Auto Loan Basics - NerdWallet

Tools for buying and financing a car

Young woman getting a car loan

How to Get a Car Loan

by Shannon Bradley

These six steps walk you through the basics of financing a car and finding the best possible interest rate.

How Do Car Loans Work?

by Shannon Bradley

Here's how to learn the language of auto loans and how they work before buying a car.

Getting Auto Loan Preapproval or Pre-Qualification

by Shannon Bradley, Benjamin Din

Auto loan preapproval and pre-qualification are different, and both have advantages when you're buying a car.

What’s the Average Car Loan Length?

by Shannon Bradley

Your car loan term is the length of time you have to repay the loan. The average car loan term is close to six years, but a wide range of terms are available.

What’s the Average Car Payment Per Month?

by Shannon Bradley

The average monthly car payment is $767 for new cars and $537 for used. Several factors determine your payment.

How Much Should My Car Down Payment Be?

by Shannon Bradley

Your car loan down payment has an impact on the interest rate, the monthly payment and if you're approved at all.

What do you want to learn more about?

Buying a new car

Buying a used car

Bad credit financing

Getting a first car

Refinancing a car

Researching and buying a car

New cars

How to Buy a New Car in 7 Steps

by Funto Omojola

Follow our step-by-step guide for buying a new car and getting the best deal possible.

Car dealer handing woman keys

Buying a New vs. Used Car: Which Is Better?

by Shannon Bradley

When deciding whether to buy a new or used car, knowing the pros and cons of each can help with your decision.

NerdWallet’s Guide to Buying a Car

by Funto Omojola

We break down everything you need to know about buying a new or used car.

Used cars

Where’s the Best Place to Buy Used Cars?

by Shannon Bradley

Finding the best place to buy a used car can seem overwhelming. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help.

Person holding printed car history report

8 Ways to Check a Car’s History

by Shannon Bradley

How to go beyond a basic vehicle report, to learn more about the history of a car.

Best Private-Party Auto Loans of 2026

by Shannon Bradley

When you buy a car directly from its owner, you may need a private-party auto loan.

Buying a car with bad credit

Man driving SUV

Bad Credit Auto Loans of 2026

by Shannon Bradley

Learn about car loans for borrowers with bad credit and where to apply for one.

How to Get a Car Loan With Bad Credit

by Shannon Bradley

It’s possible to find an auto loan with bad credit, but it may come at a high cost.

What Is a Bad Credit Score for a Car Loan?

by Shannon Bradley

Lenders use different scoring models and criteria when approving bad credit auto loans.

Getting your first car

A First-Time Car Buyer’s Guide

by Shannon Bradley

As a first-time car buyer, it can be very easy to overspend. Here are steps you can take to prevent that from happening.

What Is an Auto Loan Co-signer vs. Co-borrower?

by Shannon Bradley

Often borrowers think co-signers and co-borrowers are the same, but they are different in several ways.

Flexible Lenders for First-time Car Buyers in 2026

by Shannon Bradley

Being approved for an auto loan can be a challenge for first-time car buyers, but some lenders have more flexible credit requirements to help.

Refinancing a car

how-to-refinance-your-auto-loan-2

Refinancing a Car Loan in 6 Steps

by Shannon Bradley

Refinancing a car loan doesn’t take long from application to approval. Here's how to refinance a car and possibly save money.

Best Auto Refinance Loans and Rates

by Shannon Bradley

To get the most benefit from an auto loan refinance, you’ll want to compare auto refinancing lenders and find the lowest rate possible.

Auto Loan Refinance Calculator

by Shannon Bradley

Calculate how much you may be able to save by refinancing your current auto loan.

Leasing a car

7 Steps to Getting a Great Auto Lease Deal

How to Lease a Car: Everything You Need to Know

by Funto Omojola

Leasing can be a cheaper, more flexible option for some drivers. But there are some things to consider before signing a lease.

Auto Lease Buyout Calculator: How Much to Buy Your Leased Vehicle?

by Shannon Bradley

To calculate the cost to buy out your lease, add the car's projected value at lease-end and any remaining payments.

Best Lease Buyout Loans of 2026

by Shannon Bradley

Here's what to expect as you shop for a car lease buyout loan.