Variable Vs. Fixed Rate Auto Loans: What’s the Difference?

auto loans fixed variable

When it comes to auto loans, there are two types of borrowers: those who go for a fixed-rate loan and those who choose a variable rate loan. Both have their pros and cons, so borrowers need to understand the differences before making a decision. In this article, we’ll discuss the main differences between these two types of auto loans.

What are the different types of auto loans available to borrowers?

There are two types of auto loans available to borrowers: fixed rate and variable rate. With a fixed-rate auto loan, the borrower has a set interest rate that doesn’t change over the life of the loan. A variable-rate auto loan, on the other hand, has a fluctuating interest rate that can go up or down depending on market conditions.

What are the pros and cons of a fixed-rate auto loan?

There are several pros of a fixed rate auto loan:

  • The interest rate is locked in, so the borrower knows exactly what they’re paying each month
  • The monthly payment amount is predictable and doesn’t change, which can be helpful for budgeting
  • The loan term is usually longer than with a variable rate auto loan, giving the borrower more time to pay it off

There are also some cons to consider:

  • If interest rates go down after the loan is taken out, the borrower may miss out on potential savings
  • If the borrower decides to sell their car before they pay off their loan, they may have to pay a prepayment penalty

What are the pros and cons of a variable rate auto loan?

There are several pros of a variable rate auto loan:

  • The interest rate can be lower than with a fixed-rate auto loan, which can save the borrower money over the life of the loan
  • The monthly payment amount can be lower than with a fixed-rate auto loan, which can also save the borrower money
  • The loan term is usually shorter than with a fixed-rate auto loan, so the borrower can pay it off quicker

There are also some cons to consider:

  • If interest rates go up after the loan is taken out, the borrower’s monthly payments will go up as well
  • If the borrower sells their car before the loan is paid off, they will have to pay a prepayment penalty
  • The interest rate can change over the life of the loan, so the borrower may end up paying more money than if they had chosen a fixed rate auto loan

What is the difference between a fixed rate and variable rate auto loan?

The main difference between a fixed rate and variable rate auto loan is the interest rate. With a fixed-rate auto loan, the borrower has a set interest rate that doesn’t change over the life of the loan. A variable-rate auto loan, on the other hand, has a fluctuating interest rate that can go up or down depending on market conditions.

Are there any other differences between fixed-rate and variable-rate auto loans?

Yes, there are several other differences between these two types of auto loans. For example:

  • A fixed-rate auto loan may have a higher interest rate than a variable rate auto loan
  • A fixed-rate auto loan typically has a shorter term than a variable rate auto loan
  • A variable-rate auto loan may have lower monthly payments than a fixed rate auto loan, but the total amount paid over the life of the loan will be more

How can borrowers get the best interest rate on an auto loan?

There are a few things borrowers can do to get the best interest rate on an auto loan:

Which type of auto loan is right for you – fixed or variable rate?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – it depends on the individual’s needs and financial situation. However, here are some things to consider when deciding between a fixed rate and variable rate auto loan:

  • If the borrower wants a loan with a set interest rate and doesn’t want to worry about their monthly payments changing, they should choose a fixed-rate auto loan.
  • Next, if the borrower is willing to accept the risk that their interest rate could go up or down and wants to save money on their monthly payments, they should choose a variable rate auto loan.

If you’re unsure which type of auto loan is right for you, you can talk to a financial advisor or credit counselor for help deciding.

Can borrowers negotiate a lower interest rate on an auto loan?

Some borrowers may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate on their auto loans. However, this depends on the lender’s policy and the borrower’s credit history. It’s worth trying to negotiate a lower interest rate if the borrower feels they are getting a bad deal with the current interest rate.

What are the factors that lenders consider when determining auto loan interest rates?

The interest rate a lender offers on an auto loan is based on several factors, including:

  • The borrower’s credit score: a high credit score will usually lead to a lower interest rate
  • The amount of the loan: lenders typically offer lower interest rates on larger loans
  • The term of the loan: lenders may offer a lower interest rate for shorter-term loans, and vice versa
  • The type of auto loan: lenders may offer different interest rates for new cars vs. used cars, auto loans vs. personal loans, etc.
  • The market conditions: when the market is good, lenders may offer lower interest rates; when the market is bad, lenders may offer higher interest rates

What is the difference between a fixed auto loan and a lease?

A fixed auto loan is a loan that the borrower uses to purchase a car. The borrower pays back the loan over a set period, and their monthly payments remain the same.

A lease is an agreement where the borrower rents a car from the lender for a set time. At the end of the lease, the borrower can either return the car or purchase it from the lender. Leases typically have lower monthly payments than auto loans, but the total cost of a lease is usually more expensive than an auto loan.

How does the life of the loan affect monthly payments?

The life of the loan (also known as the “term”) affects the monthly payments on an auto loan in two ways:

  1. The longer the term of the loan, the lower the monthly payments will be. This is because the borrower is paying back the loan over a longer period, and therefore the total amount of interest paid will be lower.
  2. The shorter the term of the loan, the higher the monthly payments will be. This is because the borrower is paying back the loan over a shorter period, and therefore the total amount of interest paid will be higher.

What is an annual percentage rate (APR)?

The APR is a measure of the cost of a loan and is expressed as a percentage. It includes the interest rate and any other fees or charges that the borrower will have to pay over the life of the loan.

What is a variable interest rate?

A variable interest rate is an interest rate that can change over time. This means that the borrower’s monthly payments could go up or down, depending on how the rate changes.

What is a fixed interest rate?

A fixed interest rate is an interest rate that does not change over time. This means that the borrower’s monthly payments will remain the same, no matter what happens to the interest rate market.

Are there any other fees I should expect with an auto loan?

In addition to the interest rate, borrowers may also have to pay:

  • Origination fees: a fee charged by the lender when the loan is first taken out
  • Closing costs: a variety of fees charged by the lender when the loan is closed, such as an appraisal fee, title search fee, and courier fee
  • Insurance products: borrowers may be offered insurance products such as auto insurance, home insurance, or life insurance. These products are typically optional but may be required by the lender. As Renata Balasco from TheZebra notes, the only state that legally doesn’t require auto insurance is New Hampshire.

When is it a good idea to refinance an auto loan?

It may be a good idea to refinance an auto loan if:

  • The borrower’s credit score has improved, leading to a lower interest rate
  • The borrower can get a longer-term on the loan, which will result in lower monthly payments
  • The market conditions have changed, and the borrower can now get a lower interest rate than when they first took out the loan.

Should I get an auto loan from my bank or a credit union?

There are benefits to getting an auto loan from both banks and credit unions.

Banks typically offer lower interest rates than credit unions, but they may have stricter eligibility requirements.

Credit unions typically have looser eligibility requirements, but their interest rates may be higher.

What is the prime rate?

The prime rate is the interest rate that banks use to set rates for auto loans, home loans, and other types of loans. It is typically 3-5% above the Federal Reserve’s target rate.

Can I get an auto loan if I have bad credit?

It is possible to get an auto loan if you have bad credit, but the interest rate will be much higher than if you had good credit. You may also have to put down a larger down payment.

What is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a government agency that protects consumers from unfair or deceptive financial practices. The CFPB offers resources and support to consumers who are looking for auto loans or other types of loans.

Key Takeaway

When it comes to auto loans, there are two main types: variable and fixed rates. The main difference between the two is that a variable-rate loan has a fluctuating interest rate, while a fixed-rate loan has a set interest rate that doesn’t change. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to understand which one is the best option for you. If you’re looking to refinance your auto loan, be sure to consider all of your options and consult with a financial advisor to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.