Should I put 0 down on a car?

Asked by: Malika Morissette  |  Last update: July 24, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (74 votes)

You generally don't need a down payment to get a car loan, but it's in your best interest to make one. A down payment of any size reduces the amount you need to borrow, so your loan will cost less. Compared with a bigger loan with the same terms, you'll have lower monthly payments and pay less interest over time.

Is it smart to put 0 down on a car?

No down payment means a bigger car loan, leading to more interest (unless you pay your car loan off early). You might also need to choose a longer term to keep your monthly payments affordable, which means you'll pay more interest over the life of your loan.

What credit score do you need for no down payment on a car?

A target credit score of 661 or above should get you a new-car loan with an annual percentage rate of around 6.7% or better, or a used-car loan around 9.63% or lower. Superprime: 781-850. 5.08%.

How much should you put down on a $27,000 car?

Most experts recommend a 20% down payment for new cars and 10% for used.

What does $0 down mean on a car?

A zero-down lease offer means simply that there is no down payment. However, it doesn't mean that you can show up without a penny. The down payment is only one part of what you pay for in a car lease, as we've just seen. With a zero-down lease, you will still have to pay something out of pocket.

ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: How much car can you REALLY afford (By Salary)

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Why is 0 down payment bad?

For example, you might end up with higher monthly payments compared to a regular mortgage, aside from just the difference in the loan amount. That's because no-down-payment mortgages often come with higher interest rates and require private mortgage insurance (PMI), both of which can lead to higher monthly payments.

Should you put a down payment on a car yes or no?

Is it worth putting a down payment on a car? The answer is usually yes. This is because it could often provide specific benefits to a borrower. For example, a higher down payment can help you secure a lower interest rate and better loan terms.

Is $300 a month a good car payment?

NerdWallet recommends spending no more than 10% of your take-home pay on your monthly auto loan payment. So if your after-tax pay each month is $3,000, you could afford a $300 car payment. Check if you can really afford the payment by depositing that amount into a savings account for a few months.

What are the disadvantages of a large down payment on a car?

What Are the Disadvantages of a Large Down Payment? Providing more money down doesn't guarantee a lower interest rate, and it can cut into your savings. Depending on the vehicle you choose to buy, 50% can be a lot of money to put down on an auto loan.

How can I buy a car with no money down?

Trading in your old vehicle, if you have one, could help lower the amount you need to finance with a zero down payment car loan. The trade-in value of your old car essentially works to lower your financed amount in much the same way as a down payment would, without any upfront cash required from you.

How to build credit quickly?

9 ways to build credit fast
  1. Dispute credit report errors. ...
  2. Pay down your credit card balances. ...
  3. Become an authorized user. ...
  4. Deal with delinquent accounts. ...
  5. Open a credit card account. ...
  6. Take out a credit builder loan. ...
  7. Request a credit limit increase. ...
  8. Keep a mix of different account types.

Does buying a car hurt your credit?

When you apply for a car loan, the lender's hard inquiry into your credit could temporarily ding your credit score by a few points. However, its effect is usually short-lived, and you may strengthen your credit in the long run by making timely payments.

Is it bad to run your car down to empty?

How does driving on empty affect your car? The primary reason you shouldn't run your car low on gas is that it can cause different engine parts to overheat. Running out of fuel negatively affects several important components, such as the fuel pump, engine, and catalytic converter.

Can a dealership repo my car for not paying down payment?

They can sue you for the balance you didn't pay for the down payment, but unless it was in the contract they can repossess, the law in CA doesn't allow it. Under California law, a breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill a legal duty the contract created and causes damages for the defendant.

When should I put my car in low?

Shifting into low gear when you're ascending a steep hill helps to reduce wear and tear on your engine. Shifting into low gear when you're descending an incline reduces strain on your transmission. Since you'll slow down automatically, you'll also reduce the strain on your brakes!

How much is a $30,000 car payment for 60 months?

How much would a $30,000 car cost per month? This all depends on the sales tax, the down payment, the interest rate and the length of the loan. But just as a ballpark estimate, assuming $3,000 down, an interest rate of 5.8% and a 60-month loan, the monthly payment would be about $520.

Can you finance a $4000 dollar car?

Generally, lenders don't let you finance less than $5,000, but some direct lenders' caps are even higher. The good news is you can make the overall cost of your loan more affordable without worrying about the financing limit.

How much is 26.99 APR on $3000?

How much is 26.99 APR on $3,000? An APR of 26.99% on a $3,000 balance would cost $67.26 in monthly interest charges.

Is a 72 month car payment bad?

Because of the high interest rates and risk of going upside down, most experts agree that a 72-month loan isn't an ideal choice. Experts recommend that borrowers take out a shorter loan. And for an optimal interest rate, a loan term fewer than 60 months is a better way to go.

What is a realistic monthly car payment?

The average monthly car payment is $737 for new cars and $520 for used. Several factors determine your payment.

Can I afford a 40k car?

A person making $60,000 per year can afford about a $40,000 car based on calculating 15% of their monthly take-home pay and a 20% down payment on the car of $7,900.

Are car dealerships supposed to ask for a down payment?

Keep in mind that most car dealerships require you to put at least a few thousand dollars down when buying a vehicle fresh from the factory. If you're still set on buying new, calculate how much you can afford to spend on monthly payments.

What are two reasons someone might purposely choose a higher monthly payment?

An increase in your monthly payment will reduce the amount of interest charges you will pay over the repayment period and may even shorten the number of months it will take to pay off the loan.

What is the first step in purchasing a vehicle?

7 steps for buying your first car
  • Determine how much you can afford. The key to a successful buy is determining how much you can afford. ...
  • Save for a down payment. ...
  • Take a look at your credit history. ...
  • Decide what car is right for you. ...
  • Prequalify for financing. ...
  • Head to the dealership — in person or online. ...
  • Negotiate.