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The total cost of ownership for a vehicle is much more than the purchase price. It includes all the money you'll spend on your car over its lifetime, while you have it. Your exact costs will vary depending on many factors such as the car you buy, the loan term, your interest rate, fuel costs, and any...

When it comes to choosing between a secured and unsecured auto loan, the choice is typically made for you – auto loans are secured loans. But, there is a way to get an unsecured car loan; you just have to have a near-perfect credit score and a spotless credit report. If you seek out an unsecured loan...

You might be broke if you're filing bankruptcy – or at least in need of a break from the creditors. But bankruptcy isn't cheap, and if it’s designed for those without the money to handle a large amount of debt, then why isn't it free to file?...

The financed amount of an auto loan is the amount you're borrowing from a lender, plus any additional charges, fees, and applicable taxes or extras. It's half of what you're monthly payments are based on, and what your interest is added to. There are a few facets to your total amount financed that you...

Feel like Goldilocks looking for your perfect auto loan? It's important the loan amount is just right. When you have bad credit, you may think it's reasonable that going for a smaller auto loan means an easier path to success, and you'd be right, to a point. If a loan is too small, though, you may run...

A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is a must if you're thinking about buying a used car. Even though a used car is typically a good option for getting an affordable vehicle, you need to take extra care to make sure the car is reliable. To help you make your final car-buying decision, it's important to get...

The right time to buy a car may be whenever you need one, but there are certain days and times when you may be able to get a better deal...

Cosigners can save the day when you're having trouble getting approved for a car loan on your own. A cosigner helps when the lender is on the fence about your loan, typically due to a lower credit score or lack of credit history. Here's a guide to explain who cosigners are, and how they can help in an...

There is no shortage of options when it comes to making your car payments, it just depends on what your lender accepts as a form of payment. You likely also have options for how you split up your payment, or make it most convenient for you. Before you worry about that, it's important to know the basics...

A loan-to-value ratio, or LTV, is an important calculation lenders use to determine auto loan eligibility. The lower your LTV, the higher your chance of getting approved for a loan. This ratio shows the loan amount compared to the actual cash value of a vehicle in the form of an equation. Here's a breakdown...