How To Get Approved For A Car Loan
Whether it’s your first time buying a vehicle or you haven’t bought a vehicle in a while, you may be wondering how to get approved for a car loan. It’s relatively easy to get approved, and a little information can go a long way in helping to ensure that you qualify for a used car loan.
At Toyota Direct’s bad credit car lot, just about anyone can be approved for a car loan with a variety of qualifying factors. We at Toyota Direct also have a great deal of knowledge about the process of qualifying for an auto loan. Therefore, we want to inform you about how you can easily get approved for a car loan by providing a list of tips below.
-
Look At Your Credit And Consider How A Loan Will Impact It
The first thing to understand before you finance a car is credit scores and how an auto loan impacts a credit score. The fact is that most used car loans are determined using credit scores, and there are varying credit tiers that determine loan eligibility.
Along with this, most loans are not only determined using credit scores, but auto loans also impact a credit score. If payments are made on time, then the score will increase. However, if payments are missed or not made, your credit score will decrease.
-
Understand Which Credit Tier You Are In
With used car loans, there are different credit tiers that determine loan eligibility. Take a look at the list below to see each of these credit tiers along with the scores that determine them and the average APRs for new/used cars according to Experian Information Solutions:
| Credit Score | Avg. APR, New Car | Avg. APR, Used Car | |
| Superprime: | 781-850 | 2.40% | 3.71% |
| Prime: | 661-780 | 3.56% | 5.58% |
| Non Prime: | 601-660 | 6.70% | 10.48% |
| Subprime: | 501-600 | 10.87% | 17.29% |
| Deep Subprime: | 300-500 | 14.76% | 20.99% |
-
What To Do If You Have Bad Credit
If you find yourself anywhere below subprime with your credit, you may find it challenging to qualify for a car loan at most dealerships. Fortunately, car loans for bad credit are a great solution for anyone with little to no credit. At bad credit car lots, like Toyota Direct, you can easily qualify for a car loan, even with bad credit. In fact, these bad credit car lots use factors other than credit to determine loan eligibility, which can be seen below:
- Income-to-debt ratio
- Employment
- Co-Signer
- Down Payment/Trade-In
-
Consider A Down Payment Or Trade-In
As mentioned above, down payments and trade-ins are factors in determining loan eligibility for a bad credit used car loan. A down payment helps by reducing the cost of a vehicle and reducing the minimum payments. A trade-in acts similar to a down payment; however, it can save you even more than a down payment depending on the vehicle you’re trading and with dealership trade-in incentives.
-
A Co-Signer May Benefit You
Whether you are looking at used cars near Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere else, a co-signer is another helpful factor in qualifying for a car loan. A co-signer’s responsibility is to take over any missed or defaulted payments, providing the lender with increased financial security. This financial security benefits you by helping to reduce auto loan interest rates and minimum payments.
In conclusion, we at Toyota Direct hope that this list helps you to understand the process of qualifying for an auto loan. Whether or not you have bad credit, there are always ways to get approved for a car loan. If you do have little to no credit, a bad credit loan can even help you to improve your credit situation if payments are made on time.
How Does Toyota Lease Program Work?
How does a new Toyota every few years sound? You don’t even have to worry about selling or trading in your old Toyota. Does this sound too good to be true? Fortunately, it’s very true, and you can take advantage of Toyota lease specials with any Toyota dealer near you. First, though, you probably have a few questions about how Toyota leasing works.
At Toyota Direct, we have a thorough understanding of Toyota financial services. Because of this, we want to inform you about how Toyota financing works. To do this, we have put together a list below of six facts about the Toyota lease program.
-
Loan Terms
Whether you’re using Toyota financial services or any other financial services, loan terms are one of the most important factors to consider when financing a vehicle. Toyota lease specials range from 24–60-month terms, and you should choose a term that works best for your financial situation. With a shorter term, you will pay less with higher monthly payments, but you should strive to choose a term with monthly payments that you can afford.
-
Option To Purchase At End
When taking advantage of Toyota financial services, you will have the opportunity to purchase whichever vehicle you are financing at the end of the loan term. Aside from this, you will also have the option to trade up to a newer Toyota with Toyota lease specials. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want to permanently keep the car you have or upgrade.
-
Lease Signing Costs
When you lease a car near you, there will inevitably be a variety of costs depending on the specific dealer with which you’re shopping. These costs are universal to all auto loans and not just specific to Toyota leasing. The most common lease signing costs can be seen below:
- First month’s loan payment
- Acquisition fee
- Refundable security deposit
- Taxes and initial fees
- Capitalized cost reduction (similar to a down payment)
To offset these costs, we at Toyota Direct are always offering incredible Toyota lease deals, ranging from trade-in incentives to specials on loan rates.
-
Fees
Aside from initial costs, there are also some fees associated with leasing any vehicle. With Toyota financing, there may be fees for excessive wear and tear to the vehicle you’re leasing. However, with Toyota’s Excess Wear and Use Protection Plan, these fees can be avoided. If you choose to dispose of your vehicle, there may also be a disposition fee involved, which covers the costs of selling or disposing of a vehicle.
-
Mileage Limits
While shopping at Toyota Direct’s Columbus Toyota dealer, our financial experts will also go over all of the limits associated with Toyota leasing. The most significant limitation is regarding a vehicle’s mileage. These mileage limits can be calculated using the number of months in the loan term divided by 12. This number is then multiplied by 15,000 for a standard mileage lease or 12,000 for a low mileage lease.
-
Return Policy
Suppose you are currently leasing a Toyota sedan; however, upon browsing some Toyota SUV models, you decide that you are very interested in a specific Toyota SUV. Perhaps this SUV better suits your lifestyle and passenger needs. If this is the case, you are in luck because Toyota leasing has a return policy. In fact, you can return your vehicle at any time, but there may be substantial early termination charges. With this being said, it may be wise to upgrade to a Toyota SUV once you’ve paid off the lease on your Toyota sedan if you want to avoid termination charges.
What should I look at when buying a used truck?
Finding a truck for sale near you can prove stressful at times. Not only is it a significant financial decision, but you also have to determine which truck best suits you based on several factors. If you haven’t ever bought a truck or it’s been a while since you’ve bought one, it can be a challenging process to decide which truck is best for you and what to look for in a used truck.
Fortunately, with our expansive inventory of used trucks near Columbus, Ohio, we at Toyota Direct have an excellent understanding of the factors essential to successfully choosing a truck. Because of this, we have compiled a list below of six things to consider when buying a used truck.
-
Towing Capacity
One of the biggest reasons trucks for sale near you are so popular is that having a truck gives you the ability to tow something. At Toyota Direct, we have a wide variety of used trucks near Columbus, Ohio, with different towing capacities. Ideally, you should find a truck with a towing capacity to suit whatever you plan to haul, whether it’s a camper or a boat.
-
Off-Roading
Another significant benefit of finding a used truck for sale is off-roading. Many trucks are equipped with four-wheel drive, allowing them to handle rugged terrain and weather conditions. With this being said, the off-roading ability of most trucks is useful in many situations. For example, you may have a friend stuck in the snow, and a truck can be used to get them unstuck by hauling them.
-
Cab Size And Bed Length
While browsing used trucks near Columbus, Ohio, at Toyota Direct, or any truck dealer near you, you will likely notice the variety of different cab sizes and bed lengths among the trucks. When it comes to cab size and bed length, there is a trade-off. Therefore, a bigger cab means a shorter bed and vice versa. Hence, you should weigh your needs when deciding between a bigger cab or a longer bed.
-
Safety
A factor you are probably considering when looking for a truck for sale near you is safety. Luckily, most trucks feature incredible safety due to their durable and rugged designs. However, some trucks are equipped with advanced safety features that you should consider during your truck search.
-
Fuel Efficiency
Something you likely don’t associate with used trucks near you is fuel efficiency. However, many truck models have made leaps and bounds in terms of fuel economy, with engines specifically designed to save you money at the pump. For example, the Toyota Tacoma has a fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, saving you a lot more than most trucks at the pump.
-
Trim Levels
The final thing to factor that you should consider when buying a used truck is the many different available trim levels. Each trim level offers different utilities and performance upgrades. The right trim for you will depend on what you want out of a truck. Below, you can take a look at the trims offered by the two models among Toyota trucks for sale as an example:
Tundra:
- SR
- SR5
- Limited
- Platinum
- 1794 Edition
- TRD Pro
Tacoma:
- SR
- SR5
- TRD Sport
- TRD Off-Road
- TRD Pro
- Limited
In conclusion, we at Toyota Direct hope that this list will assist you in having a successful truck shopping experience. If you are interested in any of these trucks, don’t hesitate to contact Toyota Direct’s used car lot near Columbus, Ohio, or any Toyota truck dealer near you to schedule a test drive.
How Long Do Toyota Camrys Last?
Are you in search of a reliable family sedan? Maybe you need something for road trips, or perhaps you simply need something for daily commutes. No matter your situation, there are many reasons to consider a used Toyota Camry. One of the number one reasons, however, is their reliability and lifespan.
At Toyota Direct’s car dealership near Columbus, Ohio, we have a lot of knowledge regarding the benefits of owning a Toyota Camry, and we can assure you that they outlast most other vehicles in their class. To describe what makes a Toyota Camry so great and reliable, we at Toyota Direct have compiled a list of the benefits that come with owning a Toyota Camry.
-
Incredible Longevity If Maintained Well
Upon browsing some used Toyota Camrys, you will notice many different Camrys varying in years and mileage. You are sure to be surprised by the age and history of some of these Camrys, as most of them will still run smoothly. With this being said, the lifespan of a Toyota Camry is between 200,000 and 300,000 miles depending on how well it is maintained.
-
Servicing Tips
Whether you plan to buy a used car near Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere else, you should at least know some basics when it comes to car maintenance. Maintenance is essential to keeping a Camry running for a long time, and you can view some of the most important servicing tips below:
- Check and change fluids as needed
- Inspect tire wear and pressure
- Rotate tires periodically
- Keep a clean car
-
Reliable Performance And Handling
What makes a used Toyota Camry last so long is the reliable and durable components under the hood. Delivering a smooth and reliable driving experience, the Camry makes for the perfect family car. Below, you can take a look at the performance specifications for the Camry:
- 206hp 2.5L Four-Cylinder Engine
- FWD w/ Available AWD
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
If you want to feel this reliable performance and handling for yourself, don’t hesitate to contact Toyota Direct’s car dealership near Columbus, Ohio, or any Toyota dealer near you to schedule a test drive.
-
Great Fuel Economy
While shopping at a Toyota Direct’s car dealership near Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere else, fuel economy is probably something important to you, especially with the rising gas prices.
Fortunately, the Toyota Camry features some of the best fuel economies among family sedans, with 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Additionally, if you opt for the Hybrid model, you can get a combined fuel efficiency of 52 mpg, saving you a lot of money at the pump.
-
Dependable Safety
Suppose you’re browsing Toyota used cars in Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere else. While shopping, safety is likely an important factor in your car decision. With a five-star NHTSA safety rating and as IIHS’s Top Safety Pick, safety is a significant reason to consider a used Toyota Camry for sale. Equipped with a suite of safety features with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, the Camry makes for a confident and comfortable driving experience. The standard safety features of the Camry can be found below:
- Pre-Collision System w/ Pedestrian Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning w/ Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing
- Auto High Beams
- Road Sign Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
If you have any questions about the Camry’s safety features or the optional safety features offered, you can contact Performance CJDR’s Columbus used car dealer or any Toyota dealer near you.
-
Trim Levels
When visiting Performance CJDR to browse Toyota used cars in Columbus, Ohio, the number of trim options among Toyota Camrys is bound to catch your eye. Each trim option provides different features and performance upgrades. Listed below, you can browse all the trim options that the Camry has to offer:
- LE
- SE
- SE Nightshade
- XLE
- XSE
- TRD
- XLE V6
- XSE V6
- Hybrid LE
- Hybrid SE
- Hybrid Nightshade
- Hybrid XLE
- Hybrid XSE
How To Buy A Car With Bad Credit
Having bad credit can pose all sorts of financial challenges, especially if you want to finance a car. Perhaps you’ve already been to several dealerships only to be turned away or told you don’t qualify for a loan with your credit. If you aren’t looking in the right places, the car shopping experience can become discouraging very quickly. With this being said, bad credit car dealers are the right place to look, and they are a fantastic solution for anyone looking for a car with low credit.
At Toyota Direct’s bad credit dealer, we thoroughly understand the process of buying a car with bad credit. For this reason, we have put together a list below on how you can effectively and quickly buy a car with bad credit.
-
Understand Credit And How A Loan Will Impact It
Before deciding to finance a car, you should first get an understanding of your credit. The reason you should understand your credit is that a loan will always have an impact on your credit score. Whether you are getting an auto loan with bad credit or good credit, your credit score will either improve or decrease depending on if you make payments or miss payments on an auto loan.
-
Set A Budget
To finance a car, there are a few things that should first be done to prepare. The most essential thing is to determine a budget. After all, you wouldn’t want to walk into a dealership without knowing how much you want to spend, as it could lead to major buyer’s remorse. This is especially true regarding car loans for bad credit, as many buyers with low credit are in tight financial situations. To calculate a budget, you should take a look at your financial situation and all the financial factors that come with buying a car, which can be seen in the following list:
- Vehicle Cost
- Registration
- Maintenance
- Fuel
- Insurance
- Initial Fees/Taxes
-
Search For Reliable Bad Credit Dealerships
Because of a few bad apples with predatory selling tactics, a lot of bad credit car dealers get a negative reputation. However, there are a few qualities you can look for to avoid these bad apples and ensure you find a reliable bad credit dealer. The qualities to look for in a bad credit dealership can be seen below:
- Easy-to-use website
- Friendly customer service
- Positive reviews
- Many forms of communication
- Diverse inventory
Toyota Direct’s Columbus used car dealer is a stellar example of what to expect from a bad credit dealer, and you can visit our website to compare it against any bad credit dealers near you.
-
Save For A Down Payment Or Make A Trade-In
A popular way to save money on vehicles is a down payment or trade-in. They both act similarly, saving you money on an auto loan’s minimum payments. If you can’t make a down payment, bad credit dealers, fortunately, require little to no down payments. Trade-ins are also a great alternative to a down payment, and bad credit car dealers are more than willing to take trade-ins. In fact, they sometimes offer trade-in incentives that can help you to save big on bad credit car loans.
-
Consider A Co-Signer
The final thing to consider when shopping for a car with low credit is whether or not you want a co-signer. A co-signer is beneficial in many ways, lowering the risk to the lender by taking over any missed payments. Reducing the financial risk to the lender also, in turn, allows the lender to improve your loan eligibility and sometimes reduce a loan’s rates. Also, there is a lot of responsibility that comes with being a co-signer; therefore, you should designate someone you trust to be your co-signer, such as a close friend or family member.
Does Toyota Make The Best Trucks?
Are you in search of the top truck for sale near you? If so, the top truck for you will depend on what you want out of a truck. However, you should note that Toyota is one of the best truck brands in America, providing reliable and durable options for everyone with their two truck models and wide range of trim levels.
As a Toyota car dealership near Columbus, Ohio, we at Toyota Direct understand everything Toyota. For this reason, we wanted to inform you about Toyota trucks to describe what makes them the best. To do this, we have put together a list below of the two truck models and what they have to offer.
Toyota Tacoma
The first and smaller among Toyota trucks is the Toyota Tacoma. There are many benefits to finding a Toyota Tacoma for sale, including off-roading.
- Performance and Handling
The Toyota Tacoma sets itself apart from other trucks for sale near you with its incredible performance and handling. With the ability to take on rugged and rough terrains, the components of the Tacoma provide for an amazing driving experience on and off the road. Take a look at the Tacoma’s performance specifications below:
- 3.5L Direct-Injection V6 Engine
- 6-Speed Auto Transmission
- Crawl Control
- Bilstein Suspension
- Multi-Terrain Select
- Hill-Start Assist Control
- Towing Capacity
Towing is one of the most popular reasons to consider a truck for sale near you. Fortunately, Toyota trucks are no stranger to towing, including the Tacoma. Depending on the engine you choose, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs. or a small camper, boat, or trailer.
- Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Tacoma does well compared to other trucks in its class. The Tacoma features a fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, saving you more money at the pump than most trucks.
- Trim Levels
When you visit Toyota Direct’s car dealership near Columbus, Ohio, you are sure to be surprised by the variety of trim levels available among Toyota Tacomas, which each provide different uses. This includes trims such as the TRD Off-Road, which is specifically designed for off-roading. Below, you can take a look at the trim levels offered by the Tacoma:
- SR
- SR5
- TRD Sport
- TRD Off-Road
- Limited
- TRD Pro
Toyota Tundra
The other truck that you will notice at any Toyota dealership is a Toyota Tundra for sale. As the biggest truck made by Toyota, the Tundra is able to conquer just about any task, making for the perfect work truck.
- Performance and Handling
Not only is the Tundra the biggest truck, but it is also the most powerful. To provide this power, there are some outstanding components under the hood of the Tundra. Below, you can take a look at the components featured by the Tundra:
- 3.5L i-Force Twin-Turbo V6 Engine
- 10-Speed Auto Transmission
- AWD
- Crawl Control
- Multi-Terrain Select
- Adaptive Variable Suspension
- Towing Capacity
Of all the Toyota trucks at Toyota Direct’s car dealership near Columbus, Ohio, the Tundra delivers the most in terms of towing capacity. Providing up to 12,000 lbs. of hauling power, the Tundra can tow anything, from a camper to a large boat.
- Fuel Efficiency
Something you likely don’t associate with trucks for sale near Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere else is fuel efficiency. However, both of Toyota’s trucks offer a good fuel efficiency among trucks, with the Tundra providing 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
- Trim Levels
While browsing our Toyota dealership near Columbus, Ohio, or any Toyota dealer near you, you will probably notice the diverse range of trim levels that the Tundra has to offer. Just like the Tacoma, the Tundra provides a variety of trim options with different features and performance upgrades. The right trim option for you will be unique to you, depending on your wants and needs out of a truck. In the following list, you can see the trim levels among Toyota Tundras:
- SR
- SR5
- Limited
- Platinum
- 1794 Edition
- TRD Pro
- Capstone
What Is The Best Used Toyota SUV?
Are you in the market for a used SUV for sale near you? If so, you probably want something with a reputation for quality and reliability. As one of America’s most popular SUV manufacturers, Toyota prides itself in the incredible quality of its SUVs.
With a variety of Toyota SUV models and trims, there is also something for everyone. The best SUV for you will depend on your lifestyle and needs from an SUV. You’ll see this variety at Toyota Direct’s used car dealership near Columbus, Ohio, where we know everything when it comes to Toyota SUVs. For that reason, we wanted to help you in considering which Toyota SUV is best for you by providing a list of the three most popular models among Toyota SUVs.
Toyota Highlander
When browsing Toyota used SUVs for sale near you, the mid-size crossover Toyota Highlander is the perfect option for anyone in need of passenger space. Whether you have a large family or a lot of friends, the Highlander is very accommodating, fitting up to eight passengers with three-row seating.
- Performance
When it comes to performance, the Highlander provides a smooth and reliable performance that allows for some off-roading. Below is a list of the Highlander’s performance specifications:
- 295hp 3.5L V6 Engine
- FWD/Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD
- Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Safety
In general, all Toyota SUVs provide excellent safety, including a used Toyota Highlander for sale. With a five-star NHTSA safety rating, the Highlander features a suite of safety features with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. The features provided in this safety package can be seen in the following list:
- Pre-Collision System with Low-Light Pedestrian Detection
- Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing
- Lane Departure Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear-Cross Traffic Warning
- Parking Assist with Auto-Braking
- Seating Capacity
The Highlander sets itself apart from other Toyota SUV models with its spacious seating capacity. Depending on the trim you choose, it is capable of holding either seven or eight passengers with three rows of seating.
- Fuel Efficiency
The Highlander has stellar fuel efficiency for an SUV, providing a standard fuel efficiency of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. If you really want to stretch your gas tank, you could also consider the Highlander Hybrid, which provides an incredible 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Toyota RAV4
Next in the lineup of Toyota SUVs and by far the most popular Toyota SUV is the Toyota RAV4. There are many reasons to consider a used Toyota RAV4 for sale; however, the most popular reason is its versatility. They are capable of comfortably seating passengers while also comfortably fitting any cargo, making for the best of both worlds.
- Performance
The practical and efficient performance of the RAV4 provides excellent value. With different available trim levels, there are also varied performance upgrades that allow for some serious fun on and off the road. Below, you can take a look at what the RAV4 has to offer when it comes to performance:
- 203hp 2.5L Four-Cylinder Engine
- FWD/AWD
- Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Safety
Just like any other Toyota SUV, the RAV4 is no stranger to safety. In fact, it has a five-star NHTSA rating. Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, the RAV4’s safety features can be seen below:
- Lane Tracing
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Road Sign Assist
- Pre-Collision System with Low-Light Pedestrian Detection
- Auto High Beams
- Lane Departure Alert
- Seating Capacity
Holding up to five passengers, the RAV4 allows for plenty of legroom. The roomy interior also provides plenty of cargo space, making the RAV4 the perfect SUV for outdoor adventures or road trips.
- Fuel Efficiency
In terms of fuel efficiency, the RAV4 is unmatched compared to other used SUVs for sale near you. Offering 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, the stock RAV4 has excellent value, saving you money on gas. If you want to save even more money at the pump, the RAV4 hybrid provides incredible fuel efficiency, featuring 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
Toyota 4Runner
The final Toyota SUV model among Toyota’s most popular SUVs is the Toyota 4Runner. Of all the Toyota SUVs, the 4Runner is one of the most off-road capable SUVs, with trims specifically designed for off-roading.
- Performance
Delivering some of the most powerful performance, used Toyota 4Runners provide for an exhilarating driving experience, on and off the road. To see what makes this possible, take a look at the performance specifications for the 4Runner below:
- 270hp 4.0L V6 Engine
- RWD/AWD
- Five-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Safety
Although it’s not as high as other Toyota SUVs, the 4Runner still has a 4-star NHTSA safety rating, providing for a reliable driving experience. Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, the 4Runner’s safety features can be seen in the following list:
- Pre-Collision System with Low-Light Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Auto High Beams
- Seating Capacity
Aside from safety and performance, the 4Runner also does great when it comes to seating capacity. It typically seats five passengers, like the RAV4. However, you can upgrade to accommodate up to seven passengers. There is also plenty of room for cargo in the 4Runner’s spacious interior.
- Fuel Efficiency
With the lowest fuel efficiency among Toyota SUVs, the 4Runner trades off fuel efficiency for off-road power and capability. With this being said, the 4Runner’s fuel efficiency is average compared to some other trucks and SUVs, offering 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
What Is A Good Credit Score For A Car Loan?
Credit scores are essential to a lot of financial choices throughout life, including getting an auto loan. If you look at bad credit car loan rates versus good credit car loan rates, you will surely see the impact a credit score can have on a loan. With this being said, you likely want to avoid getting an auto loan for bad credit.
At this point, you’re likely wondering what a good credit score would be for a car loan. Fortunately, we at Toyota Direct’s used car lot near Columbus, Ohio, have a good understanding of the car financing process, and we are here to help inform you on credit scores for car loans. Therefore, we have compiled a list of all of the credit tiers for an auto loan and how each tier affects the loan according to Experian Information Solutions.
- Superprime
The top credit tier you can be in when qualifying for used car loan rates is superprime. To be in this tier, you have to have a credit score between 781 and 850. As the best credit bracket to be in, there are several benefits to being a superprime buyer. These benefits include not having to have a co-signer and extremely low rates on an auto loan, averaging around 3.61%.
- Prime
The next car financing credit tier is prime. Prime buyers have a credit score between 661 and 780. Prime and superprime buyers also represent 56% of auto loans, as reported by Experian. Therefore, a good credit score that allows you to easily qualify for an auto loan is anywhere between 661 and 850. Prime buyers get similar benefits to superprime, not requiring co-signers but with slightly higher interest rates. According to Experian, prime interest rates average at 5.38%.
- Nonprime
After prime comes the nonprime credit tier. This tier is where auto loans for bad credit come into play. A nonprime credit score is between 601-660. Hence, as a prime buyer, it may be a bit more difficult to qualify for an auto loan compared to prime and superprime buyers. You may have to get a co-signer, and you will experience higher interest rates, averaging at 9.8%. There are also bad credit dealers who cater specifically to nonprime buyers and below.
- Subprime
Below nonprime is the subprime credit bracket. Subprime buyers have credit scores ranging between 501 and 600. They typically need co-signers, and rates on nonprime auto loans for bad credit average at 15.96%, which is fairly high.
- Deeper Subprime
The final and lowest credit tier for car loans is deeper subprime. Buyers in this tier have credit scores varying from 300 to 500. As a deeper subprime buyer, it can be challenging to qualify for an auto loan, and the above-mentioned bad credit car loans are typically the only way to qualify. Offering these loans are bad credit car dealers, which determine loan eligibility using factors other than credit, such as income-to-debt ratio. Interest rates for these deeper subprime bad credit car loans average around 19.87%, and a co-signer is usually required.
- Improving Your Credit
If you find yourself in any of the tiers below prime, improving your credit score could make it a lot easier to qualify for an auto loan. To help you improve your score and reach the prime tier, we have provided a short list below of several ways to improve your credit score:
- Timely paying off present debt
- Review credit reports to see why your score is low
- Strive for 30% credit utilization or less
- Keep old accounts open
- Deal with any financial delinquencies
- Limit new credit card requests
Is Buying A Used Corolla Worth It?
The Toyota Corolla is known as one of America’s most popular compact cars. The reason for this popularity is all of the benefits that come with owning a Corolla. For a budget-friendly price, there is a lot that sets a used Toyota Corolla for sale apart from other compact cars.
As a certified Toyota Columbus used dealer, we at Toyota Direct have a lot of knowledge regarding the perks of Toyota Corollas. Because of this, we have compiled a list of six highlights and reasons to consider getting a Corolla of your own.
- Reliability For An Affordable Price
When you plan on financing a used car, you likely want something affordable and within your price range. Fortunately, a used Toyota Corolla for sale is a perfect choice when looking for something of good quality for a low price. According to Edmunds.com, the average price of a Toyota Corolla is around $20,000. Of course, the price will vary with different years and trim levels. At Toyota Direct’s Columbus used car dealer, we always have incredible prices on our vast selection of Toyota Corollas.
- Incredible Fuel Efficiency
Whether you are looking at used cars near Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere else, you are probably aiming for something with good fuel efficiency if you commute a lot or plan on taking road trips. Lucky for you, one of the best reasons to find a used Toyota Corolla for sale is fuel efficiency. Depending on the powertrain you choose, the Corolla offers up to an impressive 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
- High Safety Ratings
With an overall safety rating of five stars from the NHTSA, the Toyota Corolla boasts stellar safety, featuring a suite of safety features with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. Below, you can take a look at the safety features that come standard with the Corolla:
- Pre-Collision System
- Lane Departure Alert
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Auto High Beams
- Road Sign Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Effective Performance And Smooth Handling
While test driving a Toyota Corolla at Toyota Direct’s Columbus used car dealer or any Toyota dealership near you, you will likely be surprised by the Corolla’s performance and handling. It’s what’s under the hood, along with the quality components of the Corolla, that makes all of this possible. Listed below are the stock performance specifications of the Toyota Corolla:
- 139hp 1.8L Four-Cylinder Engine
- CVT Auto Transmission
- FWD
- Many Tech Features
Another benefit of owning a used Toyota Corolla is the many various tech features. When it comes to tech, the Corolla is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, a wi-fi hotspot, Android Auto, Remote Connect, and Alexa compatibility. Overall, all of these features make for a more comfortable and convenient driving experience.
- A Trim For Everyone
Aside from all of the features that come with the Corolla, another significant perk is the many different trim options from which you can choose. Each trim option provides various improvements and performance upgrades. Hence, the trim for you will depend on your needs and wants out of a Corolla. The following list details all trim levels offered for the Toyota Corolla:
- L
- LE
- SE
- SE Nightshade Edition
- SE Apex Edition
- XLE
- XSE
- XSE Apex Edition
With so many different trim options, there truly is a trim level for everyone.
In conclusion, we hope this list will assist you in considering the benefits that come with owning a Toyota Corolla. If you are interested in buying a Corolla or any other Toyota vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact Toyota Direct or any Toyota dealer near you to discuss used car loan rates.
Are Toyota Tacomas Reliable?
If you are in the market for a truck for sale near Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere else, you’re probably wondering which truck is the most reliable and suitable for you. While on the road, one of the most common trucks to see is a Toyota Tacoma. The reason you’ve seen so many Tacomas is in part because of their popularity, and this popularity is due to the many perks that come with owning a Tacoma.
To help describe the benefits of finding a Toyota Tacoma for sale, we at Toyota Direct have put together a list of six of the main benefits and highlights of the Toyota Tacoma. Overall, we hope that this list will help you to consider making a Toyota Tacoma your next truck.
- Built For Durability
When it comes to durability, the Toyota Tacoma sets itself apart from other trucks for sale near Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere else. In fact, because of their durable components, most Tacomas are capable of lasting between 300,000 and 400,000 miles if they are well maintained.
- Towing Capacity
Towing is one of the most popular benefits of finding a truck for sale near you. Fortunately, Toyota Tacomas for sale are perfectly capable of towing, offering anywhere between 3,500 and 6,500 lbs. of towing capacity depending on your desired trim. Hence, Tacomas are capable of hauling a lot, from a small camper to a boat.
- Off-Roading
Aside from towing and durability, another benefit of owning a Toyota Tacoma is off-roading. Most trucks are capable of off-roading; however, the Tacoma has trims specifically tuned for off-roading. These trims allow the Tacoma to tackle terrain and inclines that many other trucks cannot. Hence, if you are an off-road enthusiast, don’t hesitate to browse Tacoma’s off-road trim options.
- Fuel Economy
When you think of trucks for sale near Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere else, you probably don’t equate a truck with fuel efficiency. Surprisingly, however, the Toyota Tacoma for sale has made leaps and bounds in terms of fuel economy. A newer Tacoma offers up to 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, providing for an affordable driving experience compared to other trucks.
- Safety
Toyota is well known for its safety, providing a suite of safety features in their Toyota Safety Sense package that comes standard with all Toyota trucks for sale. These safety features provide for a more confident and comfortable ride. Below you can take a look at what is offered with Toyota’s Safety Sense package:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Auto High Beams
- Forward Collision Alerts
- Auto Emergency Braking
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Unique Trim Levels
While visiting Toyota Direct’s Toyota dealership near Columbus, Ohio, or any Toyota dealer near you, you will likely notice some varied versions of the Toyota Tacoma. These different versions are the different trim levels offered among Tacomas. Each trim level provides unique uses and performance upgrades. You can take a look at the list below, which details each trim level with a brief description:
- SR: Stock Model
- SR5: Stock Model w/ Extra Features
- TRD Sport: Upgraded Sport Model w/ Extra Interior Features And Safety
- TRD Off-Road: Off-Road Model w/ Off-Road Tuned Components
- Limited: Luxury Model Made For Comfort And Convenience
- TRD Pro: Ultimate Off-Road Model w/ Off-Road Tuned Components And Additional Off-Road Features
In conclusion, we hope that this list assists you in considering the benefits of owning a Toyota Tacoma. If you can see yourself behind the wheel of a Toyota Tacoma, don’t hesitate to contact Toyota Direct or any Toyota dealer near you to discuss Toyota finance deals.
Connect with us
