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How do banks determine the terms of a car loan?

I've been shopping around for car loans, but I'm not sure what determines my payments and other terms. How do lenders figure these?

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Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Knowing the terms of your car loan and how they’re figured is a savvy move by any buyer, but few take the trouble. So, you’re smart to figure that out!
To determine the terms of a
car loan
, banks have plenty of tools and discretion. Examples might include:
  • National Automobile Dealers Association book to determine the value of the vehicle
  • Your credit score and income to determine interest rate
  • Current interest rates to provide a competitive market rate depending on the length of the loan
  • The discretion of the loan office
  • Cosigner information, if applicable
Every bank also has internal factors that can change your interest rate, so shopping around is important to save money.
If you’re planning on getting a car loan, don’t forget about your full coverage car insurance, which is required by lenders. With the
Jerry
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