
Dave Ramsey has some strong opinions on car loans. He advises against financing a car for more than 60 months, as it can lead to higher interest payments and a longer payoff period.
According to Dave Ramsey, financing a car for 72 months or more can result in paying thousands of dollars more in interest over the life of the loan. This can be a significant burden on your finances.
Many people get caught up in the idea of buying a new car every few years, but Dave Ramsey advocates for buying a reliable used car and keeping it for a long time. This approach can save you money in the long run.
By following Dave Ramsey's advice, you can break free from the debt cycle of car loans and build wealth over time.
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Loan Terms and Repayment
A longer loan term can give you a lower monthly payment, but you'll also pay way more in interest.
Most auto loans range from 24 to 84 months, so it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of a longer loan term.
Paying off your car loan quickly can save you thousands of dollars in interest over time.
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Loan Term

The loan term is a crucial aspect of an auto loan. Most auto loans range from 24 to 84 months.
A longer loan term can give you a lower monthly payment, but you'll also pay way more in interest.
The length of your loan term can have a significant impact on your financial situation.
Loan Repayment
Most auto loans range from 24 to 84 months, but a longer loan term means you'll pay more in interest.
Paying off a car loan early can save you a lot of money in interest, and you can be debt-free within two years if you're careful with your finances.
Getting on a budget, cutting back on spending, and picking up a side hustle can help you pay off your car loan faster.
If the total value of your vehicles isn't more than half your income, it's a good idea to pay off your car loan early to avoid debt.

You can pay off a car loan in less than two years, but it's worth considering selling your car and getting something cheaper if you can.
Financial Peace University (FPU) offers a course that teaches you how to take control of your money and make the best financial choices, including how to dump your debt for good.
Paying off existing debts, including credit cards and student loans, should be your priority before saving for or buying a car.
Managing Debt and Affordability
Managing debt and affordability is crucial when it comes to car loans. Paying off existing debts, including credit cards and student loans, should be your top priority before saving for or buying a car.
Paying off your car loan early can save you a significant amount of money in interest. If you can be debt-free within two years, consider getting serious about paying off your car loan early. You can do this by getting on a budget, cutting back your spending, and picking up a side hustle.
The total value of all your vehicles shouldn't be more than half your annual income. This is to avoid tying up too much of your wealth in things that depreciate, like cars.
How to Determine Your Affordability

To determine your affordability, consider your income, savings, and any existing debts. You should aim to pay off debts, including credit cards and student loans, before saving for or buying a car.
The total value of all your vehicles shouldn't be more than half your annual income. This is to avoid tying up too much of your wealth in things that depreciate.
Your trade-in value is the amount a dealership will give you for your current car, which can vary depending on how much they think your car is worth. Tools like Kelley Blue Book can help you estimate your car's trade-in value.
The car price is the sticker price, which doesn't include other costs like sales tax, dealer fees, or DMV fees. You should also consider the down payment, which is the amount you pay upfront when financing a car, and can lower your monthly car payment.
A bigger down payment means you don't have to borrow as much money to "buy" the car, making your monthly payments more manageable.
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Prioritize Debt Repayment

If you have existing debts, it's a good idea to pay them off first. This includes credit cards and student loans.
Most auto loans range from 24 to 84 months, which can be a long time to be paying off a car loan. A longer loan term may give you a lower monthly payment, but you'll also pay way more in interest.
You can pay off your car loan faster by getting on a budget, cutting back your spending, and picking up a side hustle. Throw as much money as you can toward your car loan.
If the total value of your vehicles isn't more than half your income and you can be debt-free within two years, it's time to get serious about paying off your car loan early.
Surrender Your
If you're considering giving up your car, think twice. Voluntary repossession can lead to a mess, including a lawsuit and trashed credit.

The lender will likely sell your car at auction for a lower price than you could get, and then sue you for the difference. This can ruin your credit score, making it harder to borrow money in the future.
You want to avoid repossession at all costs, as it's a giant headache to deal with. It's better to explore other options, like getting rid of your car loan for good with Financial Peace University (FPU).
With FPU, you can learn how to dump your debt, including your car loan, and start fresh. This can be a game-changer for your finances and your overall well-being.
To get started, check out FPU and learn how to take control of your money. You'll be glad you did.
Loan Risks and Consequences
Taking on debt for a car loan can be a serious gamble. Borrowing more than 15% of your income for a car payment can put you in financial danger.

If you're not careful, loan risks can lead to financial consequences like foreclosure. In fact, a foreclosure can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years.
High interest rates can also add up quickly, making it difficult to pay off the loan. For example, a 7% interest rate on a $20,000 loan can cost you an extra $2,800 in interest over 5 years.
Avoid Loans
Buying a car can be very expensive. Ramsey generally advises against taking out car loans, especially long-term loans with high interest rates.
Car payments can be a significant drain on your monthly budget. This can hinder your overall financial progress and make it harder to achieve your long-term financial goals.
High interest rates can add up quickly, making it difficult to pay off the loan. This can lead to a cycle of debt that's hard to break free from.
It's essential to consider the total cost of car ownership, including loan payments, maintenance, and insurance. This will give you a clear picture of the financial commitment involved.
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Defaulted Loan

Defaulting on a loan can lead to serious consequences, including having your car repossessed and being stuck with a lawsuit.
You're responsible for making your car payments if you signed the loan agreement, and if you have the money, you should pay it.
Defaulting on a loan means you're not making payments as agreed, which can damage your credit score and make it harder to get credit in the future.
If you can't afford a car, it's better to sell it rather than defaulting on the loan and facing the consequences.
Defaulting on a loan can also lead to debt collectors contacting you and trying to recover the debt.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 20 3 8 rule for car loans?
The 20 3 8 rule for car loans requires a 20% down payment, a 3-year loan term, and monthly payments not exceeding 8% of your income. This strategic approach helps avoid financial strain from auto loan debt.
Sources
- https://www.atypicalfinance.com/dave-ramseys-method-for-never-having-a-car-payment-again/
- https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/car-payment-calculator
- https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/dont-let-your-car-loan-own-you
- https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/how-much-car-can-i-afford
- https://selfmadesuccess.com/dave-ramseys-rules-buying-car/
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