Should You Refinance Your Auto Loan? 

Refinancing your auto loan can be a smart financial move, especially if you want to lower your monthly payments or secure a better interest rate. If you’re struggling to meet your current payment obligations, refinancing could offer relief by extending the loan term or helping you secure a lower interest rate. However, before you jump into the refinancing process, take a moment to assess your current loan and what changes have occurred to your finances and the market since you started it. If factors have changed, this could guide you to your answer on whether or not to refinance your auto loan.

Extending Your Auto Loan Terms

The length of your auto loan will be a major factor in determining the amount of your monthly payments. A shorter loan term will break up the principal balance over a shorter time, which will increase your monthly payments. By extending the loan term, you can stretch out your payments over a longer period, giving you some relief in your monthly obligations.

Lower monthly commitments can be particularly beneficial if you’re facing a temporary financial setback or if you’re looking to allocate some of your cash flow toward other expenses. For example, if you recently experienced a decrease in income or face unexpected expenses, refinancing your auto loan to lower your monthly payments can provide some breathing room in your budget.

However, it’s important to remember that while lowering your payment can provide short-term relief, it can also result in paying more over the entire loan duration. By extending the loan term, you are spreading the principal and interest payments over a longer period. As a result, the total amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan could increase. Take time to weigh the benefits of lower monthly payments against the drawbacks of paying more in the long run.

Examine the Current Market Rates

While refinancing your auto loan can be a wise financial move, it’s essential to consider the market rates before making a decision. We are currently experiencing a high-rate environment, meaning securing a lower interest rate through refinancing may be more challenging. If your current auto loan rate is 10 percent or higher, there may be an opportunity to lower your rate. However, if you currently pay 4 percent, you may struggle to lower your payment based on rates alone.

If you obtained your initial loan through dealer-arranged financing, it’s important to consider that they may not be the best option for your financial situation. Dealers partner with a variety of financial institutions, providing consumers with different rates depending on the partner. However, by considering refinancing options with a different lender, such as a local credit union, you may be able to secure a lower interest rate. This can potentially save you money in the long run and make your monthly payments more manageable.

When Should You Consider Refinancing?

It’s crucial to carefully evaluate your circumstances before refinancing, taking into account factors such as the stage of your loan and your credit score. Below are a few examples of when it may be favorable to refinance your auto loan.

It’s Early in Your Car Loan

The benefits of refinancing are most apparent in the early years of the loan when a more significant portion of the payment goes toward interest. If you’re already in the later stages of your loan, where most of your payments go toward the principal, the potential savings from refinancing may be less significant. It’s important to consider your financial goals and consult with professionals to make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term financial plan.

Your Credit Score Has Improved

Similarly, if your credit score has significantly improved since you initially obtained the auto loan, you may have better success receiving lower interest rates through refinancing. Lenders typically consider credit scores when determining loan terms, and a higher credit score may result in lower interest rates.

You Have a Strong Debt-to-Equity Ratio

Positive equity can be a game-changer when it comes to refinancing your auto loan. Positive equity means that you have built up a surplus of value in your vehicle that exceeds the remaining balance on your loan. In simpler terms, if you were to sell your car today, you could receive more than what you owe on your loan. If you’ve diligently made payments and have significantly paid down your loan while the value of your car has remained stable or increased, you may find yourself in a favorable position to refinance.Choosing to refinance your auto loan is a very personal financial decision, but a number of factors can make it worth it, and if you are hoping to reduce the amount you pay each month or lower your interest rate, you should consider it. Talk to your lender or local credit union today to understand how the factors above impact you and your current situation. If you’re located in Vermont, discuss refinancing your auto loan with Vermont Federal Credit Union today.