How Does Financing a Car Work?

Whether you choose to buy new or buy used, you’ll have an extraordinary variety of options to consider as part of the auto financing process. What does it mean to finance a car? It’s simple: You’re essentially just taking out a loan and making a plan to pay it back! If you already know a little bit about how car finance works, then you probably know that you’ll usually be able to secure that loan through a dealership, a bank, or any other lending institution. Let’s take a closer look at the auto financing process, so you can move forward with confidence!

How Car Finance Works: Preparing Your Loan Application

Applying for a loan can often be the scariest part of the entire process, but it doesn’t have to be. When you have everything in order before you visit the dealership, all that remains is to present yourself with confidence, and to wait! For an even less nerve-wracking experience, you can even apply for financing, through Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly, from the comfort of your home in Centerville or Ashburn. Regardless of where you go, your lender will look at the following factors when deciding the viability of your loan request:

• Your Credit Score
• The Amount of the Loan
• The Length of the Loan
• Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
• Vehicle’s Age and Condition

If you’re going to make multiple loan applications, you shouldn’t spread them out. Multiple rejections can leave a stain on your credit report, but if they’re all coming in within a short week-long interval, creditors will know that you were just shopping around. Nervous about a formal application? Get pre-approved today.

How Car Finance Works: Approvals and Denials

Depending on where you start the financing process, your lender may offer you a single loan package (and a single interest rate), or they may connect you to a variety of competing lenders. If you are not approved, they may ask you to revise your loan term, increase your down payment, or apply for a smaller package. If you want to improve your chances of getting approved, there are several things you can do:

• Don’t try to purchase a more expensive vehicle that you really need. The latest Mercedes-Benz features are certainly attractive, but they’re not worth the stress that comes with breaking your budget.
• Provide proof of income, and try to clean up your credit before applying. Paying off outstanding bills can make a bigger dent than you might expect!
• Consider asking a friend or family member to co-sign your loan. Just make sure that you’re all on the same page going in.

Once you’ve finally secured your loan, you’ll work to finalize the loan terms with your lender. It may seem counter-intuitive, but you’re actually in a stronger position to negotiate on pricing and other options at this stage in the process.  But remember: you don’t want to get bogged down in the details. Explore our financing and insurance options ahead of time, and there will be far fewer surprises at the signing table.

How Car Finance Works: Choose the Right Lender, and the Right Loan

Should you finance with a bank, a credit union, or a dealership? There are certain advantages to the first two paths, especially if you’ve developed a strong working relationship with your preferred institution. However, in many cases, it just makes sense to finance with Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly. The bank isn’t incentivized to help you purchase a vehicle–although they’d be glad to take your interest payments. Here at our Chantilly dealership, we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you drive home feeling satisfied. If you receive multiple loan offers, compare them all on the most important factors:

• Which loan offers the lowest interest rate? Lower rates mean lower monthly payments.
• What is the length of the loan? Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments, but lower total costs over time.
• What options and limitations can be found in the fine print? Some lenders may require certain types of insurance, while others may give you more freedom.

Comparing offers? Play around with our monthly car payment calculator to learn more about how car finance really operates.

For Auto Financing, Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly Has You Covered

We believe that our drivers deserve the very best, and we’re proud to work with Ashburn-area drivers from all walks of life. Whether you’re financing with less-than-ideal credit or you’re moving up from an entry-level model, you’ll love the options and friendly faces you find here.