Nowadays, obtaining auto loans online has never been easier. Typically, you’ll come across forms that are not only short, but simple too. If you’re spending more than five or ten minutes filling in field after field, you’re probably just wasting your time. Instead, it should take just a few minutes to submit the necessary information. Most lenders, especially the most qualified, will contact you within a matter of days, sometimes hours, to discuss your auto loan options. The same lenders will also have bad credit car loan options as well. So, whether you are a prime or sub-prime candidate, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a lender that can help.

Car loans work like this: First, you trade in your car for an agreed amount. Next, you make a down payment. And the difference between the sum of those and the price of your new automobile is the amount you will need to borrow for your car loan. Here’s the oversimplified mathematical formula:

[(Total Price of Car) - (Down Payment + Trade-in Value)] = Auto Loan Amount

With car loans, the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR is very important. Your monthly payments are a function of the interest rate and the length of the car loan. APR is designed to help you understand the car loan’s entire cost, create a level playing field for lenders, and prevent them from advertising low rates and then hiding fees. The better your credit is, the lower the APR on your car loan will be.

Many car loans offer 60- or 72-Month loan periods, for smaller payments each month. Though lower payments may seem easier to manage, the interest paid over the financed period means you pay more, increasing the total cost of your car loan.

To better prepare for the car loan process, use an auto loan calculator – you’ll find them on major lending websites – to estimate your payments based on a car’s price, length of the car loan and interest rate. By testing different auto loan scenarios, you’ll better understand what you are capable of handling.

If you’re financing a used car loan, lenders may only approve it for a model up to 5 years old. The used car loans process is more restricted because much older cars are harder to resell. Some banks charge at least 2% higher APR on used car loans, than they do for new car loans. Though, many online auto loan providers today, offer better rates.

Whether it’s a new or used car, however, applying for a bad credit car loan can be intimidating. But there are car loans for people with bad credit. Believe it or not, you can control interest rates by understanding your finances, your credit report, and all related costs. If a bad credit car loan is what you are looking for, request your credit report. This way you’ll not only understand where you stand financially, but you can also fix blemishes to improve your rating and APR.

While the amount borrowed and interest rate are important parts of auto loans, look at other factors too. Your auto loan term and the fees you pay for credit checks are crucial. Fees and interest shouldn’t exceed the total cost of the car.

If, in the end, you’re not comfortable with the terms of any auto loan, consider leasing. This is a great alternative to auto loans, especially if you’re battling with bad credit.

To increase your chances of being approved for an auto loan, do the following:

• Fix your credit report – Correct mistakes and “charge offs” • Pay attention to your credit score – Know what APR you deserve • Close old accounts – Credit scores can suffer with them • Understand the process of car loans – Be prepared • Utilize an auto loan calculator – Test different APR scenarios

How Applications for Auto Loans Are Approved

Applications for auto loans are approved (or disapproved) through a standardized process that involves a lender closely reviewing a list of an individual’s financial statistics to gauge their eligibility.

The following are those key factors. So before you apply for an auto loan, have a look at what lenders look at.

Income Your gross monthly income should be about $2000 per month or more.

Debt-to-Income Ratio It must be less than 50%. Calculate this ratio by dividing the sum of your total debt (e.g. car payments, credit card balances and unsecured loans; exclude mortgage or property debt) by the sum of your total income.

Credit Reports A credit report must exist in your name and all information on the auto loan application must match it. Remember to complete all fields on the auto loan application accurately – with proper format and no typos. Most applications for auto loans are approved or declined automatically based on entered data.

FICO You must have a FICO credit score (Fair Isaac) of 540 or greater (sub prime), 600+ (near prime), and 680+ (prime lender). If you don’t know your credit score, you should get a copy of your credit report.

Loan Amount A new or used auto loan is typically between $5,000 and $50,000, depending on the length of the auto loan period. If you need a car loan for less than $5000, it’s wise to get a credit card, instead of approaching a lender.

Employment History Steady employment is preferable for an auto loan. If you’re self-employed, proof of two years minimum employment history must be provided with tax returns.

Collateral Any vehicle that is offered is generally no more than seven model years old (as of January 1st of that year).

Vehicle Type The lending process is compounded if the automobile is a sports car, motorcycle, collector vehicle, hot rod, or similar type car. Some lenders are also particular with other vehicles such as SUVs and trucks.

State-by-State Some states have auto loan restrictions. As a result, some lenders do not offer all services therein.

Other Considerations • Complete all fields on the loan application accurately with proper format and no typos. • Be sure you work with the most trusted car loan lenders. Do your research by reading thorough reviews of only the most qualified companies. • Apply for a car loan online. It is secure and fast.

The right loan can mean the difference between wasting money and saving money. Once you get started, you’ll be one step closer to your new car!

Colin Ayres is a writer for Harbor Credit. He began his career shortly after graduating from Yale University, where he soon realized that Liberal Arts and copywriting have a lot in common. To read more, visit www.HarborCredit.com.

Due to technocratic advancement you can apply for online secured auto loans. Actually, getting bad credit auto loans is as easy as getting personal loans with perfect credit. Apply through an auto loan broker you can obtain financing for an auto loan from the dealership, banks, and other financial institutions.

However incredible it may sound, but, it is true you can apply for secured auto loans and avail its innumerable benefits. For example, if you are behind in some credit card payments, then that will be reviewed differently then if you are behind in your mortgage or auto loan payments.

The easiest way to reap the rewards of an online auto loan is to start by doing research on companies that offer online auto loans. However, various lending institutions grant auto loans. Improve your credit scores well in advance before applying for used car auto loan.

Sub prime lenders will often target high risk borrowers with pre-computed auto loans, and some used car dealers might push this type of auto loan financing. The best way to compare rates is to visit an online auto loan broker site. Others have tools at your disposal, such as financial calculators to determine if refinancing your auto loan is right for you.

Every time you apply for credit, whether it’s a retail store charge account or an auto loan, the information you provide gets sent to the credit bureaus. Thus, it is always suggested that the borrower must always consider his repaying ability while availing luxury auto loans. So looking for a company that offers bad credit auto loans is important for someone with flawed credit.

Always research the company you are using to finance your auto loan carefully. Your auto loan rates are determined by the co-signer’s financial history since they are also responsible for the loan. Before you apply for an auto loan, get a copy of your credit report to find out what surprises may be lurking in it.

The rules that apply for normal auto loans with bad credit still apply, of course. Making timely payments on a sub prime auto loan can be the first step in revitalizing a poor credit record. Check with your usual bank for a new auto loan first, as they may have better interest rates for those who are already established customers, or who carry all their savings, checking’s and loan accounts through one bank.

That is because it is unfortunately all too common for credit histories to have inaccuracies, and an erroneous entry in that credit report could lead the car buyer to pay too much for the auto loan. Once your bankruptcy has been discharged, you are free to finance an auto loan, mortgage, or acquire a credit card. It’s worth it to come out ahead on your auto loan.

Though auto loan refinancing is similar to home refinancing, no appraisal is required. These are some of the points which the person is needed to know, while availing bad credit new auto loans. All online auto loans companies will not necessarily offer great deals.

Never take out an auto loan with a term that’s longer than the amount of time you plan to keep the vehicle. Refinancing either your auto loan or your mortgage is a great way to reduce your monthly payments and reduce financial pressure. They help you pre qualify for bad credit auto loans and special finance regardless of credit problems or automotive financing loan payment history.

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of Free Affiliate Programs

For more information and resource links on car loans visit: Online Car Loans