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Summer is almost here and we are ready to pack our bags, slather on the sunscreen, and head out for vacation! But with such high prices it’s more important than ever to be smart about how we plan our summer fun. So before you click the confirm button on your summer vacation, check out our top ten ways you can save money on your summer vacation this year for maximum fun and minimum cost.Here are ten ways you can save money on your summer vacation.#1. Plan a staycation with day trips instead.Have you ever looked around your area and realized that there is actually plenty to do that you haven’t really taken advantage of? Instead of booking a hotel, flight, rental car, etc, use your summer vacation funds to take some fun day trips in your area. With the money you are saving on transportation and lodging, you can be sure to splurge on local activities and meals (and still stay way under your vacation budget). To make your staycation feel like a true vacation, make sure you hit the pause button on all of your tasks and projects. It can be hard to disconnect from everyday life, but scheduling out your days and treating your home like your hotel will help keep you in vacation mode. Hide the laundry baskets and tell your friends and coworkers that you cannot be reached. Here are some fun local activities that you may be able to enjoy in your area.Explore a park or nature preserve that is within driving distance.Go to a local amusement park, zoo, or water park for the day.Head to a beach, whether it's the ocean or just a nearby lake.Plan a camping trip, even if it’s just in your backyard.Have a movie day where you binge watch all of the movies you’ve been meaning to check out (a great rainy day option).Play tourist to whatever local museums or attractions your area has to offer. The options are endless and chances are there is more to do in your area than you realize. #2. If you want a destination trip, plan ahead.If a destination trip is your main goal, then planning ahead is incredibly important. When booking flights, be sure to monitor prices. Wednesdays are usually the best days to book flights (you can save $57 on average when compared to the most expensive day to book, which is Sunday). Research has found that booking your flight 76 days ahead of time is when you can usually find the best deals. But in general keeping an eye on prices and patterns and jumping on a good deal when you see it will help you secure a good rate. 3. Try to save at mealtime.It’s easy for spending to get out of control at mealtimes. After all three meals a day out for a week or two will quickly add hundreds and thousands on to your vacation bill. Instead, opt for more snacks and grab and go options and less sit down meals. Finding some BYOB spots can also help keep your dinner bills to a reasonable amount. 4. Use your cash back rewards.Cash back rewards can feel like found money, which is why we love using these rewards for fun stuff. If you save your rewards for the entire year, you will have hundreds of dollars that can help fund your meals, hotels, activities, and flights. Be sure to do your research and find a card with a rewards system that works for you and your spending habits. If you plan on flying, look for a card where you can earn miles.  Not only do you want to find a card that gives you rewards you can use, but you need to find a card that rewards the type of spending you do. If a lot of your shopping is at the grocery store, find a card that caters to this. Some cards will give you up to 6% cash back for grocery purchases, like the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express. Other cards cater more to online shopping or transportation purchases, so try to find the best one for your spending habits. 5. Bundle your vacation. You may be able to save more money by booking your vacation travel and lodging together. There are many sites that offer this, such as Kayak, Expedia, and Travelocity. But it’s important to not just assume everything will be cheaper if you book together. Again, you will have to do some research (and some math) to see what your savings are. Additionally if you are trying to apply rewards points and frequent flier miles you may need to book separately. 6. Book a vacation with friends.If you have some friends or family that are also looking for a destination trip, think about vacationing together. You may be able to find a house to rent that will be much more affordable than individual hotel rooms. Renting a house on AirBnB or Vrbo will allow you to cook some meals for your family, which can save a lot of money. You may be able to split a rental car and plan some at home activities, such as a game night, which can all add up to even more savings. 7. Pick a less popular destination.We know that it can be hard to ignore the allure of some vacation hot spots like DisneyWorld, but looking around for some off the beaten path vacation spots can save you a lot of money in general on your trip. Lonely Planet is a great resource for this and can offer some great suggestions on some fun and unique vacation spots. Some of their US vacation suggestions include:Buffalo, New YorkAlbuquerque, New MexicoGreenville, South CarolinaSt Louis, Missouri The United States has tons of beautiful and interesting cities that are full of history and charm, and most of them are cheaper and more accessible than the big cities like New York and LA. If you are looking to travel internationally, this applies even more. There are a ton of amazing vacation spots that are incredibly affordable. Laos, Turkey, Hungary, Thailand, Costa Rica, and Indonesia are wonderful vacation destinations that are very affordable (even downright cheap). 8. Treat your vacation savings like a bill you have to pay.If you plan to go on a vacation, you should try to save for it all year round. The best way to do this is to add your vacation savings into your monthly budget and pay into it every month. Saving a few hundred every month will mean that your vacation is covered when the time rolls around and there is much less pressure to scrounge together the money you need. There are loads of ways to trim your budget throughout the year, from refinancing your car loan to switching to generic groceries. Finding ways to save throughout the year will make planning your vacation much more enjoyable and stress free.9. Take care of your car for savings all year round.One of the biggest expenses for many people is the cost of their car. Car payments, gas, insurance, parking, and maintenance can all add up and seriously deplete our vacation savings. But if you take care of your car year round it will run more efficiently and save you money on gas, repairs, and maintenance. Making sure your tires are properly inflated, your oil is changed routinely, and giving your car a tune up when it needs it are all small steps that will keep your car running smoothly.  10. Take advantage of free activities wherever you go. There are most likely a lot of free or cheap activities available wherever you go. While it's fun to splurge on a few activities, be sure to look into local free activities. Here are some of our favorite free (or super cheap) activities that you can find in most vacation cities.Check out a festival. Most cities have festivals and parades throughout the summer that will offer an inexpensive way to experience the culture. Food carts, free entertainment, and a ton of sights to see–what could be better?Look into free admission nights and days. Many museums and exhibits offer free admission time periods. While these times are usually crowded, they give you a free activity and an engaging experience.Find a historical site and tour. Many historical sites offer free admission and guided tours. You can learn about our country's history and enjoy the fresh air with no cost to you.Look into walking tours. Many cities offer maps online of self-guided walking tours. You can follow the route and read along to learn more about the city’s history and hit the most famous spots it has to offer. Those are our top ten ways to save money on your summer vacation. Going on vacation is fun, but shelling out the cash for it is not. After all, you are supposed to recharge your batteries on vacation, not drain them because you are stressed about money. So do your homework, research, and budget year round to make sure your vacation is truly restful.  Looking to save money with a car loan refinance? Contact Auto Approve today to get started!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

It’s no secret that the economy has been a bit all over the place the past few years. And while there are many reasons for this and many factors at play, one thing is for certain: a lot of people have seen their debt increase recently. In fact car loan debt is now at an all time high, with more people shelling out more and more money every month for their new car payments. So what’s going on? Here’s why car loan debt is at an all time high right now.How high is American car loan debt?US auto loan debt is at around 1.552 trillion dollars, which is up about 1.84% from the previous year. This number sounds so large it’s hard to actually imagine how much debt this is, but for the 107 million Americans who have auto loans, this means that their payments are higher than ever before. The average monthly car loan payment is over $700, up from about $620 last year. On top of that, 2 out of every 13 people with a car loan today are paying over $1000 a month.  These high car payments make paying for a new car nearly impossible for most people with moderate incomes, and many analysts feel that new cars are becoming a luxury that only high income families can afford.Reason #1: The interest rates are high.One of the primary reasons for the high amount of auto loan debt is the high interest rates. In an effort to combat inflation, The Fed has been increasing interest rates steadily over the past two years, which has had complicated implications for the economy at large.  The Fed has the task of balancing interest rates in a way that encourages reasonable savings and reasonable investing. When rates are very high, spending is discouraged and saving and investing is encouraged. When rates are low, spending is encouraged and saving and investing are discouraged.  In order to get our economy back on track after the pandemic, The Fed lowered interest rates to encourage spending and revive the economy. But now it must slow the amount of spending to decrease demand and keep the value of the dollar steady. And all of this leads to now, where the prime rate (the benchmark interest rate for the economy) is particularly high. This high prime rate affects rates across the board, including mortgages, credit card rates, and auto loan rates. This increase in car loan interest rates makes getting a new car all the more expensive, and makes it unattainable for some. These rate increases affect everyone, but they will affect those with lower credit scores the most. So if you need a new car and depend on a loan, you might be out of luck (and get yourself way in debt). Reason #2: Car prices are high.On top of the rising interest rates, cars are just more expensive in general right now. The average new car cost $49,075 at the end of 2022, which was an increase of $2,297 over the previous 12 months. So why such a jump?  Inflation is certainly part of the story, but there are many other factors that are causing this increase. The major factor is simple supply and demand. Auto manufacturers are still playing catchup from the pandemic which caused manufacturing to slow majorly. And there are still many people who are simply willing to shell out the money for a new car. Pickup trucks specifically have been selling particularly well, with Kelley Blue Book reporting that Ford sold more than 75,000 F-series trucks in December alone, with an average sticker price of $66,451. If people are willing to pay the price, manufacturers have no incentive to reduce prices. Automakers are still recording record high profits despite the fact that they are excluding millions of Americans from the car buying process. So even as we are moving past low supply levels, it seems unlikely that prices will lower. Additionally, new cars just have nicer features than ever before. Car buyers have come to expect a certain high level of trim, safety features, and infotainment systems that all add to the base price of the car. Cars are also more powerful now than ever before, with more horsepower coming standard. When you add on a few upgrades it’s easy to see how a new car price can tick up north of $50,000 very quickly.What should I do if I want to buy a new car?Unfortunately you might not have a ton of options if you have your heart set on a new set of wheels. If you can wait it out for a few months (or even a year) you may find better rates and reduced prices, but nothing is a guarantee. Some manufacturers are offering incentives and deals to encourage sales, but it might not be enough to make the sale worthwhile. If you really need a new car, it’s important to make sure your personal finances are in good order (a good credit score is still your best bet to get a good car loan interest rate). But there are also some other steps you can take to keep your car payments reasonable.Get preapproved for a loan. This will help to give you more negotiating power when you step foot in the car dealership. You already know what interest rate you have been approved for, so you know what interest rate the dealer will have to beat if they want to finance with you.Do your research ahead of time to compare prices. Look around at different dealers to compare prices and see where you can get the best deal. Decide what features you need. Determining which features you can’t live without will also help to keep you in your budget. Skipping on the upgrades and addons is a great way to keep your monthly car payments more manageable. Get a cosigner. If your credit score isn’t great, a cosigner may help you to secure a better car loan APR than you would be able to secure on your own.Buy your leased car to get a good deal. You will be able to buy your leased car for the amount that is listed in your leased contract, so you might get the best deal that way. While these steps may help to make your payments more manageable, it might make the most sense for you to wait on your new car purchase. That’s why car loan debt is at an all time high (and what you can do to get the best deal possible). If you are interested in buying your leased car, contact Auto Approve today to see how they can help! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

It seems obvious: of course you should read all of the fine print before you sign anything. In today’s world where you have to read a novel to simply log on to a web page, it’s easy to get in the habit of skipping through the crux of the details when you are signing something. But when you are taking out a loan for a large sum of money, it’s incredibly important to pay attention to everything. What may seem like a throw away line might actually have big implications for you financially. So today we are going to talk about what fine print you can’t ignore and what you should look out for in your car loan contract. Let’s talk about car loan contracts and what you should look out for when signing one.What types of fine print should you look out for in your car loan? The Notorious Yo-Yo FinancingYo-Yo financing means that you are offered one rate when you initially discuss the loan, only to have that rate not apply to you. This tactic is also referred to as spot delivery. The dealer will tell you that you are free to take the car home even though the paperwork is not finalized, only to call you several weeks later to tell you that the paperwork fell through and you need to renegotiate. When you come in to settle this they will change the terms, and you may be left with a less than desirable rate and car loan contract.  You want to read the contract carefully to ensure that the rate that the dealer tells you is the rate that is actually listed in the contract AND that the financing paperwork is 100% complete before you leave with your new car. Yo-yo financing is illegal in some states, but not in all states so it is something you very much need to be aware of before you get a car loan. And remember: if a rate sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Deal Only Available In…It’s very common to see deals advertised as “only available in CA, NJ, FL” etc. And these deals usually exclude A LOT (as in most) states. So it’s important to ensure that the deal you are offered and the deal that you think you are getting are actually valid in the state you are in. You may be under the impression that you are agreeing to one rate or term, but the contract may have something else listed entirely.Car Loan Add-Ons (and New Car Features)One of the most common practices is for dealers to add on purchases and products to your car loan. These add ons commonly include:GAP insuranceVIN etchingTire and wheel protectionPaint and fabric protectionKey protectionCredit insuranceExtended warranties While some of these items may be something you are interested in, you need to make sure that they are not listed in your contract without your knowledge. You can usually cancel these add-ons after you sign, but doing so can be complicated and annoying. Additionally, you should ensure that the car does not have unnecessary features added on without your knowledge. Car add-ons can very quickly cause your car loan to increase by thousands. These upgrades may include:Upgraded trim levelAll weather matsHigh tech security featuresUpgraded entertainment system Again, some of these might be features that you want, but you need to be sure that the specific features you want are included on the contract.Here are some tips to get the best contracts.When you are looking to buy a new car, you want to be extra cautious when it comes to signing anything. Here are our top tips to ensure you don’t get roped into signing a bad contract. Get pre approved. The best thing that you can do before setting foot into a dealership is to get pre approved for a car loan. This will take a lot of unnecessary pressure off of you. Not only can you shop with the confidence of knowing what type of car you can afford, but you will already know what rate the dealership has to beat if they want to get you to finance with them.Bring a friend. It’s always a good idea to bring a friend or loved one along with you when you are looking to get a car. It’s great to have someone to bounce things off of, but more than that, it’s another set of ears to listen for any warning signs. This gives you another witness to what is being said to you. It’s also a good idea to have them read the contract as well. They may pick up on some fine print that you somehow missed.Don’t rush. It’s all too common for dealers to rush you into signing something. They want to get you in and get you out while making as much money as possible off of you. But if you rush you will most likely not read the contract fully, which can lead to issues down the road. Instead, be sure to take your time and tell the dealer you need time and space to review the contract before signing anything.Keep your bottom line in mind–and be prepared to leave. Before you set foot into the dealership you should know how much you can afford to pay for a new car. Keep that number in mind the whole time you are shopping and negotiating. It’s easy to get carried away with add on features and upgrades, but they can seriously mess up your finances. Remember that any add ons are included in your total loan balance, so you will have to pay interest on them. This can add up to a lot of money and throw a serious wrench in your monthly budget. You should aim to pay no more than 20% of your monthly income on transportation (this includes gas, parking, maintenance, tolls, insurance, etc) as well as your car loan payment. If the loan you are looking to sign will throw you out of your budgetary comfort zone, it’s best to walk away. What can you do if you enter into a bad car loan contract?There are a number of reasons your car loan contract might be less than ideal. Perhaps the rate you are offered is too high, or maybe there are add ons that you didn’t realize until after you signed on the dotted line. Either way there are some ways to amend your situation and get you out of the bad terms you are dealing with. If you realize that your car loan contract has add ons that you did not agree to, you should contact the customer service department listed on the contract immediately. Your contract should have time limits and details on the cancellation procedure, so that should give you a good idea of what to expect. Calling the loan company and explaining the situation will be your best bet if you are trying to get an exception after the cancellation period has ended. If the loan company agrees to refund your money, be sure to keep an eye out for it to ensure that it is actually canceled. It may take weeks or even months, so it may easily fall off your radar. But make a note to follow up if more than two months pass without a resolution. If there are other terms in your contract that you are unhappy with, such as the rate that is listed, your best bet is to refinance your car loan. When you refinance a car loan, you enter into a new loan that has new terms, including a new car loan interest rate. Preparing your personal finances and working to increase your credit score will help you to secure the best car loan rate possible when you refinance. When you enter into a new car loan, the new company will pay off your old car loan and you will be released from that contract (and from the terms that come with it). But be sure to read the new car loan contract carefully as well, or you may end up in the same situation all over again. Refinancing your car loan with a company that specializes in car loan refinance, like Auto Approve, can help make this process super simple and easy. By streamlining the application process your car refinance agent can help you save time, money, and a whole lot of aggravation. And most importantly: they can help you get out of a bad contract.That’s the fine print you should look out for when you are signing a car loan contract.It’s incredibly important to read the fine print and pay attention to all of the details. But if you end up in a bad car loan contract, the best thing to do is to refinance your car loan and get a better car loan contract. Contact Auto Approve today to see how they can help.GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

When you buy a new car, there are endless options that you can add on to make your car even better. From upgraded entertainment systems to paint protection, the list goes on and on. And while some of these options may be totally worth it, others are a bit unnecessary (and very overpriced). So let’s talk about what options you should be sure to skip when you buy your next car. Here are the top options you should skip when buying a new car (and how you can make sure you get the best deal possible).The Dealer Add-Ons You Should Skip #1 Fabric ProtectionDealerships will often offer fabric protection on your car’s interior. While this may seem like a good idea, especially if you have kids or pets, try not to be lured in by this. Dealers will use words like “molecular adhesion” to try to sell you on the effectiveness of their fabric protection treatment, but make no mistake–this is the same treatment as a $5 can of Scotchgard. So save yourself thousands, pick up some Scotchgard, and take fifteen minutes to apply it yourself. #2 AntiTheft Window EtchingA new offering that many dealers will try to sell you on is anti theft window etching. The thought behind this is that by etching your VIN number directly on your windows, criminals will be deterred from stealing your car. Essentially since it will be easier for police to recover, it will be less valuable for criminals. First of all, this is merely speculation and is not grounded in research. Second, if you truly believe that this will deter thieves, you can buy a window etching kit on Amazon for less than $20. Paying $500 for this service is money out the door. #3 Nitrogen Filled TiresNitrogen filled tires are not a bad idea. In fact, there are some real benefits to this. Nitrogen is more temperature stable, meaning that when the weather changes you won’t need to worry about your tire pressure changing. This can also help your tires to last a bit longer as they will wear more evenly. So the issue isn’t having nitrogen filled tires–the issue is paying upwards of $100 to have them. If you want to get nitrogen in your tires, simply head over to your local tire shop where they will fill them for a few bucks. #4 RustproofingSome dealers will offer an option to rustproof the car with an undercoating. But this is pretty redundant as new cars are already rust-proofed before they leave the factory. #5 Window TintingDepending on where you live, window tinting might be a good idea. A window tint in an extremely sunny place can save you a lot of frustration and actually make driving safer. But the dealerships will charge a very high fee for window tinting. Take a look around your area to see what local places offer window tinting (it’s a pretty common side hustle as well) and determine how much tinting will cost if you have your heart set on it. Chances are you can have them tinted for much cheaper after you purchase your car. #6 Factory Roof Rack AccessoriesA lot of us could use roof racks for one reason or another. Maybe we are into hiking and taking our bikes out on the trails, or maybe we could just use the extra convenience when getting our Christmas tree. But buying the factory roof accessories can be a big waste of money. The main reason is that factory roof racks are only designed to fit your brand of car, and in most instances you will need to buy adapters from companies such as Thule or Yakima to fit other accessories. You are much better off getting an aftermarket rack that you can move from vehicle to vehicle and take with you when you no longer want your new car.  #7 Tire and Wheel UpgradesCustom tires and wheels can look great, and you will often see them on display cars at the shop. But in reality these are a huge cost that may not be worth it. First of all, you will most likely be able to find nice wheels and tires on your own and pay a lot less. But besides that, there’s also a chance that the upgraded tires won’t be covered by your original warranty. If you want to go this route, be sure that your warranty covers them (or that you are prepared financially for there to be a problem). If the car model you are eyeing up has the higher end wheels, you can ask the dealer to have them swapped back to the original.How to Get the Best Deal When Buying a New Car When you go to buy a new car, it can feel overwhelming. So being prepared is key to ensuring that you not only get exactly what you want, but that you don’t overpay it as well.  Step 1. Make a list of all of your “must haves” when buying a car. This should include the add-ons you can’t live without.  Step 2. Determine your budget. Look at your monthly budget carefully to decide how much you can afford on a new car. In general you should not spend more than 20% of your monthly income on transportation (this includes gas, insurance, parking, maintenance, etc). Step 3. Read customer reviews. Look online to determine which makes and models will best suit your needs. When you hone in a few choices, read as many reviews as you can–the good and the bad–to get a sense of if the car is right for you. Step 4. Get your finances in order. If you are going to finance your new car, prepping your finances will help you to saucer the best car loan APR possible. Make sure you have enough cash to make a down payment of 20% as well. This will help you get a more manageable and lower interest loan. Step 5. Prepare to negotiate. Chances are you will have to haggle a bit when the time comes to buy your new car. But knowing your bottom-line budget will help you with this. Stay firm when saying “no” to add ons, and prepare to walk away if the dealer is giving you a hard time. You should be able to negotiate out of unnecessary fees too, such as delivery fees.Those are the options you should skip when you buy a new car and how you can get the best deal possible. If you already have a new car that is financed, you are probably overpaying every month on your car loan. Contact Auto Approve today to see how much money we can save you! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

When you are looking to buy a new car, you have two main options when it comes to financing. You can finance through the dealership where you are purchasing the car or you can finance the car separately from a bank or other lender. So how do these two options stack up?Here’s how financing a car through a dealership works compared to financing a car through a bank.How does financing through a bank work? When you finance through a bank you will typically get preapproved before you go to buy your new car. Preapproval means that the lender has looked at your financial and personal information and determined that you are eligible for a car loan. And getting preapproved by a few different lenders can help you get the most competitive rates possible. Getting preapproved is easy. In order to get started, you will need to research which lenders you would like to apply with. Consider any banks or credit unions where you already have relationships first, then look online and see where you may be able to get the best rates. When you apply for preapproval you will need the following information:Your personal information. This will include your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.Address and housing information. This will include how long you have lived at your current address and your mortgage or rental information.Your income and employment information. This will include your annual income, employment status, and employer’s name.Loan information. Since this is for a preapproval, this number will be approximate. You should have an idea though of how much you want to finance and how long you want your loan term to be. Once you apply for preapproval lenders will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report. They will then determine if you qualify for a car loan and determine how much they are willing to loan you. When you have this information, you can bring it to a dealership and start looking seriously at a new car. When you find a car that you like and that fits in your budget (and approved loan amount), you will have a bit of leverage at the dealership as you will be seen as a “cash buyer”. When you decide what car is right for you, you will contact the lender to give them the particular details of your loan (such as the actual total amount of the loan). Your car must meet certain criteria in order for the lenders to agree to finance your car. Typically the car must be less than ten years old and have less than 100,000 miles on it. If the lender approves the final details of your loan, that’s pretty much it. You will sign some paperwork, the bank will send the money to the dealership, and you will start paying your loan to the bank. When you pay off your loan after x amount of time, the lender will sign the title over to you and the car will be yours.How does financing through a dealership work? Financing a new car through a dealership is pretty similar to financing a car through a bank, but there is one main difference. In this instance the dealership acts as an intermediary between you and the bank.  When you go to purchase your car, you will go to the dealership and fill out the same information you would fill out when applying for a bank loan. The dealership then takes your information and submits it to multiple banks on your behalf. Dealers tend to mark up the rates that they receive, keeping the extra money as a fee for doing the work for you. They will then pass the information on for you to decide which loan is right for you. In some instances dealers offer in-house financing. These financing offers cater to those with poor credit or no credit at all, and because of this they tend to have very high interest rates and fees. Is it better to finance through a dealership or a bank? In general you will find better rates when you finance directly through a bank. This is simply because dealerships act as intermediaries, and all they really do is take some of your money in the transition. But depending on your situation, this might not always be the case. Your best bet when it comes to financing is to get pre approved from a few banks or credit unions before you even set foot in a dealership. This will give you a leg up right from the start. Then, when you get to the dealership and select a car you can see if the dealer financing offers anything better. Getting preapproved will help prove that you are a serious buyer as well. Having a set number that you are preapproved for will also help you to avoid addons. When the dealer starts trying to upsell you on this and that, you can simply say that you are not pre approved for any more than the stated amount. In general being preapproved will give you a stronger negotiating power and help keep you in the driver's seat.  How to prepare yourself for car loan financing. Whether you finance your car through a bank or a dealer, you will need to make sure that your finances are in great shape ahead of time. Your credit score and credit report will be scrutinized by any lender that you apply with, so it’s a good idea to get them into top top shape before you start applying. Here are a few ways you can make sure your finances are in order before you apply for a lar loan:Review your budget thoroughly to ensure that you can afford a monthly car payment (in addition to other transportation costs)Pay down any high interest debts you may have.Request higher limits on your accounts.Make on time payments.Request a copy of your credit report and review it for errors.Resist opening new accounts in the time leading up to your application.Save for a down payment. This will help you take out a smaller loan and can help reduce the interest rate you may be offered. Preparing your financing can help you secure a better rate and better terms, so it’s important to take the time to do so.That’s everything you need to know about financing a car through a dealership.Financing a car through a dealership is not always the best idea, and will most likely not score you better terms. But it’s not impossible to get a better deal through a dealership, so you should keep an open mind, do some research, and see how the offers shake out.  If you have already financed a new car, there’s a good chance you are overpaying every month. Contact Auto Approve to find out just how much you could be saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

It’s no secret that owning a car is a big responsibility. Not only do you need to think about how you will pay for your car, but you also need to think about how you will take care of your car. While cars do not require the maintenance that they used to, you still need to make sure you are keeping an eye on how your car is running and perform regular maintenance. Sticking to a maintenance schedule is a great way to keep your car running smoothly (and keep you on the road). But how often do cars need maintenance? Here is how often cars need maintenance and how you can develop a car maintenance schedule that works for you.What type of car maintenance do I need to do?Performing regular car maintenance will help you prevent many problems, while also helping you detect issues before they develop into more serious issues. When we talk about car maintenance, we are talking about quite a number of things. In general, you want to ensure that your fluids are replaced and/or topped off, your safety mechanisms are working properly (such as windshield wipers and brake pads), and that the engine is running and functioning properly.  While we will get into more details later, car maintenance includes:Changing your oilChanging your cabin filtersMaintaining proper tire pressureReplacing windshield wipersChecking the shocks, struts, and springs (the suspension system)Checking spark plugsChecking emissionsAnd much more When a car is new, it requires very little maintenance. But after about 36,000 miles you should start considering either taking your car in to get serviced regularly or performing your own maintenance and sticking to a schedule. Dealerships and service departments will tell you that you need to service your car constantly, but in reality you should consult your owner’s manual and keep an eye on your car to determine when and how often maintenance should be performed. Your owner’s manual is written for your car specifically and gives realistic timetables for maintenance. Service departments have one main goal: to make money. And shaming you into getting oil changes and tire rotations as frequently as possible is a great way for them to do this.What signs will tell me I need car maintenance? More than anything, you should pay attention to your car to determine when maintenance is required. Here are some common indications that your car needs some attention.Your Dashboard Lights Come OnThe dashboard lights on your car are your first indicators that something needs attention. These lights may include:Check Engine LightBattery LightTemperature Warning LightOil Pressure WarningAnti Lock Braking Light (ABS)Brake System WarningTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)And more If any of these lights are on, it could be something minor, or it could indicate a much more serious issue. Your Braking Feels OffYou know how your car drives, so you should notice when something just feels “off”. And when that something is your braking system, you definitely should not wait around to get it checked out. Your Fuel Efficiency is SlippingIf you notice that your car is suddenly less fuel efficient, it could be a sign of bad sensors or leaky fuel injectors.Your Shifting Feels OffAutomatic transmissions should shift smoothly and seamlessly, so if you notice a lurching or clunking, it might be a serious problem with your transmission system. Other Signs to Look ForAgain, you should know how your car drives. So you should notice when there is a noticeable shift. Aside from the signs above, you should also keep an eye out for a lack of acceleration, excessive or abnormal vibrations, and trouble starting your vehicle.  What is a sample car maintenance schedule? While you should always consult your owner’s manual for specific maintenance timelines, there are some rough guidelines you can follow to create a car maintenance schedule that works for you.Service ImmediatelyIf you notice any of the issues from above, you should bring your car in immediately to be diagnosed. If you have a check engine light, your mechanic can run a diagnostic test to determine the issue. Code readers will tell your mechanic what the issue is, and they can advise you on the best solution. Additionally, you should have your car serviced immediately for blown headlights or taillights and any tire pressure warnings.  Monthly MaintenanceEvery month, you should do check up for your car where you look at the following:Fog lights, turn signals, brake lights, and parking lights. Have a friend help you determine that they are all in good working order. A missing light is not only dangerous, but it can get you pulled over and you may be required to pay a fine.Check all of your fluids. This means your oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield fluid should be topped off.Tire pressure. You want to keep an eye on your tire pressure and your tire tread. Ensuring that your tires are properly inflated will help your tires to last longer and will keep you safer on the road. Make sure that your tread isn’t too worn away, as that will make for unsafe driving conditions. Three Month MaintenanceEvery three months you should do a check up that is a little bit more in depth. This should include checking the following:Your oil and oil filter. This will vary depending on your car and how much you drive, but 3 months/ 3,000 miles is a good benchmark for an oil change (if you use synthetic oil, you can go closer to 8,000 miles before needing a change). Belts and hoses. Do a quick visual inspection of the belts and hoses under the hood to ensure nothing is torn or fraying.Battery and cables. Check all of the cables to ensure there are tight connections. Wiper blades. If your windshield wiper blades are torn, frayed, or leaving streaks, it’s a good idea to replace them so they do not become a problem and impair your vision. Six Month MaintenanceThere are a few maintenance steps you should perform twice a year. Every six months be sure to check the following:Exhaust system. Give a visual inspection to your exhaust system, checking for any damage or corrosion. Pay extra attention to this if your muffler seems louder than usual.Battery. Check your battery's performance twice a year, especially once it is older than three years. This is when they can start losing their juice a bit. Auto parts stores have voltmeters for you to check your battery’s performance.Rotate your tires. Tire rotation is important to ensure that your tires are wearing evenly and will last longer. Your owners manual will instruct you on how often to rotate them and the correct pattern in which to rotate your tires.Lubricate the chassis. Some cars require you to lubricate the chassis from time to time. Your owner’s manual will instruct how often you should do this.Yearly MaintenanceOnce a year your car will require the following maintenance.Check the brakes. You should obviously get the brakes serviced if you ever feel that something is off and your brakes aren’t performing properly. But every year you should inspect the brake system even if there seem to be no issues. This includes checking the brake fluid, the rotors, brake pads, and brake linings to make sure everything is in working order.Replace your cabin air filters. Cabin air filters help to keep the air in your car clean, so replacing them every year is good practice. Replace your coolant and antifreeze. These fluids should be drained and replaced every year to keep your engine in good working order.Two Year MaintenanceEvery two years your car will require the following maintenance.Check the transmission fluid. Transmission fluid should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles and should be topped off as needed.Check your spark plugs. Spark plugs can usually last up to 100,000 miles, but it’s a good idea to check them every now and then. If you notice your car is having trouble starting, this may indicate a failing spark plug. Other Maintenance to Keep an Eye On.Additionally, there are some car maintenance issues that are longer term that you will need to keep in mind. These include:Replacing the timing belt (typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles)Replace the battery (typically every five years)Replace your tires (typically every 6-10 years)Check on the transfer case fluid (consult your owners manual to determine when to have this done) And that is how often cars need maintenance. Car ownership comes with a lot of responsibilities, and maintenance is at the top of that list. Car payments are another thing that are on the top of that list, and if you are making payments on your financed car there’s a good chance you are overpaying every month. Contact Auto Approve today to find out just how much money you could be saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Buying a used car is both similar and not similar to buying a new car. While you are ultimately looking for a car that is dependable, safe, comfortable, and stylish, you have a lot more things to worry about. After all, used cars have a history that you aren’t going to ever truly know.  Here is your complete guide to buying a used car.What are the pros of buying a used car? There are actually quite a few benefits to buying a used car, and a lot of them are financial. First and foremost, a used car is always cheaper because you miss that first big hit of depreciation. Depreciation occurs throughout the life of a car, but the biggest hit occurs when you drive off the lot (and then in the first year of ownership). In fact a car loses about 10% of its value the moment it leaves the lot. In the first year, it loses a total of 20% of its value. So by buying a used car, you miss out on that depreciation. This ultimately means that a used car is just flat out cheaper than buying a new car. Additionally, used cars don’t come with the hidden fees (like shipping fees) that typically occur with new cars. A used car may also come with options that would have driven the price up significantly more had the car been new. Roof racks, all purpose weather mats, and entertainment systems would all drive a new car price up by thousands of dollars, but when a car is used, these features do not cost nearly as much. You may also find that some used cars have warranties left on them (most leases end after three years while most factory warranties last five years and are transferable to a new owner). Used cars are also cheaper to insure than new cars, so you will not only save when you buy your car, but you will save every month on insurance. In general, buying a used car is just less expensive than buying a new car.What are the cons of buying a used car? With a lower price tag comes some trade offs however, so you will have to weigh if the disadvantages are worth the savings. First off, your car isn’t made to order for you. That means that it will most likely not have everything you need or want in your new car. But what’s worse than that is the unknown history. A used car has had a life before you, and you will never really know how your car was handled. While you can hope that service records and CarFax will tell you a good story, you will never truly know how the car was driven and maintained.  Additional cons of buying a used car include:Limited warranty. If your used car does come with a warranty, it will only last a few years.Lower fuel efficiency. Newer cars are becoming better and better when it comes to fuel efficiency. An older car will inevitably be outpaced by a new car with good fuel economy.Possibly less safety features. As with fuel efficiency, new cars are becoming safer and safer. Older cars may not have some of the safety features that you want (or need),Problems will arise sooner. All cars inevitably need some work. After 50,000 or 100,000 miles, there are going to be some issues that will need to be addressed. When you buy a new car, you have a long while before you have to worry about any of this. But with a used car, you are that much closer to hitting higher miles (and thus needing some repairs)Limited financing options. You may find it significantly harder to finance a used car as opposed to financing a new car. It is not uncommon to find predatorily high interest rates in the used car market. So while buying a used car is significantly cheaper than buying a new car, there are some important tradeoffs you will need to consider. Here’s what to do when buying a used car. If you decide that buying a used car is the right move for you, here are the steps you should take to ensure you get the best used car deal possible. Step 1. Figure out your budget.This is the same whether you are buying a new car or a used car. The first step you need to take is to determine how much you can actually afford to spend on a used car. Here are a few tips to help you figure this out:Aim to put down AT LEAST 10%, but preferably 20%, as a down payment. This will give you more financing options and ensure that your loan doesn’t end up underwater.Plan on spending no more than 20% of your monthly income on transportation expenses. This means your car payment, insurance, gas, maintenance, parking, and tolls. Step 2. Determine the right car for you.There are loads of used cars out there, so your next step should be narrowing down your options. What type of car do you need? An SUV, a pickup truck, a sedan? Think about how you plan to use your car and prioritize the features you are looking for. Is good gas mileage important/? Do you need a lot of cargo space? There are a lot of things to consider, so be thoughtful when working through this. After you have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for you can start researching makes and models. What brands are reliable? What models hold their value? Go on Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to start sizing up which cars may work for your budget. When you get a list of what cars have what you are looking for, read reviews from owners to determine if it’s a good fit. Pay attention to the good and the bad, taking note of the things that might be a dealbreaker for you.Step 3. Look for the right car.Now is when you can start actually looking for your used car. Keep in mind that you will not have the variety that you would if you were buying a new car, so you should have a few options that you are open to. There are a number of places you can look at when looking for a used car.Online marketplaces. A great option is to look at an online marketplace such as Autotrader or Autolist. These sellers have listings from across the country and include cars from traditional dealerships, online dealers, and even private sellers. Online dealer. You can also look directly at online dealers such as Carvana and Vroom. These companies have their own inventories and you can actually purchase your car directly online. In many instances you can even return your car if you are unhappy. Traditional dealership. You can choose to go old-school and see what your local dealers have to offer. While less convenient than shopping online, this gives you the chance to actually test drive, which is a huge perk.Other third party platforms. Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, and even Ebay are other places where you may be able to find the perfect car. Since people are often looking to get rid of their car quickly, you may have luck getting a great deal on your used car. Step 4. Check the price.When you find some cars that sound good to you, you want to make sure you are getting a fair price. Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds are again great places where you can check this information. You should look at the make, model, year, mileage, options, and condition of the car when determining a fair price. Here is where you should also pull the car’s vehicle report to ensure that there is no significant damage to the car that you are unaware of.  Step 5. Contact and test drive.If everything seems to be checking out, it’s time to contact the seller. Be sure to ask the following questions:How many owners has the car had?Are there liens on the vehicle?Are there service records? You should next set up a test drive so that you can make sure the car is a good fit for you. When you drive the car, make sure you don’t hear any weird noises or feel any weird sensations. Be sure there is good visibility, the car handles well, and the brakes are in good working order Step 6. Buy and drive.If you have landed on the best used car for you, the next step is to negotiate. Use your knowledge of the online prices you saw to guide you to the best price. Once you land on a number, you can either hand over a check or secure private financing. Then the car is officially yours. That’s everything you need to know about buying a used car. If you are overpaying every month on your car loan, then now is the time to refinance. Contact Auto Approve today to see how much you could be saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Basic maintenance is incredibly important when it comes to keeping the car you love in working order. And tire maintenance should be near the top of your list. After all, your tires are where your car meets the road, so it’s imperative for your safety that you keep your tires in good health.Here’s everything you need to know about tire rotation (and why it’s important).What is tire rotation?Don’t your tires rotate every time you drive? (ba-da-boom) All jokes aside, tire rotation is important because it helps to ensure even wear on your tires. Based on how your tires are positioned, they will wear differently from the other ones. For example, front tires tend to wear faster than rear tires because they steer and brake, as well as carry the weight of the engine. If a car is rear-wheel drive the rear tires may wear faster than the front tires. Even if a car is all wheel drive the tires should be rotated to ensure even wearing.  When you rotate your tires, you typically rotate them in a criss-cross pattern. For Front-Wheel Drive: The front tires move to the rear. The rear tires move to the front, with the left and right tires swapping in the back and the front. Rear-Wheel Drive: The rear tires move to the front. The front tires move to the rear, swapping the left front to the right rear and the right front to the left rear.All-Wheel Drive: The rear tires move to the front. The front tires move to the rear, swapping the left front to the right rear and the right front to the left rear.Four-Wheel Drive: The right front tire swaps with the left rear and the left front tire swaps with the right rear tire.Uni-Directional: These tires are an exception to the criss-cross pattern. These special tires have tread that only rolls in one direction, so they need to stay on the same side. Rotate the left front to the left rear and the right front to the right rear.  Rotating your tires will ensure that your tires last longer and drive more safely.When should I rotate my tires?There is quite a lot of debate on when you should actually rotate your tires. Most car manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 3,000 miles to ensure even wear. But some mechanics and experts say that you can go as long as 8,000 miles between rotations. So it’s a good idea to rotate our tires somewhere in the middle, say around 5,000 miles.  But you don’t need to go by a hard and fast number to know when it’s time to rotate your tires. You can (and should) instead go by how your tires are wearing. You should regularly check the tread depth of your tires, and when you notice that there is a difference in depth between the front tires and the back tires, it’s probably time to rotate.  Tread depth tools are available at most auto shops, so it’s a good idea to keep one in your glove box to check periodically. As your car approaches the 4,000 mile mark, start checking to determine if it’s time. If the difference is minimal, you can wait a little longer. But if you notice your car seems to be driving differently, don’t put off a tire rotation.What causes tires to wear unevenly?We already discussed why front and rear tires wear differently, but there are other factors that affect how tires wear. It’s important to pay attention to how each tire is wearing, as certain wear could be a sign of other problems.Inner and Outer Tire Wear: If there is uneven wear on the inner or outer part of the tire, it is usually a sign that there is an alignment problem. This misalignment can cause issues that are far worse than tire wear, including suspension problems, steering problems, and safety issues. If you notice this type of wear you should take your car to a mechanic to have your car realigned.Center Tire Wear: If the center of your tire is wearing more than the rest of the tire, it is most likely an indication that your tire is overinflated. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual for the correct PSI.Perimeter Edge Tire Wear: On the other hand, if the perimeter of your tire is wearing out more than the center, it is most likely an indication that your tire is underinflated. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual for the correct PSI.Cupping Tire Wear: Cupping tire wear is when there are dips here and there on your tire tread. This indicates that there is a problem with your car’s suspension. If you hit a pothole or have noticed a bumpy ride lately, you should get your car checked out as soon as possible. How do I prevent tire wear?Tire wear is inevitable to some degree, and your tires should be replaced every 40,000- 50,000 miles. Additionally, tires should be replaced every 6-10 years regardless of the wear pattern. As tires get older, they become less reliable (even if you aren’t driving on them a whole lot). Following these guidelines will help ensure the safety of your car.  Keeping an eye on the health of your tires is imperative. And while tire wear is inevitable, here are some steps you can take to be sure that you aren’t wearing your tires more than necessary.  Checking your tire pressure regularly, measuring the tread wear regularly, and giving a monthly visual inspection to your tires will help you keep in tune with their health. Taking your car in to have regular tuneups and tire rotations will also help keep your tires in good health. Driving safely is another important step to take to keep your tires from wearing out prematurely. This means avoiding excessive speeding, not slamming on the brakes, and taking turns carefully rather than cutting your tires aggressively.That’s everything you need to know about tire rotation and how to get the most out of your tires. Tire maintenance is an important part of car ownership. After all, we should take care of the things that we depend on. Your car needs to be well maintained in order for it to be the reliable transportation that you depend on. You should also make sure that your car finances are maintained properly. If you are like a lot of people, you are probably overpaying on your car loan every month. But Auto Approve is here to help! Our agents can get you a free quote in seconds and help you save thousands of dollars over the life of your car loan. So don’t wait any longer, contact Auto Approve today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Spring is the perfect time to gather your family, friends, or your four-legged sidekick and hit the open road. And in the United States there are endless amazing spots to check out, from national parks to beaches and everything in between. We've compiled our top eight spring road trips that will help you shake the winter doldrums and celebrate spring with the windows rolled down.Here are eight must-drive road trips for this spring.Northeast1. New York City to Cape May, New JerseyWe don’t need to tell you how much there is to do in New York City, from Broadway to baseball games to grabbing a slice of the world’s best pizza, you will never have a dull moment. And spring is the perfect time for all of this. But leaving the Big Apple and heading south on the New Jersey Turnpike will offer a great mini road trip with loads to see and experience.  While the drive is less than 200 miles, there are endless towns to stop in and explore. Here are some of our favorite spots on the way:Liberty State Park and the Statue of Liberty. Hit this first as you get out of the city, because yes, the Statue of Liberty is actually in New Jersey!Point Pleasant Beach. A quintessential Jersey beach town that is great for families (and has one of the cutest boardwalks in Jersey.)Asbury Park. A must see for any music lover, Asbury Park is where Springsteen first got his start.Atlantic City. No trip down the Jersey coastline is complete without a stop in AC. Whether you want to hit the slots or just grab some salt water taffy, Atlantic City is a spot you don’t want to miss. When you get to Cape May, there are loads of gorgeous sights to see. Historic homes, boutiques and galleries are everywhere, and the Cape May bed and breakfasts are hard to beat.2. The Acadia All American Road, MEIf you are in the northeast, there are tons of beautiful and scenic spring drives to take. But the Acadia All American Road really takes the cake for us. This trip is only 40 miles, but driving through Acadia National Park is an experience you won’t forget. You can stop at Cadillac Point, which is the highest point on the North Atlantic coast, then stop at Jordan Pond and Sand Beach for even more stunning views. Southeast 3. Asheville, North Carolina to Gatlinburg Tennessee Spring is the perfect time for this southern style road trip through the Great Smoky Mountains. This two hour drive hosts lots to see and a few fun stops to make along the way. Here are some of our favorite stops for this short trip.Bryson City. This little North Carolina town has fields of wildflowers and gorgeous streams that run through it to make it a perfect spring stop. You can even go white-water rafting and fly fishing if the weather permits.Cherokee. This North Carolina reservation town is a great place to take in some history and appreciate the 18th century Cherokee lifestyle.Pigeon Forge. The home of Dollywood, Pigeon Forge is a popular vacation area with tons to do, especially if you are a country music aficionado.  When you get to Gatlinburg, you can head to the Anakeesta theme park for a day of adventure, get spooked on a Gatlinburg ghost tour, or go horseback riding at the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables. 4. The Overseas Highway, FloridaThe Overseas Highway runs for 113 miles, starting in Miami and ending at the most southern point of Key West Florida. With 42 bridges that make you feel as if you are literally driving on the ocean, it’s an unreal experience to take in. And while you may think that there aren’t a lot of places to stop on this journey, that’s far from the case.John Pennekamp Park in Key Largo. This park offers a ton of aquatic activities for you, from glass bottom boat tours to scuba diving.Dolphin Research Center. Located in Marathon, this center gives you the chance to get up close and personal with dolphins. If you’ve dreamed of swimming with dolphins, you can’t pass this up. When you get to Key West, the restaurants and beaches are hard to beat. And this trip is not complete without a slice of Key Lime pie.Midwest 5. Black River Scenic Byway, MIThis is a perfect road trip for all of the nature lovers out there. Starting in Bessemer, this route takes you to the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior. With countless sights to see, there is beauty to be found everywhere.See the waterfalls. There are six different waterfall areas along the way, depending on how far you want to hike. Visit Ironwood. This historic mining town is a great place to stop and take in some history, and even tour some old mines. When you get to Lake Superior, there is no shortage of things to do. Whether it’s touring the famous lighthouses or taking a hike in the Ottawa National Park, this springtime trip is bound to reconnect you with nature. 6. Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, South DakotaThis 70 mile drive through Custer State Park boasts some stunning views of rock tunnels and granite spires, and ends at the iconic Mount Rushmore. This masterpiece of engineering is a must-see. In addition to seeing tunnels and bridges, there is a ton of wildlife to observe. When you get to Mount Rushmore, there is a lot to do (in addition to taking in all that the monument has to offer).Sculptor's Studio. This studio was built in 1939 as a second on-site studio for sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The studio features models and tools that are related to sculpting.Lincoln Borglum Museum. This museum explains the history of Mount Rushmore and is a must-do when visiting.Avenue of Flags. The Avenue of Flags is just that–an avenue of flags. It was initially established as part of the celebration of the United States' Bicentennial in 1976. It has 56 flags that represent the 50 states, one district, three territories, and two commonwealths in the United States.West 7. San Antonio to Austin, TXIf you are in the southwest, this Texas road trip is sure to not disappoint. In San Antonio you can catch the Fiesta Days from April 16-26, where you can see parades, music, and enjoy some great food. Afterwards you can head out on Bandera Road and take a scenic drive through Hill Country. Here are some great stops on the way:The town of Bandera. Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World”, this quintessential Texas town is a no-brainer to stop in for a taste of true Texas.San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. A 948- acre park with colonial missions. You can take a guided tour or just walk the grounds and take it all in. When you get to Austin, it’s hard to go wrong. With one of the best music scenes in the country, pop into any restaurant, bar, or lounge to get a feel for the Austin scene.  8. Pacific Coast Highway, CaliforniaThere’s no bad time to take this iconic road trip, so why not do it this spring? Stretching from Dana Point in Orange County to Leggett in Mendocino County, this drive features white sand beaches, gorgeous mountain views, and ocean sights that are unforgettable. On top of stunning views, there are tons of places to stop along the way.Santa Monica Pier. This iconic boardwalk features an amusement park, concession stands, and beautiful places to stop and take in the scenery.Hearst Castle. Formally known as La Cuesta Encantada, Hearst Castle is a historic estate in San Simeon, that belonged to William Randolph Hearst, the publisher. This castle is an architectural marvel and a must-see spot on your drive.Point Sur State Historic Park in Big Sur. The 1889 Point Sur Lighthouse cannot be missed on your trip. It sits 361 feet above the Pacific Ocean on a large volcanic rock, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This iconic bridge draws in ten million visitors each year to gaze at the 746-foot tall towers and sweeping main cables that make this bridge one of a kind. When you arrive in Leggett, the natural beauty of the town is sure to stop you in your tracks. Be sure to see some of the largest trees in the world at Standish-Hickey Recreation Area or at Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Those are our top eight road trips you need to take this spring. Spring is all about reconnecting with nature, and these road trips are great ways to do so. But before you hit the road, make sure your car (and wallet) is up for the trip.If you are overpaying on your car loan, Auto Approve can help! By refinancing your car loan, you can save a lot of money. And who couldn’t use some extra cash? So get in touch today to get your free quote!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

When you lease a car, you don’t really own it. Instead, you are renting your car from the dealership. But what if you know your car’s value is higher than its list price in the contract? Is it possible to sell your leased car and make some money? The short answer is YES. So let’s take a look at how selling a leased car works.Here’s how you can sell your leased car (and why it might be a good idea).Do I have equity in my leased car?When you lease a car, your payments are based on the residual value of the car. Residual value is the expected value of the car when the lease is over. This value is predetermined and listed in your contract and is based off of the expected depreciation that will occur over the life of your lease.But these numbers don’t always reflect what the actual value of your car is. If you do not drive as much as they anticipate or the value of your car has held up more than the lenders expected, it’s very possible that you have equity in your leased car. If you return a leased car that you have equity in, you are handing money back to the dealer.So how do you know if you have equity in your leased car?Step 1. Determine the current buyout price.If it is the end of the lease, you can look in your contract to see what the residual value is. It will also note what fees you may be responsible for, such as disposition fees. If it is not the end of your lease period and you are looking to get out of your lease early, you will need to call the leasing company to find out what the current buyout price will be.Step 2. Find the current market value of your car.The best way to determine the market value of your car is to do some research online. Websites such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book will look at not only the make, model, and year of the car, but they will also take into account how many miles your car has and what type of condition it is in. It’s also useful to look around and see what deals are being made on similar vehicles.Step 3. Do the math.By subtracting the residual value (or buyout price) from the current market value you can determine how much equity you have in your leased car. If the number is positive, it might be a good idea to purchase your leased car and either keep it or sell it. If the number is negative, then you do not have equity in your car and it’s probably not a good idea to purchase your lease.How can I sell my leased car?In order to sell your leased car, you will need to buy your car first. In the past lenders have allowed third parties to purchase your lease for the list price in your contract if you arranged the buyout. But in recent years this has stopped. Since the contract is specifically between you and your lender, they tend to specify that the buyout price is for you only, and they will charge a much higher amount to a third party.This means that if you want to sell your car, you need to actually purchase it first. If you do not have the cash to do so, you can secure a car lease buyout loan. Getting a car lease buyout loan is easy, especially when you use Auto Approve to help you secure it. Once you determine that your car’s value exceeds the buyout price, take the following steps:Step 1. Get your credit in shape.In order to secure the best car lease buyout loan you should take the time to make sure your credit is in good shape. Having a good credit score means that you will get the best APR possible, as well as the best loan terms.To ensure your credit is in the best shape possible, be sure to get a copy of your credit report to make sure everything is correct. You can also request higher limits on your accounts and pay down debts, all of which will raise your credit score.Step 2: Apply for financing.If you decide to get a car lease buyout loan, you need to do your homework and shop around. With the amount of lenders and offers out there, it can get confusing. That’s also where Auto Approve can step in and help you navigate the financing world. You should ideally apply with 3-5 lenders so that you can compare a few offers. You want to compare the following terms when you get you offers:The interest rateThe repayment periodThe prepayment penaltiesThe customer satisfaction ratings (look online for these)All other fees and termsIf you use Auto Approve, your agent can help you decide which loan will be the best fit for your situation.Step 3: Sign on the dotted line.When you find the best loan for you, you can simply sign on the dotted line. The lender will send a check to the leasing company and they will hold the title until you either complete your payments or sell your car and pay off your loan. Step 4. Decide how you want to sell your car.There are a lot of different ways you can go about selling your car. Here are a few ways you can sell your leased car:Sell to a dealershipSell to an online dealerSell to a private partySelling to a dealership is the quickest option, but it will not be as profitable as selling your car privately. Similarly, selling to an online dealer like Carvana or Vroom is easy and convenient, but will not be as profitable as a private sale.How can I make the most money selling my car?You can make the most money by selling your car privately, but there are some steps you should take to ensure you get as much profit as possible. Gather all of your records. You should gather all of your paperwork ahead of time to prepare for the sale. You should have:The car title. You will not physically have the car title if you use a buyout loan, but you should have all of the information available. The bank will send the new owner the title when the sale is complete.Service Records. It’s good to show a potential buyer that the car has been regularly maintained and serviced. Sales Paperwork. Have the original sales paperwork ready for the potential buyer to review. This paperwork will list all of the options that your car has, so it can even bump the price up a bit. Warranty Information. If your leased car is only a few years old, it may still be under warranty. Read through your warranty to determine if it is transferable. Get your car ready.Getting your car in good shape will help you get the best price possible. Give your car a thorough cleaning inside and out. Vacuum and shampoo your interior, polish the interior panels, and give the exterior a wash and polish. Make sure all lights are working properly, the wiper blades are new, and that all of the fluids are topped off.Take some pictures.Take pictures of your car when the weather is good. Be sure to get closeups of all special features, such as the sunroof and entertainment system. Advertise.Determine where you want to advertise your car. If you live in a busy area, you might simply want to put a for sale sign in the window and park it outside. But you want to cross advertise no matter what. Facebook, Craigslist, and your local paper are all good places to start.Be smart when showing the car.Take the proper precautions when trying to sell your car. If you are showing the car at your home, be sure to have someone there with you. It is a much safer option however to meet the interested buyer in a public area. Sign the car over.When you get a bite on your car, get a payment as soon as possible. A cashier's check is the best way to get payment. Check your state laws to determine what you need to do to sign the car over to the purchaser.That’s everything you need to know about selling your leased car.If you have a leased car that you are interested in selling, contact Auto Approve today! Our agents can help you secure the best car lease buyout loan so that you can get the best deal possible. And if you choose to sell your car, follow our tips to make sure you make the most money possible and stay safe while doing so.Contact Auto Approve today to get your free quote!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS