If you’re thinking about taking out a bad credit car loan, use a car loan calculator to research different repayment scenarios. A car loan calculator will tell you whether or not you can afford a loan, based on variables such as loan size, loan term and interest rate.
If your monthly repayments are too high, you might be able to reduce them by opting for a longer loan term and/or a balloon payment at the end. Please note, though, that you’ll end up paying more over the life of the loan. (Conversely, a shorter loan term without a balloon payment would mean lower whole-of-loan costs.)
During your research, you should also weigh up whether you want a variable-rate loan or a fixed-rate loan. A variable loan could go up or down, which would either harm or help your financial position. A fixed loan, though, would never change, which would make it easier for you to budget.
Don’t forget that interest rates aren’t the only cost – there are also various fees and charges to consider. These may include loan establishment fees, loan account-keeping fees, car registration, car insurance. You may be allowed to take out a bigger loan to cover these costs – although that would mean you’d ultimately pay more in interest.
Finally, it’s often a good idea to put down a deposit on a bad credit car loan. The higher a deposit you can afford at the start of your car loan, the lower the principal you’ll be required to repay, and the more you’ll save on interest.