
A 72 month car loan can provide a lower monthly payment, making it easier to afford a new car. This is because the loan is spread out over a longer period of time, resulting in a lower monthly payment amount.
One of the main benefits of a 72 month car loan is that it allows buyers to drive away in a new car with a lower monthly payment. This can make a new car more affordable for people who may not have the budget for a higher monthly payment.
With a 72 month car loan, buyers can also qualify for a higher loan amount, which means they can purchase a more expensive car. This is because the lender is spreading out the risk over a longer period of time.
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What Are 72 Month Car Loans?
A 72 month car loan is a type of financing option that allows you to pay off a used car over a period of six years. This loan term is the most common, offered by nearly all lenders and loan aggregators on the market.
Many lenders provide used car auto loans for five-year-old cars, as long as you're willing to finance them for 72 months. In fact, 72 months is the most common loan term.
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More Flexibility in Budget
Having a longer auto loan can give you more flexibility in your budget, allowing you to allocate the money you'd be paying for your car towards other higher-interest debt.
Compared to many personal loan and credit card interest rates, the rate on a vehicle loan is low, at 5.5% in this example.
If you compare $25,000 in credit card debt at the average rate of 19% to a $25,000 vehicle at the rate of 5.5%, it's clear which one you'd want to pay off sooner.
You'd save over $11,000 in interest and cut the time to pay off your credit card debt from 100 months to 57 months if you focus on paying off the higher-interest debt.
Here's a comparison of the two:
By allocating the money you'd save from a longer auto loan towards your credit card debt, you can make significant progress on paying off the higher-interest debt.
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Who Can Benefit
If you're considering a 72-month car loan, you're likely looking for a solution that fits your budget and financial situation. You want a reliable vehicle, but can't afford a higher car payment, so a longer loan term might be the way to go.
You also might be someone who has other high-interest debt that you're focusing on paying off, and a 72-month car loan can help you prioritize those debts. Alternatively, you might have a limited budget and need a more manageable monthly payment to handle other costs.
Here are some groups of people who can benefit from a 72-month car loan:
- You want a reliable vehicle but can’t afford one with a shorter loan term.
- You want to prioritize other debts.
- You have a limited budget.
- You want the fastest loan approval and funding.
- You want to avoid an origination fee.
- You don’t want to provide a down payment.
Borrowers with Good Credit
Borrowers with good credit have a lot of options when it comes to 72-month auto loans. A good interest rate on a 72-month car loan can make a big difference in your monthly payments.
The average interest rate on a 72-month auto loan is 4.45 percent, as of January 2023. However, a good interest rate for you will depend on your lender, loan amount, and creditworthiness.
If you have good credit, you can qualify for a 72-month auto loan with a lower interest rate. Upstart, for example, offers an average auto loan interest rate of 14.02 percent, but if you have good or excellent credit, you can likely qualify for a better rate elsewhere.
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If you're looking for the best 72-month auto loan overall, AUTOPAY is a great option. They offer competitive interest rates and a wide variety of loan options.
Here are some options to consider:
When It's Best to Afford Reliability
If you're looking to afford a reliable vehicle, an 84-month auto loan can be a practical option, especially if you need a more manageable monthly payment to handle other costs. This is because spreading the payments over a longer term reduces the monthly financial burden.
For example, if you need to finance a car that costs $20,000 with an interest rate of 5.5%, your monthly payment would be around $327. This can be especially useful if the car you want is essential for daily use.
An 84-month auto loan can also be a good option if you have a limited income. The longer loan term can make it easier to budget and manage your finances. In fact, some lenders offer auto loans with terms as long as 84 months, which can provide more flexibility in your financial planning.
If you're considering an 84-month auto loan, be sure to explore your options carefully and compare rates from different lenders. This can help you find the best deal for your needs.
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Options and Rates
If you're considering a 72-month car loan, it's essential to do your research to ensure you're making the best decision. At Chartway, you can secure financing with low rates, flexible terms, and high loan-to-value financing, among other benefits.
The average interest rate on a 72-month auto loan is 4.45 percent, as of January 2023. However, a good interest rate for you depends on many factors, including your lender, loan amount, creditworthiness, and more.
MyAutoloan offers some of the lowest rates, with starting rates as low as 2.49 percent, or 2.99 percent for 72-month loans. DCU's refinance loans start at 5.24 percent overall, and at 6.24 percent for 72-month loans.
Here's a comparison of the best 72-month auto loans:
Keep in mind that while a 72-month loan can be a good idea if the monthly payments fit best into your budget, it generally has higher interest rates and will result in you paying more interest over the life of the loan.
Discover Options

You can secure a 72-month auto loan from various lenders, including Chartway, which offers low rates, flexible terms, and high loan-to-value financing.
Chartway's auto loans come standard with no payments for up to 45 days after signing, loan payment skips twice per year, and more. This can be a great option for those who need flexibility in their budget.
The average auto loan term has increased in recent years, with 72-month loans becoming a popular choice. According to the Experian State of the Automotive Finance Market Report, Q3 of 2019 saw an increase in loan terms over 60 months.
New and used auto loans both show a high percentage of 72-month loan terms. This is likely due to the appeal of longer loan terms, which can make monthly payments more manageable.
A 72-month auto loan can be a good idea if the monthly payments fit best into your budget, but keep in mind that these loans generally have higher interest rates. This means you'll pay more interest over the life of the loan.
You can finance a five-year-old car for 72 months, as nearly all lenders and loan aggregators offer used car auto loans for this term. In fact, 72 months is the most common loan term for used cars.
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The Best Rates

MyAutoloan offers some of the lowest rates of any company, with the lowest interest rates available at 2.49 percent for refinance and lease buyout loans and 2.99 percent for 72-month loans.
AUTOPAY offers competitive rates for borrowers with the best credit, with APRs starting as low as 2.99 percent, making it easier to spread your loan out over 72 months without paying too much in interest.
DCU's lowest interest rates start at 5.24 percent overall and at 6.24 percent for 72-month loans, which can be a good option if you want to refinance your current auto loan.
The average interest rate on a 72-month auto loan is 4.45 percent, as of January 2023, but a good interest rate for you depends on many factors, including your lender, loan amount, creditworthiness, and more.
Here are some of the best rates for 72-month auto loans:
Considerations and Risks
A 72-month car loan can be a good idea if the monthly payments fit best into your budget. However, keep in mind that 72-month loans generally have higher interest rates and will result in you paying more interest over the life of the loan.
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The average interest rate on a 72-month auto loan is 4.45 percent, as of January 2023. This may not seem like a lot, but it can add up over time.
With an 84-month term, you could find your car has lost a good part of its value as you enter the final year or two of your loan. This is known as an upside-down loan, where the car is worth less than what you still owe on it.
Most of your early payments may go toward interest rather than reducing the principal. This means you'll be paying more interest over the life of the loan.
The cost of common car repairs is not always cheap, and with a longer loan term, you may find the upkeep costs for your car are pretty high by the time you finish paying it off.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good interest rate for a car for 72 months?
A good interest rate for a 72-month car loan is around 5.29% or lower, but be prepared to put down cash or have good trade-in equity.
How much is a $35000 car loan payment for 72 months?
For a $35,000 auto loan with a 72-month term, the monthly payment is approximately $547.58. This calculation assumes a 4.0% interest rate.
Can you do a 72 month loan on a used car?
Yes, a 72-month loan on a used car is possible, but it's generally recommended to finance for the shortest term you can afford to save money on interest. Typically, banks and finance companies approve loans for 60 or 72 months, but shorter terms may be more cost-effective.
Is it worth financing a car for 72 months?
Financing a car for 72 months can lead to high interest rates and risk of owing more than the vehicle's worth. Experts recommend shorter loan terms for a more optimal interest rate and financial protection.
Sources
- https://www.rocketloans.com/learn/explore-your-options/should-you-get-a-72-month-auto-loan
- https://www.chartway.com/post/why-72-month-auto-loans-gaining-popularity.html
- https://www.autoinsurance.com/loans/best/72-months/
- https://www.lendingtree.com/auto/84-month-auto-loan/
- https://www.metrofcu.org/loans/auto-loans
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