment. Before submitting your loan application, make sure your lender offers no down payment financing options.

Down Payment on Your Next Car: Do the Best you can

A hefty down payment will reduce the overall amount that you borrow from the lender. This will help you to make lower monthly payments and you will be able to enjoy a reduced loan term. Additionally, the interest rates will go down because of your creditworthiness. Save money for a couple of months so that you can put money down easily. There are many benefits to making a down payment, but if you cannot manage it, do not worry. It doesn’t make sense to make a down payment by putting your financial condition at risk. Seek no money down auto loan and buy your new car.

Would You Benefit From Making Early Payments on Your Auto Loan?

Monthly payments make up an important element of the auto loan. The amount of money that you will pay each month depends on a number of things; such as the money you put down, the value of the car, loan term, your current income and credit score, etc. Many a times people wish to repay their auto loan earlier than their term or wish to get the loan refinanced. Understanding the effect of paying your loan early vis-à-vis making timely payments can help you in making a well-informed decision.

Pay Early or Pay on Time: The Auto Loan Question

· Are you interested in making Early Payments?

You know you are a financially adept individual when you think about paying your auto loan early rather than spending the money on frivolous things. The following pros and cons of prepayment will take you one step closer in making the right decision.

Pros: The reduction in the interest amount can help you save a great deal of money. Paying off your auto loan early gives you the financial freedom to use that money elsewhere. Secondly, if you are going to receive a large sum of money in the near future, it is wise to prepay your loan instead of spending it elsewhere. It will make your debt-free early and allow you to live a tension-free life.

Cons: Timely auto loan payments mean that you have planned your finances in an efficient way. If you repay your loan all at once, it may project that you are unable to manage your credit. Remember prepayment of your auto loan will not hurt your credit score, however, it will not improve the score either.

· Do you believe Timely Payments are a Good Choice in the Long Run?

Small payments made every month can surely have a positive impact on your credit rating. The following pros and cons will help you clarify the advantages and disadvantages of timely payments.

Pros: Timely payments made every month are certain to keep your credit score in check. Many a times people may forget to make the payments on time. However, automatic bank payments can help you to keep your payments regular. A shorter loan term with timely payments will help you in obtaining lower interest rates and an overall cheaper auto loan deal in the future.

Cons: An automatic timely payment means that you will have to maintain a certain balance in your bank account, which may temporarily block your finances. A certain amount of your income gets allocated to the monthly payment. Compared to a prepayment strategy, timely monthly payments carry less financial freedom.

Your Auto Loan Payment Schedule: What is Best for you?

Income is an important element that decides which option you should choose between paying your auto loan early and making timely payments. If your monthly payment is manageable and your income supports the loan, you should opt for timely payments. However, if your income source is unstable and you require a car on an immediate basis, you should opt to make a prepayment of your entire loan. On the basis of your financial situation and circumstances, make the wiser choice.

Are you looking for a car loan that matches your financial situation? Choose RapidCarLoans.net. The bad credit auto financing company offers customized pre-approved auto loan options to car buyers. Zero pre-payment penalty means you can pay off your loan early. Apply now.

Can Bankruptcy Help Prevent My Car From Being Repossessed?

According to The Washington Post; “A record 7 million Americans are 3 months behind on their car payments” – February 2019. That title says it all. In other words, if you are filing bankruptcy and have missed your car payments, but you still want to keep your car, you are not alone.

The Credit Union Journal has a recent article in the May 2019 edition titled; “In avoiding subprime auto loans, are Credit Unions shunning their roots?” It turns out that car loan defaults are once again at historic highs. This is a nationwide problem for lenders, and not just locally here in Ventura County or Los Angeles County.

There are legal remedies you can deploy to stop your car from being repossessed. Many consumers do not realize that under both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Law you can temporarily prevent car repossession by your lender. This is because during bankruptcy proceedings the court issues an “Automatic Stay” prohibiting and preventing the lender from repossessing your car. The lender can ask the court remove the ‘automatic stay’ and if the court agrees, the lender may take possession of the car anyway, but this temporary stay may be all you need to get the lender’s attention to work with you and your attorney on a modified repayment plan.

The best way to deal with this situation is to be in contact with your car lender, and it’s best to do that through a bankruptcy attorney, it holds more weight. It also stops the lender from trying to bully you. Your attorney can renegotiate the terms and help you set up a new payment structure thus, allowing you to keep your automobile in a bankruptcy.

Consider if you will that lenders don’t really want to repossess cars, they are not in the automotive business, they are in the lending business, they just want to be paid, as per the original agreement. If they realize that isn’t going to happen, they will weigh their options and consider what’s best for them. Perhaps, a reduced interest rate, reduced balance, or renegotiated terms are better for the lender than a repossessed used car with low resell market value due to wear and tear and depreciation. Face it lenders do not want to lose any more money than they absolutely have to.

Another important point you must remember; the ‘automatic bankruptcy stay’ is only temporary, and if you haven’t been making timely payments, once your case is closed you can expect the lender to demand return of the car or they will repossess it. Also keep in mind that the stay is only good during the bankruptcy proceedings which for Chapter 7 lasts about 3 months or so.

What’s the Best Way to Prevent Car Repossession During Bankruptcy Court Proceedings?

Make the payments
Make up missed payment
Come up with a repayment plan, ask court to approve it
Stay in contact with the lender through your attorney
Ask for some help perhaps paying interest only for a couple of payments
Renegotiate the Car Loan
Ask court if you can buy your car back for its fair market value (Redeeming Your Car under Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Law).
Ask your bankruptcy attorney about ‘cramdown’ strategies in Chapter 13 bankruptcy

What Can You Do If Your Car Is Repossessed Before the Bankruptcy Filing Date?

Ask your bankruptcy attorney to help you come up with a repayment plan so the lender can get the missed payments. If this has happened to you, and if your car has already been repossessed, do not delay. Call your bankruptcy attorney now! That’s probably the best advice of all.

Summing it all up!

You need to know your rights and understand the motivations of your lender. You need a good solid bankruptcy lawyer who works for you, one who has dealt with the local lenders here in Ventura and LA County. An attorney who gets it and has decades of experience. With the right strategy, you’ll be able to keep your car, prevent humiliation, and prevent loss of your transportation. After all, we live in California and you need a car.