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How many months is a car loan?

How many months will I be paying off a car loan? I want to buy a car, but I’m not sure how long the loans usually last.

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Choosing a loan term for your car loan is a big decision! A typical car loan term is
72 months
. However, most lenders will offer loans in 12-month increments, including 24, 36, 48, 60, and 84 months.
Before signing an agreement, it’s a good idea to consider the pros and cons of different loan lengths. It’s generally best to get a car loan with a 60-month contract or less if you can afford to do so. While 72 and 80-month loans will typically offer lower monthly payments, you’ll pay more in interest over time as 72 and 80-month car loans tend to have higher interest rates than 60-month loans.
Also, it takes longer to build equity on longer car loans. It’s common to be
upside down
on your car loan for longer. If you decide to trade in your car before your loan contract is up, you might end up having to roll over any remaining loan amount as well.
It can be hard to find the right car loan, but it’s easy to find the right insurance policy for your new vehicle with the
Jerry
app! Just download the app and answer some quick questions to see your policy options in a comprehensive list. The average user saves $879 a year!
MORE: What is a good credit score for a car loan?
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