Key takeaways
- A longer loan term means you’ll get a lower monthly payment, but you’ll also pay more in interest.
- A shorter loan term is better, as it helps minimize borrowing costs and the risk of being upside-down on your loan.
- Consider the monthly payment and overall cost of ownership when determining which auto loan term is best for you.
Shopping for a new car is exciting. If you’re planning to finance the purchase, you’ll need to find the perfect loan and iron out the details before heading to the dealership. When comparing auto loan interest rates, also give some thought to the loan term you select.
Your loan term is the amount of time it takes for you to repay your auto loan. The longer your loan term, the cheaper your monthly payments will be. Terms typically ranging from 24 to 84 months, or up to 96 months with a few lenders, like Autopay.
On average, drivers financing a new vehicle had a car loan length of 67.87 months, while used borrowers had a term of 67.4 months, according to Experian.
How long should you finance a car for?
It depends on how much of a monthly loan payment you can afford. A lengthy term makes the monthly loan payment more affordable at the expense of steeper borrowing costs.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you find the loan term that works best for you.
- Determine your budget. Consider both your monthly budget and how much you want to pay for the car itself. Financial experts recommend spending no more than 20 percent of your take-home pay on an auto loan payment. Also, consider whether your financial situation is likely to change. For example, if your job security is shaky, you may want a lower monthly payment.
- Get prequalified. Shop around and get prequalified with at least three lenders to find the most competitive rate. If you have an account with a local bank or credit union, start there. You could qualify for attractive terms off the strength of your existing relationship with the lender.
- Analyze borrowing costs. Take your prequalification results and plug them into an auto loan calculator to view your estimated loan payment. You can also view the amortization table to see how much you will pay per month along with your total interest costs with each loan term.
- Make a decision. Consider both the monthly payment and the overall cost when deciding which loan term best suits your needs. Once you pick the right fit, apply with the lender to get preapproved for financing. A car loan preapproval is a formal commitment from a lender to loan you funds. It also helps you negotiate more effectively with the dealer.
Learn more: Is your car payment too expensive for your monthly budget?
Below is a table showing how the term you select can impact your monthly payment and interest costs over the life of the loan. The figures are based on a $40,000 loan with a 6.5 percent interest rate.
| Term | Monthly payment | Total interest paid |
|---|---|---|
| 36 months | $1,226 | $4,135 |
| 48 months | $949 | $5,533 |
| 60 months | $783 | $6,959 |
| 72 months | $672 | $8,413 |
| 84 months | $594 | $9,894 |
Long-term vs short-term car loans
If you aren’t sure which term is best for you, consider how the loan will impact your finances. A longer repayment period gives you a lower monthly payment. But this benefit comes at a cost. You’ll pay more in interest over the loan term than you would if you choose a shorter term.
Pros and cons of a long-term loan
If you’re leaning towards a long-term loan, here are some benefits and drawbacks to consider to make an informed decision.
Pros
- Lower monthly payment: If your budget is tight, a longer term could make your auto loan payment more manageable.
- Increased affordability: You may be able to afford a higher-priced vehicle if you opt for a long-term loan.
- Higher borrowing costs: The lender has more time to collect from you, so you’ll pay more in interest.
- Risk of being upside-down on your loan: You could find yourself owing more than your vehicle is worth, which is particularly problematic if you plan to sell or trade your vehicle in the near future.
Bankrate tip
For some, a long-term loan might be the only way to afford a car. If this is your situation and you have a low credit score, compare multiple lenders to find the best car loan rates for bad credit.
Pros and cons of a shorter auto loan term
Short-term auto loans also come with key advantages that could make them a better choice.
Pros
- Lower borrowing costs: A shorter loan term means lower interest costs over the loan term.
- Ownership timeline: Paying the car off over a shorter timeframe also means you’ll own it outright much sooner, potentially avoid the negative impact of depreciation and free up room in your budget.
Cons
- Higher monthly payment: You can expect a steeper monthly payment that can limit you to lower-priced vehicles.
- Potential budgetary constraints: If you don’t have much wiggle room in your budget, taking on a loan with a shorter term can be risky, especially if you don’t make a sizable down payment.
How loan term affects your car payment
Simply put, the longer your loan term is, the lower your monthly payment will be. But the more your loan is stretched out, the more interest you pay over the life of your loan. So while your monthly payment may be smaller, the total amount you spend will not be the same.
Along with that, longer-term lengths typically come with higher average interest rates. This is generally because longer loans are riskier for lenders. With a long loan term, there’s a greater chance something might hurt your finances and lead you to default before the loan is fully repaid.
Your wallet might appreciate the decreased monthly payment that a long-term loan offers. But the trade-off may not be worth it.
The bottom line
The average car loan length ranges between 24 and 84 months. The right terms for your needs come down to how much you can afford to pay each month.
Although a shorter term can save you a bundle, it may not be the best fit to finance the car of your dreams. But if you can find a less expensive, comparable model, the compromise may be well worth it in the long run.
