Auto Refinancing: When’s the Right Time to Make a Move?

Refinancing a car loan can be a smart financial move, creating opportunities to save money and improve your financial situation. The trick is knowing when to refinance to maximize the benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of refinancing your car loan and offer guidance on determining the optimal time to make your move.

What is Auto Refinancing?

Auto refinancing involves replacing your current car or truck loan with a new one, typically with a different lender at a different rate and monthly payment. Your new loan pays off the existing one, and you then make payments on that replacement loan.

Reasons to Refinance Your Vehicle

• Lower Interest Rates: Refinancing can help secure a lower interest rate, which reduces your monthly payments and the total interest paid over the life (also known as length or term) of the loan.
• Improved Loan Terms: Depending on your financial goals, it may be beneficial to alter your loan’s term. Extending the term can lower your monthly payments, while shortening it can help you pay off the loan faster.
• Change in Financial Situation: If your financial situation has improved since you took out the original loan, refinancing could allow you to obtain both a better term and better interest rate based on your current creditworthiness.

When’s the Right Time?

Determining when to refinance involves evaluating several factors to ensure you benefit the most. You should at least consider refinancing your auto loan if any of the following circumstances:

Interest Rates Dropped –

If market interest rates have decreased since you took out your original loan, and your credit has remained solid or even improved, refinancing can likely secure you a lower rate. Even a small reduction in your interest rate can lead to saving thousands over the life of the loan as well as lowering your monthly payment more immediately.

Use an online refinancing calculator to estimate how much you could save with a lower interest rate. Compare this amount to any fees associated with refinancing to ensure it’s worth the effort.

Your Credit Score Improved –

Another way to qualify for a lower rate is if your credit score has improved since you initially financed your car and market rates have remained steady, or even fallen. Borrowers with higher credit scores get better rates and sometimes more favorable terms too.

Be sure to monitor your score using a free service, and if it’s been improving, shop quotes to see what you can secure. Just make sure the new loan terms still align with your financial goals.

Want to Adjust the Loan Term –

Refinancing provides an opportunity to adjust your loan’s term. If you want to lower your monthly payments, extending the term might be beneficial. On the other hand, if you aim to pay off your car loan faster to free up more funds long term, refinancing to a shorter term could be worthwhile.

Be mindful of how changing the loan term affects your overall loan costs and impacts your credit. Extending the term may reduce your monthly payments but could increase the total interest paid, shortening the term could increase monthly payments but save you money in interest, and constantly refinancing or applying for new loans can hurt your credit.

Current Terms Are Unfavorable –

If your current loan has high interest rates and/or unfavorable terms, refinancing might provide much needed relief. Look for opportunities to refinance to a loan with no prepayment penalties or other restrictions.

Be aware of any fees or penalties associated with your current loan for early repayment. Factor these into your decision to ensure that refinancing remains the smart financial move. Much like breaking a lease, consider if it’s better to get out now or just ride it out.

Need to Release Equity for Cash –

If your car’s value has increased or there’s increased demand for your vehicle, refinancing could allow you to access some of that equity in the form of cash. Much like refinancing or taking out an equity loan on your home, this can come in handy as a financial lifeline.

Be forewarned: Refinancing your vehicle for equity will almost certainly mean increased monthly payments and/or a longer repayment period. Some lenders do not offer this option or charge fees since there’s more liability with a depreciating asset. Triple check that all the benefits outweigh the potential costs or risks with releasing equity.

Steps to Refinance

1. Review Your Current Loan: Check the remaining balance, interest rate, and loan term. Identify any prepayment penalties or fees associated with early repayment.
2. Research Lenders: Compare refinance and loan offers for competitive interest rates, favorable terms, and minimal fees.
3. Check Your Credit Score: Obtain a free copy of your credit report and check your score. A higher credit score improves your chances of better loan terms.
4. Calculate the Savings: Use refinancing calculators to estimate potential savings based on different interest rates and loan terms.
5. Apply for the New Loan: Once you’re ready, the only thing left is to submit your application!
6. Loan Closing: Once you sign your new loan agreement, your existing loan will be paid off, and your new loan takes its place.

To Wrap Up 

Refinancing your car loan can be the strategic move to save money and improve your financial situation, but it really depends on a number of factors. Take the time to do your research and weigh your options. If you’re unsure whether refinancing is right for you, reach out to a Columbine Federal Credit Union team member, and let’s talk through it!