Car Loan Approval: Apply Online Today With Car Nation Canada
All Credit Scores acceptedBuying a car is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to financing. If you're like most Canadians, you'll need a car loan to help you purchase the vehicle of your dreams. But how can you get approved for a car loan in Canada? Here are some tips to help you navigate the car loan approval process.
1. Check Your Credit Score
Before you even start shopping for a car, you need to check your credit score. Your credit score is a number that represents your creditworthiness, and it will play a big role in whether or not you get approved for a car loan. In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900, with a higher score being better.
If your credit score is less than 600, you may have trouble getting approved for a car loan. It's a good idea to check your credit score at least once a year to make sure it's accurate. Not sure how to check your credit score? Click here and we'll show you.
2. Know Your Budget
Once you know your credit score, you need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on a car. It's important to be realistic about your budget and to take into account other expenses like insurance, gas, and maintenance. You don't want to stretch yourself too thin and end up with a car you can't afford to keep.
A general rule of thumb is to spend no more than 10% to 15% of your monthly income on car payments.
3. Shop Around
When it comes to car loan approval, not all lenders are created equal. Shop around and compare rates from different lenders to find the best deal. Don't be afraid to negotiate with lenders to get a lower rate. You can also use online car loan calculators to compare different loan options and see how much you can afford to borrow.
4. Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved for a car loan can save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to car shopping. Pre-approval means that a lender has already approved you for a certain amount of money, based on your credit score and other factors. With pre-approval, you'll know exactly how much you can afford to spend on a car and can shop with confidence.
5. Be Prepared to Put Money Down
Most lenders will require you to make a down payment on your car loan. The down payment is a percentage of the total cost of the car, and it shows the lender that you're committed to paying back the loan. The amount of the down payment will depend on your credit score and the lender's requirements, but generally, you can expect to put down at least 10% to 20% of the total cost of the car.
6. Don't Stretch Your Loan Term Too Long
When you get car loan approval, you'll have to choose a loan term, which is the amount of time you have to pay back the loan. Longer loan terms may seem like a good idea because they mean lower monthly payments, but they also mean you'll end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan.
A good rule of thumb is to choose the shortest loan term you can afford to keep your overall costs down.
7. Be Honest About Your Income and Expenses
When you're applying for a car loan, it's important to be honest about your income and expenses. Lenders will want to see proof of your income, like pay stubs or tax returns, and they'll want to know about your expenses, like rent or mortgage payments, credit card bills, and other debts. If you try to hide or downplay your expenses, you could end up with a loan you can't afford to repay.
8. Consider a Co-Signer
If you have a low credit score or don't have a long credit history, you may need a co-signer to help you get car loan approval. A co-signer is someone who agrees to take responsibility for the loan if you're unable to make the payments.
This can be a parent, spouse, or other family member or friend who has good credit and is willing to help. Just keep in mind that if you default on the loan, it will affect both your credit score and your co-signer's.