Car loans by where the money comes from
Each page explains who lends, what it usually costs, and what to check before you sign.
Financing a purchase
Where the money for a car can come from, and what each source costs you.
-
Purchase loan, updated Oct 26, 2026
New car loans
Average new-car rates by credit tier, promotional rates versus rebates, and the federal interest deduction.
-
Purchase loan, updated Oct 26, 2026
Used car loans
Why used cars cost more to finance, the average rates by credit tier, and how to compare offers.
-
How it works, updated Oct 26, 2026
Dealer financing
How the dealer arranges your loan, the buy rate and markup, and how to compare its offer with your own.
-
Lender type, updated Oct 26, 2026
Credit union car loans
Who can join, the 18% federal credit union rate ceiling, and how to compare a credit union offer.
-
Purchase loan, updated Oct 26, 2026
Private-party car loans
How a loan for a car from a private seller works, how the seller is paid and how the title moves.
-
Lender type, updated Oct 26, 2026
Buy here pay here
When the dealer is the lender: what it costs, tracking devices, collections and the options to try first.
-
Purchase loan, updated Oct 26, 2026
Electric vehicle loans
Financing an EV after the federal credit ended: rates, the interest deduction and state incentives.
Refinancing and lease buyouts
Replacing the loan you already have, or turning a lease into a loan.
-
Refinance, updated Oct 26, 2026
Auto refinance
When a new loan saves money, what a longer term costs, and the steps from payoff quote to new title.
-
Refinance, updated Oct 26, 2026
Cash-out auto refinance
How lenders size the cash, what it costs over the term, and why a bigger loan raises the risk.
-
Lease buyout, updated Oct 26, 2026
Lease buyout loans
How the buyout price is set, what gets added on top, and when buying beats returning the car.
Beyond cars
Motorcycles and RVs are financed differently: longer terms, other lenders.
