When it comes to loan terms for a given amount, the longer the loan, the lower the monthly payment. However, interest, which is the cost to borrow money, is charged on virtually all loans – expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR). Due to the way interest is charged, the longer your loan term is, the more expensive the loan becomes.
It’s tempting to sign the dotted line on a 72-month or 84-month auto loan when you see the monthly payment plummet into a much more reasonable range. Going from 60 months to 84 months on a $35,000 car can turn a $650 car payment into a sub-$500 payment. Sweet! Right?
Auto loans over 60 months are not the best way to finance a car because, for one thing, they carry higher car loan interest rates. Yet 39% of new-car buyers in the first quarter of 2021 took out loans of 61 to 72 months, according to Experian. More alarmingly, Experian’s data shows 32% of car shoppers are signing loans for between 73 and 84 months — that’s from six to seven years, folks.
“To close the deal, [car dealers] need to offer a payment that is comfortable,” Weintraub says. “Instead of reducing the sale price of the car, they extend the loan.” However, he adds that most dealers probably don’t reveal how that can change the interest rate and create other long-term financial problems for the buyer.
Used-car financing is following a similar pattern, with potentially worse results. Experian reveals that 42.1% of used-car shoppers are taking 61- to 72-month loans while 23% go even longer, financing between 73 and 84 months.
If you bought a 3-year-old car, and took out an 84-month loan, it would be 10 years old when the loan was finally paid off. Try to imagine how you’d feel still making loan payments on a 10-year-old car.
Long loan terms are yet another tool the dealer has to put you into a car because they focus you on the monthly payment, not the overall cost. But, just because you could qualify for these long loans doesn’t mean you should take them.
But should you go for 72- or 84-month auto loans? There are drawbacks to consider with long-term auto loans, even with low, or no, interest.
Fort Lauderdale’s Most Trusted Car Leasing Company
If you’re looking for car leasing in Fort Lauderdale or the Miami area, Signature Auto Group Florida is the place to be. As a leading leasing broker, we help customers with early lease exits, lease swaps, new leases, and everything in between. With two decades of experience in the New York area collected, our company is confidently expanding its expertise to the South Florida region.
Becoming the go-to company for early lease exits in Miami and Fort Lauderdale is no easy task, but with our commitment to customer service led by a motivated staff, our entry is already favored by most. Standing by you every step of the way, our company strives to guide you in the right direction. Whether buying, leasing, or selling, a dedicated team member is here to attend and impress.
Along with our excellent staff, Signature Auto Group Florida offers a diverse array of services, separating itself from other car dealers in South Florida.
Car Leasing Florida
Serving areas from Aventura to Boca Raton, our reach is vast. As such, our inventory is built to serve all types of clients. With an impressive list of available cars for lease in Miami, we have a special vehicle for everyone.
Leasing a car is beneficial for many consumers. It provides a way to save on costs while evading any long-term commitments. Drivers remain open to the possibility of new vehicles, always able to keep their driveways fresh.
With our extensive industry knowledge and decades-long relationships, we’ve been able to build one of the most desirable inventories around. With most makes and models available, our lot is the only place you need to visit for your next lease.
Contact Signature Auto Group Florida Today!
Signature Auto Group is the best destination for car leasing in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami area. We offer an extensive inventory made up of all makes and models, along with an experienced staff dedicated to making your next visit pleasant and straightforward.
We aim to provide as many avenues of communication as possible, allowing you to interact with our team in a manner that is most comfortable to you. Regardless of the question, feel free to email us directly at info@signatureautofl.com or use the built-in contact form. If you prefer a call instead, you can reach our team at (561) 709-2277.
You can also stop by our location to speak with us in person. We are located at 291 E Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Car Leasing Return Center
If you have an car lease that is due to reach maturity, we at Signature Auto Group Florida can accept your lease return even if you did not lease it from us, all makes and models! Let us guide you through the process of turning in your current lease as well as provide all the information you need on leasing a new car.
If your lease is maturing soon, we suggest that a pre-inspection of your vehicle is conducted. This inspection will evaluate your vehicle’s condition using the Vehicle Condition Guidelines. After the inspection, we’ll provide you with a Vehicle Inspection Report, documenting your vehicle’s condition at that time. Save Big by returning your car with Signature Auto Group.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Car Lease Transfer
A lease transfer works by allowing one driver to transfer their lease to another, who must qualify for credit approval with the finance company. A lease transfer is a simple process in which the name on a lease account is changed for the duration of the term. Other than the registered driver and the name on the lease, the remainder of the lease contract is unchanged. This includes mileage restrictions, wear-and-tear restrictions and the total length of the lease in months.
Fort Lauderdale Early Car Lease Buyout
Want to get out of your car lease early and into another car? Signature Auto Group Florida offers an early lease buyout program just for you. When you are leasing a vehicle, you can purchase your vehicle before the end of the lease contract. There are some instances when your car may be worth more on the market than your buyout price, and in this instance, you can actually make a profit!
