
Financing a car for 84 months can be a bit of a stretch, but it's not impossible. The longest loan term available is typically 84 months, or 7 years, but be aware that this can lead to higher interest rates and more interest paid over the life of the loan.
You'll likely be paying more in interest over the life of the loan, as longer loan terms mean more time for interest to accrue. This can add up to thousands of dollars in extra costs.
As a general rule, it's best to keep loan terms as short as possible to minimize interest paid. However, if you're struggling to make monthly payments, an 84-month loan might be a better option than defaulting on your loan.
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Pros and Cons
Financing a car for 84 months can be a viable option, but it's essential to consider both the pros and cons.
One advantage of an 84-month loan is that it can help you buy a car you intend to keep for the long term, as it can create smaller monthly payments that fit within a tight budget. This can be especially helpful if you've experienced inflation in new car prices, like the 8.9% increase seen between January 2021 and January 2022.
Lower monthly payments are a significant benefit of an 84-month term, allowing you to borrow more money while keeping your month-to-month costs down. This can be a relief for those with tight budgets.
Here are the key benefits of an 84-month auto loan:
- Lower monthly payments
- Lower debt-to-income ratio
- Competitive rates (when interest rates are low)
However, there are also some significant drawbacks to consider. For one, an 84-month loan is a big commitment, and you may be at risk for substantial negative equity if you need to sell the car before paying off the loan. This can lead to financial strain if you need to purchase a new car.
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Advantages of Purchasing
Purchasing a car can be a significant investment, and it's essential to consider the advantages of making a long-term commitment to owning a vehicle.
An 84-month car loan can be a valuable option if your monthly budget is too tight for a shorter loan term. This longer loan term can help you hit your goal for your monthly payment, even if you exceed your expected purchase price.
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The inflation in new car prices between January 2021 and January 2022 was estimated to be 8.9% by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which translates to a $7,200 increase in price for cars and SUVs in 2022. This highlights the potential benefits of spreading out the price over more time with an 84-month loan.
If you intend to keep your car for the long term, an 84-month loan can be a viable way to afford it month by month. This option allows you to buy a car you need without having to choose a less expensive model.
Disadvantages
An 84-month car loan can be a big commitment, and there are several disadvantages to consider.
You could end up with a substantial period of negative equity, where you owe more on the car than its current value if you were to sell it.
Longer loans are at risk for a substantial period of negative equity, when you owe more on the car than its current value if you were to sell it. This matters less if you intend to drive the car for the seven years that you owe your loan, but a lot can happen in seven years.
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The risk is that, if the car is totaled or if you can no longer afford to keep it and need to sell it, you might still owe the lender more than you make through an insurance claim or selling the car.
You may strain your budget by paying the past loan while also paying on a different car.
Your total interest paid by the end of the seven years may be substantially more than you'd pay on a shorter-term loan, increasing the overall cost of the car.
You are likely to have more repair bills after the first few years of a car's life, potentially increasing how much you spend on transportation in ways you might not have anticipated.
Qualify for a Low APR
Having good to excellent credit can unlock better interest rates, making an 84-month loan more appealing. If you qualify for a low APR, an 84-month loan becomes a more attractive option.
To get a better interest rate, you'll want to focus on improving your credit score. Your lender will look at your credit score as a priority, and higher scores can lead to lower interest rates.
A credit score of 700 or higher is generally considered good, and with excellent credit, you can expect even lower rates. If you're unsure about your credit score, consider getting a copy of your credit report before applying for a loan.
The APR will also depend on your employment history and debt-to-income ratio. Lenders like to see stable employment and a comfortable income to ensure you can afford the loan payments.
Here are some key factors that can affect your APR:
- Credit score: Affects the interest rate you'll qualify for
- Employment: Stable employment history is preferred
- Debt-to-income ratio: Your income should be high enough to afford loan payments
- Loan-to-value ratio: A lower loan amount can lead to better interest rates
By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions and potentially qualify for a low APR.
Financing Options
Financing a car for 84 months can be a bit tricky, but it's not impossible. You can get an 84-month auto loan if you plan on paying it off early and the lender doesn't charge a prepayment fee.
If you have a tight budget, a long-term auto loan might be the best option. This is especially true if you don't have a lot of room to negotiate with a car dealer.
Paying off an 84-month auto loan early can save you money on interest, but only if there's no prepayment penalty.
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Qualify for a Loan
To qualify for an 84-month auto loan, your lender will consider a few key factors. Your credit score is a priority, and higher scores can unlock better interest rates.
Having good to excellent credit can help you qualify for a low APR, making an 84-month loan a more appealing option.
Your employment history is also important, as lenders like to see stable employment to ensure you'll pay the loan back.
Your debt-to-income ratio should be manageable, with a high enough income to comfortably afford loan payments.
Consider selecting a car with a lower purchase price or making a higher down payment to help lower the loan amount.
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Here's a breakdown of the factors that lenders will consider:
Consider a Loan
If you're considering financing options for your next car, a loan is definitely worth exploring. An 84-month auto loan can be a good choice if you have good to excellent credit, as you're likely to qualify for a low APR.
A high APR can drive up the total cost of your car loan, but if you qualify for a low APR, an 84-month loan becomes more appealing. To get a better idea of how much your monthly payments will run for a particular loan, try using an auto loan calculator.
To qualify for an 84-month auto loan, lenders will look at your credit score, employment, debt-to-income ratio, and loan-to-value ratio. Having a high credit score, stable employment, and a comfortable debt-to-income ratio can make it easier to qualify.
You should also consider your budget and whether you can afford the monthly payments. If you have a tight budget, a longer-term loan may be the best option. However, you should also consider the potential risks of owing more on your car than it's worth for a large part of the loan.
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Here are some factors to consider before getting an 84-month auto loan:
- Your credit score: A higher credit score can unlock better interest rates.
- Your employment: Lenders like to see stable employment.
- Your debt-to-income ratio: Your income should be high enough that you can comfortably afford loan payments.
- Loan-to-value ratio: Consider selecting a car with a lower purchase price or making a higher down payment to help lower the loan amount.
Ultimately, it's essential to evaluate your options carefully and make sure you've accurately estimated the risks and rewards of your loan.
What Is Financing?
Financing is a crucial part of buying a car, and understanding how it works can save you thousands of dollars in interest payments over time. An 84-month auto loan, for instance, can stretch the repayment period to seven years, making it more expensive than a shorter-term loan.
If you take out a $20,000 auto loan with a 3.49 percent interest rate, your monthly payment would be $364 for a 60-month term, but it would drop to $269 for an 84-month term. This might seem like a good deal, but it's actually more expensive due to the longer repayment period.
The longer you take to pay off your car loan, the more interest you'll end up paying. In the example above, the 84-month term would cost you $2,571 in interest, compared to $1,825 for the 60-month term. That's a difference of nearly $750.
Payment and Costs
Financing a car for 84 months can be a great option if you want smaller monthly payments. However, it's essential to consider the total loan costs and interest rates involved.
Longer loan terms mean smaller monthly payments, but you'll be making payments for seven years, which can be a significant commitment. Be sure to review your contract prior to signing to understand the terms and conditions.
Paying your loan early can save you a lot of money on interest, but most lenders allow you to pay some or all of your loan early, so be sure to review your contract first.
The interest rate you're charged on your car loan plays a key role in how much your loan will cost you over the long run. A longer loan term will impact your interest costs in two ways: higher rates and more interest paid over the term.
Here's a comparison of the interest costs on an 84-month car loan versus a 48- and 60-month car loan, each with a loan amount of $20,000 and a rate of 5%:
Keep in mind that these numbers illustrate the impact of longer loan terms on interest costs. It's essential to use an auto loan calculator to see the total amount you'll be paying before signing your contract.
Term Flexibility
A longer loan term can make your monthly payments more manageable, but be honest with yourself: can you really afford to make payments for seven years?
Monthly payments will be lower with an 84-month car loan, which can be a lifesaver if you're on a tight budget.
However, longer loan terms often come with higher interest rates, making the total cost of the loan more expensive in the long run.
There may be cases where an 84-month car loan is worth considering, such as if you need lower monthly payments to afford a car.
Some car manufacturers offer very long warranties, which can give you peace of mind and make a long-term loan more appealing.
If you qualify for a low-interest rate, you can put any extra monthly savings towards investments that generate a high return.
But be aware that an 84-month car loan can also make you more vulnerable to having negative equity.
If you're considering an 84-month car loan, make sure to check if there's no early payment penalty fee. This way, you can benefit from both lower payments and the ability to become debt-free sooner if you cut the term short.
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Depreciation and Affordability
Depreciation is a significant concern with 84-month car loans. Cars can depreciate quickly, with their value dropping significantly in the first few years of ownership.
A car's value can drop to less than what you still owe on your loan, leaving you with negative equity. For instance, if your car is worth $15,000 and you still owe $18,000, you have $3,000 in negative equity.
This rapid depreciation is due to the quick depreciation rates of cars, which means their value decreases over time. With a few rare exceptions, cars never increase in value over time, making it essential to consider depreciation when financing a car for 84 months.
Spreading payments over a longer term can reduce the monthly financial burden, making it easier to budget. However, this option should be carefully weighed against the potential risks of negative equity.
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Depreciation
Depreciation is a major concern when it comes to buying a car. Cars can depreciate rapidly, with some models losing up to 50% of their value within the first three years of ownership.
This rapid depreciation is one of the main reasons why choosing a long loan term can lead to negative equity. If you stretch out your loan term, your car's value may drop significantly while your outstanding loan balance remains high.
Cars rarely increase in value over time, making it essential to consider depreciation when purchasing a vehicle. With a few rare exceptions, cars will always be worth less than what you owe on your loan if you choose a long loan term.
Negative equity can be a significant financial burden, and it's best to avoid it by opting for shorter loan terms. By doing so, you can keep your equity positive and avoid making payments on a car that's worth less than what you owe.
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Afford the Best
If you're looking to afford the best car, an 84-month car loan might be the only way to make it happen. This type of loan allows you to purchase a car with all the bells and whistles, even if it's outside of your budget.
The key is to weigh the pros and cons of such a long loan term. You'll be making payments on a car that's worth a lot less than what you owe on your loan, but if it's the car you really want, it might be worth it.
To make an 84-month car loan more affordable, consider a low APR. This will free up money in your budget and make the payments more manageable.
Lease Considerations
Leasing a car can be a great alternative to a long loan, but it's essential to consider the details. Leasing a car usually requires lower monthly payments and a lower upfront cost compared to buying.
One of the benefits of leasing is that you won't have to worry about the car's depreciation, as it will be the responsibility of the leasing company. However, be aware that you'll have to return the car at the end of the lease, and there may be mileage restrictions to consider.
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If you're interested in leasing, here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Lease, Don’t Buy: Leasing a car instead of buying can be a cost-effective option, with lower monthly payments and a lower upfront cost.
- End of Lease Options: At the end of the lease, there is often an option to buy the car at the current market value, giving you the flexibility to decide your next step.
Key Points of Lease
Long-term leases, like 84-month car loans, can be a good option if you plan on paying off the loan early and the lender doesn’t charge a prepayment fee.
A longer lease term can provide more affordable monthly payments, but it's essential to consider the cost of interest over time.
If you have a tight budget or can't negotiate with a car dealer, a long-term lease may be the best option.
You can always take out a longer lease term but then pay off your car ahead of schedule, saving money on interest.
However, be careful: some lenders charge a prepayment fee or early payoff penalty.
Here are some key points to consider when thinking about a lease:
- Longer lease terms can provide lower monthly payments.
- However, you'll pay more in interest over time.
- Consider your financial situation and whether you can afford to pay off the loan early.
- Check if your lender charges a prepayment fee or early payoff penalty.
- The average auto warranty coverage lasts three years or 36,000 miles, so it may expire before the end of your long-term lease.
Top Considerations Assessing
Assessing your options is key when considering a lease. You might be drawn to a longer lease term to keep monthly payments low, but that's not always the best choice. A shorter lease may work better if you can save up for a larger down payment, reducing your monthly payment or even giving you the option for a shorter lease.
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Qualifying for a lower interest rate for a shorter lease can significantly reduce your long-term interest costs compared to a longer lease. A shorter lease may also be a better option if you don't want the risk of owing more on your vehicle than it's worth for a large part of the lease.
You might choose a longer lease if you have specific circumstances that make a more expensive vehicle a better choice for you and your situation. This could be due to family, job, or other commitments that require a more expensive vehicle.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding between a shorter and longer lease:
Ultimately, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the costs of a longer lease term. If you're comfortable with the potential for higher interest costs and are saving on the side to pay the difference if you need to return the vehicle, a longer lease might be the right choice for you.
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Lease Alternatives
You can consider a long loan with a low APR to make a car loan more affordable with an extended loan term.
If you're not set on buying a car, leasing can be a viable option. With leasing, you usually pay less upfront and have lower monthly payments, making it a more affordable choice.
To avoid negative equity on a long loan, making a large down payment can be beneficial. This essentially prepaying the depreciation on the car you buy.
Here are some lease alternatives to consider:
- Long Loan, Low APR: Find a car loan with a low APR to make your payments more manageable.
- Large Down Payment: Prepaying the depreciation on the car with a large down payment can save you money in the long run.
Alternatives to a Lease
If you're considering leasing a car, take some time to explore alternatives. Purchasing a used car can be a cost-effective option.
You can also consider buying a more affordable car, which can help you save money in the long run. This can be a game-changer for your budget.
Leasing is often compared to buying, but it's not the only option. If you can, try to save money for a larger down payment, which can help you shorten your loan term.
Buying a car with a shorter loan term, like 12 months, can be a great way to save money on interest. This can be a smart move for your finances.
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Affordable Alternatives to Leasing
If you're considering leasing a car but want to explore other options, here are some affordable alternatives to leasing:
Leasing a car can be expensive, especially with the monthly payments and potential fees at the end of the lease. To avoid this, you could opt for a long loan with a low APR, which can free up money in your budget.
By choosing a long loan with a low APR, you can reduce your monthly payments and make the car more affordable. For example, a low APR of 3.5% can make a big difference in the long run.
Making a large down payment is another way to make a long loan more manageable. This can help you avoid negative equity on the loan, which can be a major headache.
If you're not set on driving a brand new car, consider selecting an older model or used car. These vehicles are often significantly cheaper than their new counterparts and lose their value more slowly over time.
Here are some key differences between leasing and buying a car:
The Bottom Line
Lease alternatives can be a cost-effective option if you're not ready to own a car outright. However, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
A longer loan term, such as 84 months, may result in smaller monthly payments, but you'll ultimately pay more in interest. This can lead to owing more on the loan than your car is worth.
You'll also need to consider the potential for large repair bills down the line. This is especially true if you're not planning to keep the car long-term.
Before choosing a longer loan term, consider a shorter term to save more overall. This will help you avoid owing more on the loan than your car is worth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to get out of an 84 month car loan?
To pay off an 84-month car loan quickly, consider refinancing, making biweekly payments, or putting extra money toward a lump-sum payment. By implementing these strategies, you can potentially reduce the loan term and save on interest.
What is the maximum months to finance a car?
The maximum months to finance a car is 96 months. However, the ideal loan term depends on your individual financial situation and goals.
What credit score do you need for a 84-month auto loan?
To qualify for an 84-month auto loan, you'll typically need a credit score of 661 or higher, which can secure a competitive interest rate. With a score above 661, you may be eligible for a loan with an APR of 6.7% or better.
Sources
- https://www.lendingtree.com/auto/84-month-auto-loan/
- https://www.capitalone.com/cars/learn/managing-your-money-wisely/longterm-loans-what-to-know-about-an-84month-car-loan/1469
- https://www.moneylion.com/learn/84-month-auto-loan/
- https://loanscanada.ca/auto/84-month-auto-loans-the-good-and-the-bad/
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/auto-loans/84-month-auto-loan/
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