Do you dream of driving a luxury car but don’t know how you can afford it?
In-house financing might be a path to consider. It means the car dealership offers you the loan directly and you won’t need to find a lender. This option can be fast and convenient but it’s not all smooth driving.
There are both good and bad sides to it. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this option.
Pro: Quick Application Process
One of the best things about in-house financing is that the application process doesn’t take much time. Shops that sell cars and offer loans themselves usually make it simpler for you. You don’t have to go to different banks or loan offices to see if you can borrow money.
Instead, you fill out forms at the dealership. They take care of checking if you can get a loan and how much you can get. This means you can find out fast if you can buy the car you want.
Con: Higher Interest Rates
Perhaps the biggest downside of in-house financing is the higher interest rates you often see. When you get a loan from the dealership, they might charge you more in interest compared to other lenders. This means you’ll end up paying more money over time for your luxury vehicle.
Dealerships do this because they are taking a bigger risk by lending directly to customers. Higher interest rates can make your monthly payments bigger. This is why it’s important to think about whether this option works for your budget in the long run.
Pro: Simplified Buying Experience
Another great thing about in-house financing is it makes buying a car easier. When you get your loan right where you’re buying your car, you can pick out your car and arrange how you’ll pay for it in one spot.
You don’t have to run around to different places to work out the details. Everything you need to do gets done at the dealership. This can save you a lot of time and make the whole process of getting luxury cars less stressful.
Plus, the people at the dealership know their cars and financing. With this, they can answer all your questions as you go.
Con: Limited Inventory Options
One downside of choosing in-house financing for your luxury vehicle is that you might not have as many cars to choose from. Dealerships offering loans directly often carry a smaller selection of vehicles.
This means you may not find the exact car you had in mind. You’re limited to what’s available on their lot at the time. If you have a specific model or feature in mind, you might have to look elsewhere or compromise on your dream car.
Having fewer options can be a bit disappointing, especially if you’re set on a particular luxury car. It’s important to consider whether the convenience of in-house financing is worth the limited choices.
Pro: Flexible Payment Terms
One of the advantages of getting a loan directly from the car dealership is that they often offer flexible payment terms. This means they can work with you to set up a payment plan that fits your monthly budget.
You might be able to choose how long you want to take to pay back the loan, which can help make the payments smaller and more manageable. This is a big plus for many buyers because it gives them some control over their finances.
Keep in mind though that it’s still important to make sure that the terms are a good fit for your financial situation. These include the interest rate and the length of the loan.
Con: Credit Impact Concerns
One thing to think about with in-house financing is how it might affect your credit score. When you get a loan from the dealership, they usually check your credit first. This check can lower your score a little bit.
Also, if the dealership doesn’t report your payments, being good with your payments won’t help improve your credit score. However, if they do report your payments, paying on time can give your score a boost.
It’s a good idea to ask the dealership if they report to the credit bureaus before you decide to take a loan with them. This way, you know how it could impact your credit in the long run.
Pro: Potential for Approval
If you’re worried about whether you can get a loan or not, in-house financing might give you more hope. Dealerships can sometimes approve people who might not get a loan from other places.
This is very helpful if your credit isn’t the best. For example, if you’re looking at a car such as the 2023 Genesis G90 and don’t think you can get a loan, the dealership might still say yes.
They have their own rules for deciding, and sometimes, they are more willing to help you get into a car. Always ask questions and understand everything before you decide, but it’s nice to know that this could be a way for you to drive away in a great car.
Con: Hidden Fees Risk
Another caution when considering in-house financing is the possibility of hidden fees. Sometimes, the dealership might not tell you about all the extra charges.
You might find out about them only after you’ve agreed to the loan. These could be fees for processing paperwork or even early payment penalties if you decide to pay off the loan sooner than expected.
It’s always important to ask lots of questions and read all the fine print. Make sure you understand everything you’re agreeing to before signing any papers. This can help you avoid unexpected costs that could make your car much more expensive in the long run.
Consider These Before Going for In-House Financing
In-house financing can be a good path if you want a luxury car quickly and might not get financing somewhere else. But, it might come with higher costs or limits on what car you can pick.
Always look at all sides before choosing. In-house financing can help you get your dream car, but be sure to check the small details first.
If you found this article useful, be sure to check out some of the other great content on our site before you go.