What credit score do I need for a 40000 car?

Asked by: Vanessa Koelpin  |  Last update: October 28, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (25 votes)

There isn't one specific score that's required to buy a car because lenders have different standards. However, the vast majority of borrowers have scores of 661 or higher.

How much should I put down on a $40k car?

If you're buying a new car, experts advise that your down payment should be at least 20% of the car's total purchase price. If you're buying used, you can put down 10%. If you can make a 20% down payment, it may be a good idea to do so.

What credit score do I need to get a 40000 loan?

You'll have the most luck getting approved for a $40,000 loan with at least a very good credit score (at least 740), and a DTI ratio of 36% or lower.

How much would a $40,000 car payment be?

An example of the difference a loan's term can make: If you take out a $40,000 new car loan with an 84-month term at 9% APR, you would pay about $623 monthly and $12,369 in total interest over seven years.

What credit score do I need to buy a $50,000 car?

A score of 700-850 is what most lenders consider ideal. Borrowers in this range can expect to get offered lower interest rates and more flexible loan terms. A higher credit score can also potentially reduce the required down payment and make the upfront cost of purchasing a car more manageable.

What Credit Score Do Car Dealers Use?

17 related questions found

What credit score do I need for a 40000 car loan?

There isn't one specific score that's required to buy a car because lenders have different standards. However, the vast majority of borrowers have scores of 661 or higher.

What is a good down payment for a $50,000 car?

Down Payment

Because you've paid for part of the car with it, it lowers the amount of money you need to borrow and thus lowers your monthly loan payment. As a general rule, you should pay 20 percent of the price of the vehicle as a down payment. That's because vehicles lose value, or depreciate, rapidly.

How much is a $40 000 loan for 5 years?

If you take a loan for five years and your interest rate is 4%, your monthly payment for a $40,000 loan will be $737. Remember that the longer the loan period, the more money you will overpay to the bank.

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.

How to pay off a 40k car loan fast?

  1. Make bi-weekly payments. Instead of making monthly payments toward your loan, submit half-payments every two weeks. ...
  2. Round up your monthly payments. ...
  3. Make one extra payment each year. ...
  4. Refinance. ...
  5. Boost your income and put all extra money toward the loan.

Can I get a $40,000 car loan with no credit?

Even if you have no credit history, buying a car with an auto loan is still possible. But without strong credit, you're likely to pay a higher interest rate, unless you make a larger down payment, use a cosigner or find another way to keep your loan affordable.

How big of a loan can I get with a 700 credit score?

The highest personal loan amount you can usually find is $100,000. While you may qualify for a $100,000 personal loan with a 700 credit score, it's not guaranteed. If you have a lot of debt or an unfavorable debt-to-income ratio, some lenders may limit how much they are willing to loan.

What is an excellent credit score?

For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent.

How much can I get pre-approved for a car?

Prequalification is only available for dealer purchase of new or used vehicles (not available for refinance or lease buy out loans). Prequalification will only present amounts between $10,000 and $85,000.

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.

What is the 20 4 10 rule?

The rule recommends making a 20% down payment on the car, taking four years to return the money to the lender, and keeping transportation costs at no more than 10% of your monthly income. As to how exactly it works requires some explanation.

What is a good monthly payment for a 40k car?

If you take a car loan of $40000 at an interest rate of 4.12% for a loan term of 72 months, using an auto loan calculator, you can find that your monthly payment should be $628. When the loan term changes to 60 months, the monthly payment on a $40000 car loan will be $738.83.

What is considered an expensive car?

It's not about the brand name or type of car; it's about how much someone is willing to spend on a vehicle. Luxury cars, like SUVs by Cadillac, Honda, or Lincoln, come with high price tags, often starting at $50,000 or more for an entry-level sedan.

What is the recommended car payment based on income?

Financial experts recommend that your monthly car payment be around 10% to 15% of your monthly take-home pay. Your total monthly car expenses, including your car payment, insurance, maintenance, and gas, should not exceed 20% of your monthly income.

What credit score do I need for a $40,000 loan?

Most lenders evaluate the following before making a lending decision: Credit: Your credit score shows how well you have handled past borrowed money. To qualify for a $40,000 loan, you'll typically need a credit score upwards of 670 or a co-signer with good or excellent credit.

Can you pay off a car loan early?

Some lenders charge a penalty for paying off a car loan early. The lender makes money from the interest you pay on your loan each month. Repaying a loan early usually means you won't pay any more interest, but there could be an early prepayment fee.

What credit score do I need to buy a 50000 car?

To buy a $50,000 car and get favorable auto loan options, it's best to have a credit score in the prime or super prime categories. Prime borrowers are those with a credit score within the 661-780 range, while super-prime borrowers fall within the 781-850 range.

Is it smart to put a down payment on a car?

Putting money down on a car, even less than 20%, will usually work in your favor. A down payment removes some of the lender's risk and transfers it to you. After all, you'll lose your down payment if your car gets repossessed.

How to lease a car with no money down?

A lease doesn't typically require a down payment, but you will have to provide the first month's payment along with a security deposit, acquisition fee, and any other applicable costs. It's possible to lower the amount of your monthly payments by increasing your initial fee.