Car Loans

A direct car loan is typically obtained directly from a bank or local lender, whereas dealership financing is arranged through the car dealer but may still be through a bank or finance company. Generally speaking, car dealer financing may be more convenient but can also come with higher costs.

A balloon payment is a lump sum payment (usually as a fixed percentage of your overall loan) that is made at the end of the term of your car loan. Think of it like a deposit but in reverse! Balloon payments can help reduce your monthly car loan repayments and reduce the term of your loan. But, they may mean you pay more overall, as you pay interest on the balloon payment over the term of your loan. We can help you decide whether a balloon payment will work for your goals and finances—and help you find a lender that offers this option.

When you lease a car you’re paying for the use (not ownership) of the vehicle over a set term. Depending on the type of lease, you may have the option of buying the car once the lease expires by making a lump sum payment known as a residual. There are two main types of lease – a finance lease and an operating lease. An operating lease is like a rental agreement – once the lease term ends you hand over the vehicle and no longer make any payments. Finance leases are a little more complicated. You pay a set monthly lease payment, and at the end of the lease term, you can choose to pay the residual value of the car, or swap the lease over to a new vehicle and continue making monthly payments.

It depends on the loan. Some lenders might charge for early repayments, while others might not. Our team can help you explore the options and discuss the pros and cons.

It depends on the loan. We’ll help you understand your deposit requirements and how they might affect your interest rate and loan terms.