What APR is too high for a car?

Asked by: Mrs. Lysanne Schulist II  |  Last update: August 27, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (54 votes)

A high APR (“annual percentage rate”) car loan is one that charges higher-than-average interest rates. The legal limit for car loans is around 16% APR, but you will find lenders that get away with charging rates of 25% or more.

Is 10% APR good on a car?

A 10% APR is not good for auto loans. APRs on auto loans tend to range from around 4% to 10%, depending on whether you buy new or used.

What is a high APR for a used car?

For used vehicles, the average interest rate can range from 3.61% APR with Super Prime to 19.87% for Deep Subprime. If you can get a rate under 6% for a used car, this is likely to be considered a good APR.

Is 5.9 APR good for a car?

On a 36-month loan, 5.9% APR with above-average credit is a bad rate. If you see a rate this high with captive financing, it could be because it's for a longer-term loan.

Is 24.99 APR high for a car loan?

A 24.99% APR is not good for mortgages, student loans, or auto loans, as it's far higher than what most borrowers should expect to pay and what most lenders will even offer.

I Have a 24% Interest Rate On My Car Loan!

28 related questions found

Is 26.99 APR too high?

Again, these are averages, which means that a good APR would likely be one that is lower than the average. Credit cards often come with a range of APRs, like 16.99% to 26.99%. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to get approved for an APR on the lower end of the range.

Is 7.9 APR good for a car loan?

As of January 2020, U.S. News reports the following statistics for average auto loan rates: Excellent (750 - 850): 4.93 percent for new, 5.18 percent for used, 4.36 percent for refinancing. Good (700 - 749): 5.06 percent for new, 5.31 percent for used, 5.06 percent for refinancing.

Is 8 APR high for a car?

If your credit score is in the 600 to 660 range, a car loan with an interest rate of 8% is good! However, if your score is higher, then an 8% interest rate is on the expensive side. The average interest rate on a 60-month car loan as of September 2021 is 3.81%. So, an 8% interest rate is high by comparison.

Is a 5.5 interest high?

From 2017 through 2020, the average ranged from as low as 4.42% to 5.5%. If your interest is around those averages or lower, then it's probably a good rate. However, you can always check current Federal Reserve averages or shop around to find a better APR if you think an offer isn't ideal.

Is 16% APR high for a car?

A high APR (“annual percentage rate”) car loan is one that charges higher-than-average interest rates. The legal limit for car loans is around 16% APR, but you will find lenders that get away with charging rates of 25% or more.

Can you negotiate APR on a car?

Yes, just like the price of the vehicle, the interest rate is negotiable. The first rate for the loan the dealer offers you may not be the lowest rate you qualify for. With dealer-arranged financing, the dealer collects information from you and forwards that information to one or more prospective auto lenders.

How much APR is too much?

A credit card APR below 10% is definitely good, but you may have to go to a local bank or credit union to find it. The Federal Reserve tracks credit card interest rates, and an APR below the average would also be considered good.

Is 14 interest rate too high for a car loan?

Car loan interest rates should not exceed 25%. But because car loan rates vary, what might be too much interest on a car loan for one person might actually be a very low rate for another. Car loan APRs range from 0% to 25% or higher since they are largely determined by your credit score.

Is 11 a good APR for a car?

That being said, if you have good credit and payment history, a good income, and a cosigner with a credit score of 750 or higher, you should not sign on that loan. However, if you do not have a cosigner, then an 11% to 12% interest rate is about right. But like with everything, you should not jump at the first offer.

Is 17 interest rate high for a car?

Consumers with credit scores below 601 tend to pay interest rates that are 17% or more for used cars, astronomically high interest rates that make cars harder to afford, and that make it more likely that a car will ultimately get repossessed.

Is 8.5 a good interest rate?

A good personal loan interest rate depends on your credit score: 740 and above: Below 8% (look for loans for excellent credit) 670 to 739: Around 14% (look for loans for good credit) 580 to 669: Around 18% (look for loans for fair credit)

What is a reasonable APR for car?

What is a good APR for a car loan with my credit score and desired vehicle? If you have excellent credit (750 or higher), the average auto loan rates are 5.07% for a new car and 5.32% for a used car. If you have good credit (700-749), the average auto loan rates are 6.02% for a new car and 6.27% for a used car.

How can I lower my APR on my car loan?

How to lower APR on a car loan
  1. Check your credit reports and build credit. ...
  2. Apply for refinancing. ...
  3. Apply with a co-borrower or add a cosigner. ...
  4. Shop around. ...
  5. Think about shorter loan terms. ...
  6. Negotiate APR and interest rate. ...
  7. See if you can lower your APR in just a few minutes.

Is 9 percent interest high for a car?

With a credit score of 600, 9% is a good interest rate on a car loan. In fact, the average interest rate for someone with a credit score of 600 is above 9%. If you improve your credit score within the coming months or years, you should consider refinancing the loan. You will likely qualify for a better rate.

Is 7% good for car loan?

If possible, a term that is 60 months or shorter is ideal with a 7% interest rate. Keep in mind that your lender is likely to ask you to get full coverage on your financed vehicle, even though it's older. Full coverage can be pricey, but it doesn't have to break the bank.

Is 6 interest high for a car loan?

Whether or not a 6% interest rate on a car loan is good or bad depends on your credit score, your income, and your debt-to-income ratio. Overall, the average interest rate on a 60-month car loan as of September 2021 is 3.81%. So, a 6% interest rate is high by comparison—especially since your credit score is 700.

Why is my APR so high?

Interest Rates and Auto Loan Terms

Another reason you may be seeing a higher interest rate may be your loan term. Generally speaking, the longer the auto loan, the higher the interest rate. Your APR is usually higher still if you have poor credit and are looking for a lengthy loan term to reduce your monthly payment.

Is 670 a good credit score to buy a car?

The good news is, with a credit score of 670, you should be approved for a car loan. Most lenders require a credit score minimum of 661. Since this is your first time getting a car loan, here are a few tips to ensure you get the best deal: Compare multiple offers to see which lender can give you the best interest rates.