With loans available for up to 96 months, the average length of time for a new car loan is just over 68 months, meaning you could be making car payments for eight years. Over the course of the loan, paying it off early can save you money because long-term financing entails higher interest payments.
Even though it could sound like a great idea, first make sure you understand the specifics of your loan and your financial situation.
So you’ve got a car loan hanging over your head, and you’re itching to get rid of it. But let’s be real nobody enjoys the thought of being chained to a monthly payment. The good news is, there are ways to accelerate your loan payoff and ditch the debt faster than you ever thought possible.
In this guide, we’ll dive into five powerful strategies that can help you crush your car loan and reclaim your financial freedom Buckle up, because we’re about to hit the gas pedal on your debt-slaying journey!
1. Refinancing: Swap Your Debt for a Better Deal
Refinancing can be compared to trading in your old car for a newer, more stylish model that costs less. That’s exactly what refinancing does for your car loan. Essentially, you exchange your current loan for a new one with a lower interest rate, which means that more of your income will go toward principal reduction and less will go toward interest.
But before you jump into refinancing make sure it’s a wise move for your situation. Check if your credit score has improved since you took out the original loan, as a higher score can qualify you for a better interest rate. Also, compare the new loan’s terms and fees with your current loan to ensure you’re actually getting a better deal.
2. Biweekly Payments: Double the Fun, Double the Payoff
This strategy is like a sneaky little trick that can shave months off your loan term without you even realizing it. Instead of making one monthly payment, you split your bill into two smaller payments made every two weeks. This might seem like a minor change, but it adds up to 26 biweekly payments in a year, effectively squeezing in one extra full payment compared to the traditional 12 monthly payments.
The result? You’ll pay off your loan faster and save a decent chunk of money on interest. It’s like getting a free boost to your debt-crushing power!
3. Down Payment Power: Start Strong, Finish Faster
If you have some extra cash lying around, consider making a larger down payment when you first take out the loan. This will instantly reduce the amount you owe, which means you’ll pay less interest over the life of the loan. It’s like giving your car a head start in the race to debt-free land.
Consider it this way: a higher down payment results in a smaller loan amount, which reduces the amount of interest that is accumulated over time. It’s a win-win situation!.
4. Round Up Your Payments: Small Change, Big Impact
This strategy is all about the power of small, consistent actions. Every time you make a payment, round up the amount to the nearest $50 or $100. It might not seem like much, but those extra dollars add up over time, chipping away at your loan balance faster than you might think.
It’s like putting spare change into a jar – except in this case, the jar is your car loan, and the spare change is rapidly shrinking your debt.
5. Review Your Add-Ons: Ditch the Unnecessary Extras
You may have been seduced by a variety of extras when you first purchased your vehicle, such as GAP coverage, extended warranties, and other extras that were bundled with your loan. However, the truth is that not all of these extras are worth the money.
Spend some time going over the documentation for your loan to see if there are any add-ons you can remove. This could allow you to have more money in your budget to pay off your loans, which would enable you to complete the task even more quickly.
Remember, Every Little Bit Counts
It takes more than just lowering interest rates to pay off a car loan quickly; you also need to take charge of your money and reach your financial objectives. You can use your budget for other important things, such as saving for a down payment on a home, going on a dream vacation, or just having more financial peace of mind, by putting these strategies into practice.
Put these tactics into practice right now, and your car loan will disappear faster than a summertime snow cone! So what are you waiting for? Get started!
Should you pay off your car loan faster?
In many cases, paying off your car loan early will lower the amount you pay in interest. First make sure you know your current balance and APR. Then, review the loan terms to see how your lender handles extra payments and prepayment penalties.
Consider refinancing your current car loan
Refinancing or obtaining a new loan to settle the previous one could be an option if interest rates have decreased or your credit score has improved since you took out the original one. Take into consideration a shorter loan term to lower interest costs, and make sure that any refinancing fees don’t erase your interest savings.
5 Easy How to Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster
FAQ
What happens if I pay an extra $100 a month on my car loan?
Can you pay off a 72 month car loan early?
Do extra car payments go to principal?
Is it better to make two car payments a month?
How do I pay off a car loan early?
The best way to pay off a car loan involves extra payments, signing up for autopay, and refinancing to a loan with a lower interest rate. But before you pay off your debt, make sure you consider the drawbacks of paying off the loan early. Check your loan agreement carefully to see what fees may apply.
How to pay off a car loan faster?
But if you want to get out of debt, eliminating car payments is one of the quickest ways to make room in your budget. Refinancing — or just making extra payments — are the best ways to pay off your car loan faster. Even if it’s just a few extra dollars a month, you will reduce your debt and may cut a few months out of your loan.
Can a 7% interest rate help pay off a car loan?
Using an early payoff auto loan calculator, a $20,000 car loan at a 7% interest rate would cost you $3,761 in interest with monthly payments of $396 over a five-year period. Increasing your monthly payment by $90 will save you $842 in interest over the term and help pay off your auto loan 12 months sooner.
What happens if you pay off a car loan early?
Your credit score may decrease when the loan is paid off. With rising car prices and high interest rates, paying off your car loan early can help you save money. The best way to pay off a car loan involves extra payments, signing up for autopay, and refinancing to a loan with a lower interest rate.