Does my car loan start over if I refinance?
Instead, refinancing replaces your existing auto loan with a new one, where you can choose the terms that best fit your needs and budget. For example, if you have 24 months left on your current loan, you could choose a new two-year loan so you don't extend the time until your car is paid off.
The bottom line
You'll start from scratch with a new auto loan when you refinance and potentially get a lower monthly payment or interest rate. But before applying, consider the risks that come with refinancing.
Because refinancing involves taking out a new loan with new terms, you're essentially starting over from the beginning. However, you don't have to choose a term based on your original loan's term or the remaining repayment period.
If you need to reduce your car payment, you could refinance your loan to a longer repayment term. Expect to pay more in interest because you are extending the loan.
Cons of refinancing your car loan
If you refinance to a longer-term car loan, you may pay more interest over the life of the new loan, even if you secure a lower rate. And finding low rates for long-term loans can be difficult. For example, say you have a 36-month, $15,000 auto loan with an 11 percent APR.
Only if you don't know this mortgage secret: Your amortization schedule will “reset” each time you refinance your mortgage, unless you opt to refinance at a lower rate for a shorter term length. In this case, your monthly mortgage payment tends to rise, however.
A refinance occurs when the terms of an existing loan, such as interest rates, payment schedules, or other terms, are revised. Borrowers tend to refinance when interest rates fall. Refinancing involves the re-evaluation of a person or business's credit and repayment status.
Refinancing may lower your credit score a few points, but the impact to your credit score will only be temporary. Applying for a loan generates a hard inquiry. Refinancing may be worth it if rates have dropped since you took out your loan.
- Closing costs. To begin with, refinancing loans have closing costs just like a regular mortgage. ...
- You may end up in more debt. You also need to have a clear idea of how you'll use the money you free up when you refinance. ...
- A slight dip in your credit score.
If you have sufficient credit and home equity and are using a conventional refinance loan, you might be able to refinance right after buying. Just remember that refinancing involves paying closing costs. So it might not be attractive to do so right after paying the down payment and closing costs on your home purchase.
Can I trade my car in after I refinance it?
Refinancing a car loan means reducing your payments while keeping your existing car. A trade-in may be a better option if you want a new vehicle. However, if you have recently refinanced your current vehicle, it shouldn't stop you from trading in your car for a new one.
A lender might refuse to refinance a car if your current loan is too new, if your car is too old or has too many miles on it, or if your current loan balance is too low or too high. Car age and mileage considerations may differ by lender depending on the make and model of your car.
While paying off your car loan early is typically the best move to reduce your debt and save money, it is not for everyone. If you can't afford to make a larger down payment or pay extra each month it may not be a good idea. Refinancing a car loan can be a better option in this case.
An interest rate under 5% is a great rate for a 72-month auto loan. However, the best loan offers are only available to borrowers who have the best credit scores and payment histories.
| Credit score | Average APR, new car | Average APR, used car |
|---|---|---|
| Superprime: 781-850. | 5.64%. | 7.66%. |
| Prime: 661-780. | 7.01%. | 9.73%. |
| Nonprime: 601-660. | 9.60%. | 14.12%. |
| Subprime: 501-600. | 12.28%. | 18.89%. |
Hard inquiries can have a negative effect on your credit score for about a year, so refinancing multiple times could really drag down your score. You could become “upside down” in your loan. With a longer loan term, you run the risk of owing more than the car is worth, which is called being upside down on your loan.
Refinancing your car means replacing your current auto loan with a new one. The new loan pays off your original loan, and you begin making monthly payments on the new loan. The application process for refinancing doesn't take much time, and many lenders can/may make determinations quickly.
Refinancing and extending your loan term can lower your payments and keep more money in your pocket each month — but you may pay more in interest in the long run. On the other hand, refinancing to a lower interest rate at the same or shorter term as you have now will help you pay less overall.
When interest rates drop, consider refinancing to shorten the term of your mortgage and pay significantly less in interest payments. Switching to a fixed-rate mortgage—or to an adjustable-rate one—can make sense depending on the rates and how long you plan to remain in your current home.
After final approval, you'll also receive an Initial Closing Disclosure (ICD). This is one of the most important pieces of documentation in any lending process: similar to your Loan Estimate, it's a standardized form containing an itemized breakdown of all the costs associated with your mortgage.
Can I refinance my car with the same lender?
Refinancing your car with the same lender will likely speed up the application process, since they'll already have your information on file. However, some lenders don't refinance their own loans, and those that do might not offer the best deals.
A lender will consider the value of your home, what the funds are to be used for and determine how much more you're eligible to borrow (if any). Once a loan is approved, upon settlement your old loan is refinanced and the additional amount borrowed is provided to you in the form of cash.
Most lenders require at least 600. You likely won't get a better rate by refinancing with a score lower than this. It could even cost you more overall, especially if you increase your loan term to reduce your monthly payments. You can check your credit score for free.
Unless you have excellent credit, it's a good idea to wait at least six months before you refinance a car loan. Waiting can keep refinancing from lowering your credit score too much. It's also a good idea to avoid refinancing the same loan multiple times.
- Proof of income.
- Proof of residence.
- Proof of insurance.
- Vehicle information.
- Current loan information.
