Q1 2018 Auto Financing Report
3:24 AMPosted by: John S Kiernan
Consumer research and ratings firm J.D. Power has released its January auto sales forecast, and the trends aren’t looking great for the industry. This month’s sales will fall for the second year in a row, with a 2.7% decrease from last year. But lower January sales are usually expected, as the industry makes a lot of December sales trying to get rid of old models. And with dealers offering even bigger savings during Presidents’ Day weekend, especially on older models, potential buyers will certainly be asking: Is now a good time to purchase a car?
At the moment, the market appears to be tilting in favor of the consumer. But there are more questions than just whether or not to buy. Should buyers apply for financing from banks, credit unions or manufacturers? Which manufacturers offer the best financing and leasing terms? How do interest rates compare for new versus used vehicles?
WalletHub answers these questions and more below, based on a detailed analysis of financing offers from a diverse group of more than 150 lenders. The data provided in this report, along with our panel discussion featuring industry experts, will help you make an informed decision. Read on for our findings.
- Key Findings
- Who Offers the Best Rates?
- Rates over Time
- Excellent vs. Fair Credit Score
- Manufacturer Transparency
- Debt Levels over Time
- Ask the Experts
- Methodology
- Historical Data
- Interest rates for new cars are at one of their lowest point in the past three years. However, the average new-car loan now charges 14 percent less interest than the average used-car loan.
- Now is the time for people with excellent credit to buy used cars. The average interest rate for such buyers has fallen nearly 10 percent since Q1 2015.
- Overall, buyers who have fair credit will end up spending about five times more to finance a vehicle than someone with excellent credit, which equates to $6,267 in additional interest payments over the life of a $20,000, five-year loan.
- Consumers in the market for a new car should start their search for financing with car manufacturers (rates 42 percent below average) and credit unions (19 percent below average). National banks (10 percent above average) and regional banks (24 percent above average) should be secondary options.
- Car manufacturers continue to lack transparency when it comes to leasing offers, with the average one receiving a WalletHub Transparency Score of 4.5 out of 10. The most transparent manufacturers currently include Infiniti, Mini, BMW, Mercedes, Honda, Volkswagen, Toyota, Nissan, Audi and Hyundai, but even they registered only a 6-point rating.
- Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, Toyota and Dodge offer the lowest financing rates among the major car manufacturers surveyed by WalletHub. Toyota, Hyundai, Lexus, Jaguar, Mazda, BMW and Subaru have the best leasing offers.
Embed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/10131/auto-columnchart1.html" width="780" height="450" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:780px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2Hbug5Q>Note: Above data is based on a 36-month term.
Financing Offers by Car ManufacturerIt is important for consumers to understand that car-dealership financing offers may come from the financing arm of a car manufacturer or from a third-party financial institution. The following offers reflect financing available directly from car manufacturers’ financing arms.
Car Manufacturer |
Financing APR Q1 2018 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) Q1 2018 |
---|---|---|
Honda | 3.90% | 6.87% |
Toyota | 0.90% | 2.12% |
Volkswagen | 1.90% | 4.18% |
Chevrolet | 2.99% | 4.61% |
BMW | 3.89% | 3.79% |
Nissan | 0.00% | 4.74% |
Hyundai | 0.00% | 2.51% |
Kia | 2.90% | 6.59% |
Mazda | 0.00% | 3.49% |
Acura | 0.90% | 6.71% |
Ford | 0.00% | 6.78% |
Audi | 2.99% | 4.71% |
Infiniti | 3.59% | 4.99% |
Subaru | 0.00% | 3.84% |
Lexus | 2.90% | 2.73% |
Mercedes | 3.99% | 6.46% |
Dodge | 0.00% | 8.11% |
Volvo | 2.59% | 5.70% |
Cadillac | 1.90% | 5.11% |
Jaguar | 1.90% | 3.15% |
Mini | 0.90% | 10.29% |
Buick | 2.99% | 5.46% |
Average | 1.87% | 5.13% |
Note: Above data are based on a 36-month term. The APRs presented for the financing and lease programs of the car manufactures are informational only. The actual obtainable values are based on various factors, including the borrower’s creditworthiness, income, location of residence, promotional programs and even negotiation skills. Make sure to always check upfront with a dealer about the availability of any discounts for particular groups (e.g., military personnel with USAA membership) that you might qualify for and any other costs/restrictions that may be imposed, especially in the case of lease contracts.
Rates over TimeEmbed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/10131/auto-linechart1.html" width="780" height="450" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:780px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2Hbug5Q>Note: Above data is based on a 36-month term.
Excellent vs. Fair Credit ScoreEmbed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/10131/auto-columnchart2.html" width="780" height="450" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:780px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2Hbug5Q>Note: Above data reflects a $20,000 five-year loan for a new car with a fixed interest rate, using WalletHub’s interest-rate data from Q1 2018.
Embed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/10131/auto-linechart2.html" width="780" height="450" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:780px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2Hbug5Q> Manufacturer TransparencyLeasing offers are the most difficult type of car-purchasing arrangement for consumers to understand, as they lack the equivalent of an APR that can be used for comparison. As a result, the transparency of manufacturers about these deals is integral to a consumer’s ability to make an informed decision.
Manufacturer |
Transp. Score - Q1 2018 |
Manufacturer |
Transp. Score - Q1 2018 |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Infiniti | 6 | Acura | 5 | |
Mini | 6 | Subaru | 5 | |
BMW | 6 | Kia | 3 | |
Mercedes | 6 | Ford | 3 | |
Honda | 6 | Dodge | 3 | |
Volkswagen | 6 | Volvo | 3 | |
Toyota | 6 | Lexus | 3 | |
Nissan | 6 | Chrysler | 3 | |
Audi | 6 | Buick | 2 | |
Hyundai | 6 | Cadillac | 2 | |
Mazda | 5 | Chevrolet | 2 |
Embed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/10131/auto-linechart5.html" width="780" height="450" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:780px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2Hbug5Q>Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Embed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/10131/auto-linechart6.html" width="780" height="450" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:780px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2Hbug5Q>Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Embed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/10131/auto-linechart7.html" width="780" height="450" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:780px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2Hbug5Q>Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Embed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/10131/auto-linechart8.html" width="780" height="450" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:780px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2Hbug5Q>Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Ask the ExpertsIf you aren’t carefully monitoring the trends in car sales, you might miss out on a good deal — or buy at the wrong time. For additional insight into the car-buying process and related issues, we asked a panel of experts to weigh in with their thoughts on the following key questions:
- On a scale of 1 (an emphatic no) to 10 (an emphatic yes), is this a good time of year to buy a car?
- Do you expect auto financing deals to improv,get worse or stay the same over the next 12 months?
- What steps can buyers and dealers take to make the car buying process more transparent and hassle-free?
- What tips do you have for individuals with fair or poor credit who are looking for an auto loan?
- What are some signs that you may be getting ripped off in the auto-financing process?
Ajay Kalra Herbert S. Autrey Professor of Marketing in the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University
Amiya Basu Professor of Marketing in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University
Laongdao "Tak" Suppasettawat President and Founder of TAK Advisory, LLC
Michael Solari Principal of Solari Financial Planning, LLC
Steven Stanganelli Certified Financial Planner & Money Coach at Clear View Wealth Advisors, LLC
Morgan Smith Partner & Financial Planner at WorthPointe Financial Planners
Jane Evelyn Financial Advisor at Beck Bode Wealth Management
Sharon Lear Founder of Guideway Financial
Daosith Lemay Financial Advisor and Research Analyst at Financial Focus, Inc.
Rich Colman Co-founder of Colman Knight Advisory Group, LLC

On a scale of 1 (an emphatic no) to 10 (an emphatic yes), is this a good time of year to buy a car?
8 -- after a long time, there has been a dip in sales last year. Also, the economy is good, and the interest rates are low.
Do you expect auto financing deals to improve/get worse/stay the same over the next 12 months?
They are likely to improve a little in the short term, but a lot in the long term (maybe after 12 months). Auto financing has not really changed much for a long time, though car selling has gone more digital. Also, there have been changes, such as the popular Costco Auto Program, which takes a lot of hassle out of negotiating car prices.
Auto financing is ripe now for changes. Auto financing usually gets very low ratings from customers. So, there is great opportunity to make the process easier. There are many start-ups who are using technology, for example providing apps that will make it much easier and much more transparent to compare different deals. It will also take out the pain of the time involved, and the hard sell that usually accompanies financing.
What steps can buyers and dealers take to make the car buying process more transparent and hassle-free?
As I mentioned above, the impetus is going to come from technological changes. The dealers can make it easier, but are unlikely to. They have little incentive to make it hassle-free, as a great deal of their profits come from financing.
What tips do you have for individuals with fair or poor credit who are looking for an auto loan?
I would encourage them to do as much comparison shopping as possible -- ask their banks, credit unions, and also search for the apps (one example is AutoGravity). After seeing what you can get from these apps, see if you can get a better deal from the dealer or the bank.
What are some signs that you may be getting ripped off in the auto financing process?
One sign is when the dealer starts mixing the trade-in with the auto financing. Also, when the dealer emphasized the monthly payments, rather than telling you what the total cost of the car will be.
Amiya Basu Professor of Marketing in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University
On a scale of 1 (an emphatic no) to 10 (an emphatic yes), is this a good time of year to buy a car?
Regarding the time to buy cars, I see the best prices around August, when the new models are starting to come in. So, on a 1-to-10 scale, I give this time of the year a 4.
Do you expect auto financing deals to improve/get worse/stay the same over the next 12 months?
As the interest rates are likely to rise, auto financing rates should go up as well, although maybe not by much.
What steps can buyers and dealers take to make the car buying process more transparent and hassle-free?
Buyers can look at sites like www.CarsDirect.com, to get an idea of reasonable, baseline prices. That price can be the starting point in a negotiation with a car dealer.
What tips do you have for individuals with fair or poor credit who are looking for an auto loan?
It may be best to have financing in place when one goes to a dealership. Credit unions generally have good rates for their members.
What are some signs that you may be getting ripped off in the auto financing process?
One should first find the credit union rates, and then go to the dealership. Also, low early rates that may be adjusted later is a red flag.
Laongdao "Tak" Suppasettawat President and Founder of TAK Advisory, LLC
On a scale of 1 (an emphatic no) to 10 (an emphatic yes), is this a good time of year to buy a car?
8 -- buy only when you need it.
Do you expect auto financing deals to improve/get worse/stay the same over the next 12 months?
Worse, since interest rates are expected to go up by at least 0.75-1 percent.
What steps can buyers and dealers take to make the car buying process more transparent and hassle-free?
Change from commission-based to fee/salary-based for car salesmen. Reward employees due to customer satisfaction. Promote ethical and professional standards. Create an itemized pricing sheet that shows commission charged -- apple-to-apple comparisons. Manufacturers and dealers’ arrangements have to change, so that dealers do not have to carry high inventory level to meet sales target or loose dealership.
Buyers must do their homework and prioritize needs and wants, stick to their budget, and they shouldn’t be afraid to walk away, sleep on it and take time to understand the differences between models and prices.
What tips do you have for individuals with fair or poor credit who are looking for an auto loan?
To live in a place with public transportation. Don’t buy a car unless you can afford to buy and maintain. If you really need to, save for down payment to lower loan amount and borrowing cost. Shortening the loan term will also help lower the costs.
What are some signs that you may be getting ripped off in the auto financing process?
How the salesperson and the dealer are compensated -- check rates online with comparable credit score.
Michael Solari Principal of Solari Financial Planning, LLC
What steps can buyers and dealers take to make the car buying process more transparent and hassle-free?
First, you should have a really good idea of the make and model you want before thinking about where to go. Then, buyers should start negotiating online with the dealerships. You can quickly get a sense of who wants to work with you, and you can narrow down your search pretty quickly. You'll want to know what the out-the-door price is before you step into the dealership. If you do these things, you'll have a better idea of what your car will cost.
Steven Stanganelli Certified Financial Planner & Money Coach at Clear View Wealth Advisors, LLC
On a scale of 1 (an emphatic no) to 10 (an emphatic yes), is this a good time of year to buy a car?
8 -- if you need a car, you should buy one. Reliable transportation is a must. I prefer and recommend buying a used car, to avoid the hit on depreciation and potentially lower one’s excise tax and sales tax costs. The economy has been doing well, so there may be options for finding good used cars with low mileage, as others are trading up or coming off a lease.
Do you expect auto financing deals to improve/get worse/stay the same over the next 12 months?
Get slightly worse. As the economy expands, there is less of a motivation for dealers and manufacturers to offer special incentives. With the likely increases by the Fed, you’ll see lending rates increase as well. That being said, I believe that when the yield curve inverts (likely in the mid-2019), then a recession will follow. Then, there will be increased incentives to move product to maintain auto manufacturer bottom lines, and improve the economy generally.
What steps can buyers and dealers take to make the car buying process more transparent and hassle-free?
Car buyers need to come armed with information. They should do their homework. There are lots of sites online where information can be found about car prices and individual cars (Consumer Reports, Carfax). Car sellers could be more transparent by offering a Carfax report on each vehicle, and explaining what, if any, incentives they are receiving from manufacturers. Car buyers need to know their credit score and shop ahead for a loan and insurance. Then, they’ll be able to compare whatever financing options the dealer may have.
What tips do you have for individuals with fair or poor credit who are looking for an auto loan?
Get your credit score ahead of time, and work on whatever you can to correct misinformation. I also recommend building up cash for a larger down payment, so that they don’t have to finance as much.
What are some signs that you may be getting ripped off in the auto financing process?
Besides high-pressure tactics, I would say confusing paperwork and terms. Getting loaded with lots of after-market services is another problem. You may not need to buy a service package, extended warranties or extra auto detailing. These add to the cost, the loan amount, and the payment the car buyer will ultimately get.
Morgan Smith Partner & Financial Planner at WorthPointe Financial Planners
Do you expect auto financing deals to improve/get worse/stay the same over the next 12 months?
Moving forward, there should be more options for people looking to finance auto purchases, as fintech continues to make inroads to traditional financing mechanisms. An example of this is the recent announcement that Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (NMAC) has formed a partnership with FinTech AutoGravity. Consumers looking to purchase a Nissan may access retail and lease pre-approval offers through their smartphones using the AutoGravity app. NMAC said that with this collaboration, consumers will be able to select any Nissan vehicle and see finance offers from NMAC within minutes on their mobile device.
Having said that, consumers with lower credit quality will find it more difficult to be approved for new car loans, as the subprime rate increased last year from 15.91 percent to 16.84 percent, according to Cox Automotive. This might be reflected in increased auto payments, which might cause some consumers to look more closely at used, as opposed to new auto purchases. It might also make it harder to qualify for a loan with the increased cash flow requirements. But oftentimes, the major auto company finance arms will subsidize some of the financial risk in order to help sales goals.
What steps can buyers and dealers take to make the car buying process more transparent and hassle-free?
The consumer definitely has more power to make the car buying process more hassle-free, as there are many transparent data points for market value. The consumer can now get a clear understanding of dealer and market cost for the cars by utilizing car buying services and looking at broad, nationwide market data on websites like Autotrader.com. Additionally, for example, they can benchmark the value of their trade-in by bringing their car to CarMax and get a trade-in value on the spot. They might be able to get more or less depending on the market demand, but at least they have a starting point.
What tips do you have for individuals with fair or poor credit who are looking for an auto loan?
Shop for financing units that are willing to take on lower-credit-quality consumers, but beware of the higher costs and terms. Consumers can also save and pay cash or more cash to lower the loan amounts.
What are some signs that you may be getting ripped off in the auto financing process?
Make sure you independently know your credit score. If a loan person says your credit score is lower than it actually is, then that is a red flag. Also, be wary of folks that want to talk to you about financing before the price of the car is established.
Jane Evelyn Financial Advisor at Beck Bode Wealth Management
On a scale of 1 (an emphatic no) to 10 (an emphatic yes), is this a good time of year to buy a car?
I would say -- 9.
Do you expect auto financing deals to improve/get worse/stay the same over the next 12 months?
I expect them to get worse.
What steps can buyers and dealers take to make the car buying process more transparent and hassle-free?
Buyers should understand not only the features and the requirements that they have for their car, by researching vehicles and asking friends and acquaintances who have cars similar to the ones they are looking for. They should also understand the total cost of ownership (such as taxes, maintenance, financing options) before looking at proposals from sellers.
It is really up to the buyer to know what they are doing. Seller often makes most of their money on extended warrantee, financing, post-sale add-ons.
What tips do you have for individuals with fair or poor credit who are looking for an auto loan?
Since this is an opportunity for them to improve their credit rating and get the transportation that they need, they should look at cars that are well within their ability to pay and, if possible, make advance payments.
What are some signs that you may be getting ripped off in the auto financing process?
Dealerships that promote and focus on nothing down and extra-long payment options are often rewarded by finance companies, because the rate that the consumer will be stuck with is much greater than what one with their credit history would pay.
Sharon Lear Founder of Guideway Financial
We encourage our clients not to take on car loans, regardless of their wealth level. Car loans are consumer debt, which is considered “bad debt,” because it does not contribute toward increased earnings in the future. It is better to pay cash for a car, even if you must buy one that is older. Many cars run for 200,000 miles these days. Usually, some type of vehicle can be found that is affordable, perhaps even a motorcycle or scooter. If not, the individual may not be employed, in which case, he or she may have more time to walk, ride a bike, or take public transportation.
In rare cases, we may agree that taking on a car loan makes sense. An example is when a vehicle is required to drive to work, and without it, the individual would not be able to maintain the position. But we would suggest purchasing an inexpensive vehicle that can be paid off relatively quickly, and then keep driving it until enough money is saved to pay cash for the next one.
Once you buy one vehicle with cash, then you can save monthly for the next one, rather than making a monthly car payment. This saves money by avoiding interest payments, and it ensures you don’t buy a car that you cannot afford.
Daosith Lemay Financial Advisor and Research Analyst at Financial Focus, Inc.
On a scale of 1 (an emphatic no) to 10 (an emphatic yes), is this a good time of year to buy a car?
7 -- in general, interest rates remain relatively low, less than 5 percent annual percentage rate (APR), based on simple Internet search. It will be a better rate if your credit score is top tier. I recall a conversation with a client about financing their vehicle or buying outright. Based on the rate provided through the dealership, which was around 2 percent (if not less), we figured we could average a better return on their investments. From a timing standpoint, when you need a car, now is the best time. But if you can wait, I would think the latter half of the year would provide better opportunities, as models shift out for the next year and dealerships offer better incentives.
Do you expect auto financing deals to improve/get worse/stay the same over the next 12 months?
I would expect it to stay the same, perhaps worsen a little. The Fed is expected to raise rates a few times this year and if they do, we can expect the cost to borrow money to go up, as well.
What tips do you have for individuals with fair or poor credit who are looking for an auto loan?
As most people with poor credit, you will have to consider two options: put more money down, or find a financing program that works with your budget. The first is self-explanatory. The second option is determined on an individual basis, but it usually revolves around what you can afford monthly. A poor credit rating means more risk to the lender, and that means a higher rate. If the higher interest rate makes your payments too high, consider a longer-term loan, such as 60-, 72-, or ever 84-month loans. But understand that a longer loan program may mean paying for a vehicle that is roughly worthless (being underwater), needs major repairs, or is not wanted anymore.
Rich Colman Co-founder of Colman Knight Advisory Group, LLC
On a scale of 1 (an emphatic no) to 10 (an emphatic yes), is this a good time of year to buy a car?
5 -- the better question, though, is buying a car in the day (near the end), the week, near the model year end, when cars need to be sold for newer models (most new models are already in, which is why it is now a 5). Also, at the end of the day, the salesman may want to make a sale already. End of the month -- reach quotas, etc.
Do you expect auto financing deals to improve/get worse/stay the same over the next 12 months?
Auto financing rates will go up as interest rates go up in general. SUVs and pickups are in high demand, so those vehicles will not get as good a deal. Slow cars may have a better deal.
What steps can buyers and dealers take to make the car buying process more transparent and hassle-free?
For buyers -- know the car you desire, and let the dealer know the price you are willing to pay.
What tips do you have for individuals with fair or poor credit who are looking for an auto loan?
If the dealer wants to sell a car, he may work with a buyer with bad credit more to move the car. Check with credit bureaus to see what your credit score is.
What are some signs that you may be getting ripped off in the auto financing process?
Here are some of the signs:
- “Packed payments” -- the dealer includes extended warranties, GAP insurance, extra products into the loan that the buyer did not ask for.
- “Spot delivery scam” -- the dealer lets the buyer take the car home after the buyer fills out the financing request, and then the dealer calls to say the financing was rejected and you need to sign a financing at a higher rate (most people won’t give the car back).
- “Bad credit score scam” -- most people don’t know what their credit score is; the dealer does not show them the score and says it is bad -- the person, feeling desperate and worried they won’t get any financing, signs up for financing at a higher rate than their actual score would justify.
To conduct our analysis, we reviewed auto-financing offers from a sample of 158 lenders, including 27 “Community Banks” (<$1 billion in total deposit volume) and “Small Banks” ($1 billion to $10 billion in total deposit volume), 47 “Regional Banks” ($10 billion to $100 billion in total deposit volume), 10 “National Banks” (those with a national presence), 52 “Credit Unions” and 22 “Car Manufacturers.”
For comparison purposes, we used 36 months as the repayment term for both financing and lease programs.
For bank-originated loans, we applied the following assumptions:
- $20,000 Loan: New Cars
- $10,000 Loan: Used Cars
- 80 Percent Loan-to-Value Ratio
- Excellent Credit Score: 720+
In order to calculate the “Lease APR,” we used the following methodology:
- We calculated the difference between the price of the car at the beginning and end of the lease to represent the amount that someone “borrows” when he or she leases a car.
- We then multiplied the monthly payments with the term of the lease to obtain the total amount paid for that contract.
- Finally, we calculated the difference between the total amount of payments on the lease contract and the amount “borrowed” to represent the total amount of interest, in dollars, that was paid during that period.
We obtained car-manufacturer loan and lease data from manufacturer websites, where available, or contacted the manufacturer directly. We also applied the following assumptions:
- Excellent Credit Score: 720+
- Annual Expected Mileage for the Lease Program: 15,000
For each car manufacturer, we requested APR data from an AutoNews study published quarterly for the most popular model with the most basic equipment options available.
For the price of the car, we used the “Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price” (MSRP), minus any applicable dealer discount. Our sample of cars includes the following:
Car Manufacturer |
Car Model - Q1 2018 |
Car Price |
---|---|---|
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$23,038 |
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$24,700 |
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$19,886 |
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$18,000 |
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$38,536 |
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$21,925 |
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$16,245 |
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$18,960 |
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$16,500 |
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$25,000 |
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$19,715 |
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$31,877 |
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$55,101 |
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$25,356 |
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$35,911 |
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$52,500 |
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$29,590 |
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$33,215 |
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$44,954 |
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$55,255 |
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$24,860 |
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$33,595 |
Car Manufacturer & Dealer TransparencyHow easy is the process of obtaining complete financing and lease information from car manufacturers and dealers? – Worth 10 Points Total
- When lease information is provided on the manufacturer/dealer’s website, how complete is the info? – Worth 5 Points Total
- Monthly Payment + Lease Term – 0 points
- Car Price – 1 point
- Down Payment – 1 point
- Residual Value – 3 points
- Does the manufacturer/dealer provide complete lease info on its website for any car combo a consumer may choose? – Worth 1 Point Total
- Yes – 1 point
- No – 0 points
- How prevalent is the lease information provided on the manufacturer/dealer’s website? – Worth 2 Points Total
- Complete info not provided – 0 points
- Complete info provided but in fine print or hard to find – 1 point
- Complete info provided and prevalent – 2 points
- Does the manufacturer/dealer provide complete lease info offline? - Worth 2 Points Total
- Both car manufacturers and dealers willing to provide complete info – 2 points
- Only car manufacturers willing to provide complete info – 1 point
- Only car dealers willing to provide complete info – 1 point
- Neither car manufacturers nor dealers willing to provide complete info – 0 points
Historical Data Car Loan APRs 2013-2017 Note: Below data are based on a 36-month term.
Q4 2017 (vs. last yr) |
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|
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National and Regional Banks – New Cars | 3.90% (2.07%) | 3.84% (0.97%) | 3.88% (-0.62%) | 3.83% (-7.66%) | 3.82% (-6.30%) | 3.81% (-11.36%) | 3.90% (-8.91%) | 4.15% (-3.20%) | 4.08% (-5.25%) | 4.29% (-0.76%) | 4.28% (-1.45%) | 4.29% (-2.44%) | 4.31% (-3.20%) | 4.33% (-2.55%) | 4.34% (-3.74%) | 4.39% (-5.26%) | 4.45% (-7.87%) |
National and Regional Banks – Used Cars |
4.57% (1.00%) | 4.54% (0.80%) | 4.58% (0.81%) | 4.53% (-4.27%) | 4.53% (-5.79%) | 4.50% (-10.84%) | 4.54% (-8.76%) | 4.73% (-4.73%) | 4.81% (-6.14%) | 5.05% (1.47%) | 4.98% (-0.98%) | 4.96% (-1.30%) | 5.12% (-1.16%) | 4.98% (-2.04%) | 5.02% (-2.84%) | 5.03% (-4.65%) | 5.18% (-5.90%) |
Credit Unions – New Cars |
2.55% (17.65%) | 2.48% (12.58%) | 2.41% (9.18%) | 2.30% (4.56%) | 2.17% (0.29%) | 2.20% (1.06%) | 2.21% (-7.43%) | 2.20% (-8.62%) | 2.16% (-11.40%) | 2.18% (-11.97%) | 2.39% (-3.58%) | 2.41% (-4.24%) | 2.44% (9.25%) | 2.47% (N/A) | 2.48% (N/A) | 2.51% (N/A) | 2.24% (N/A) |
Credit Union – Used Cars |
2.84% (15.85%) | 2.73% (10.91%) | 2.68% (7.55%) | 2.59% (3.74%) | 2.45% (-0.42%) | 2.46% (0.32%) | 2.49% (-6.32%) | 2.49% (-6.96%) | 2.46% (-15.79%) | 2.45% (-16.85%) | 2.66% (-10.38%) | 2.68% (-9.94%) | 2.93% (15.35%) | 2.95% (N/A) | 2.96% (N/A) | 2.98% (N/A) | 2.54% (N/A) |
Community and Small Banks – New Cars |
4.08% (-3.22%) | 4.07% (-3.17%) | 4.14% (-2.02%) | 4.21% (-3.24%) | 4.21% (1.96%) | 4.20% (-3.17%) | 4.22% (13.82%) | 4.35% (14.42%) | 4.13% (4.41%) | 4.34% (9.64%) | 3.71% (-7.27%) | 3.80% (-4.82%) | 3.96% (-12.14%) | 3.96% (N/A) | 4.00% (N/A) | 4.00% (N/A) | 4.50% (N/A) |
Community and Small Banks – Used Cars |
5.17% (-1.25%) | 5.21% (-2.88%) | 5.18% (-3.45%) | 5.23% (-1.86%) | 5.23% (1.17%) | 5.36% (1.19%) | 5.36% (17.93%) | 5.33% (18.18%) | 5.17% (5.61%) | 5.30% (8.71%) | 4.55% (-7.48%) | 4.51% (-6.86%) | 4.90% (-2.21%) | 4.88% (N/A) | 4.92% (N/A) | 4.84% (N/A) | 5.01% (N/A) |
Car Manufacturers – New Car Financing |
2.41% (111.55%) | 1.74% (20.00%) | 2.01% (4.15%) | 1.77% (-19.18%) | 1.14% (-42.71%) | 1.45% (19.83%) | 1.93% (21.87%) | 2.19% (4.78%) | 1.99% (N/A) | 1.21% (N/A) | 1.58% (N/A) | 2.09% (N/A) | 1.92% (-21.89%) | N/A (N/A) | N/A (N/A) | N/A (N/A) | 2.46% (N/A) |
Car Manufacturers – Leasing |
4.91% (7.30%) | 4.40% (-3.93%) | 5.54% (12.15%) | 4.38% (-1.13%) | 4.58% (-3.78%) | 4.58% (-8.40%) | 4.94% (0.43%) | 4.43% (-10.14%) | 4.76% (N/A) | 5.00% (N/A) | 4.92% (N/A) | 4.93% (N/A) | 5.73% (31.84%) | N/A (N/A) | N/A (N/A) | N/A (N/A) | 4.35% (N/A) |
Car Manufacturer |
Financing APR - Q4 2017 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q4 2017 |
Financing APR - Q3 2017 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q3 2017 |
Financing APR - Q2 2017 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q2 2017 |
Financing APR - Q1 2017 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q1 2017 |
Financing APR - Q4 2016 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q4 2016 |
Financing APR - Q3 2016 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q3 2016 |
Financing APR - Q2 2016 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q2 2016 |
Financing APR - Q1 2016 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q1 2016 |
Financing APR - Q4 2015 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q4 2015 |
Financing APR - Q3 2015 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q3 2015 |
Financing APR - Q2 2015 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q2 2015 |
Financing APR - Q1 2015 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q1 2015 |
Financing APR - Q4 2014 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q4 2014 |
Financing APR - Q4 2013 |
Lease APR (inferred interest rate) - Q4 2013 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nissan | 0.00% | 5.28% | 3.99% | 5.61% | N/A | N/A | 2.81% | 4.54% | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 2.54% | 0.00% | 5.09% | 0.90% | 4.53% | 2.99% | 4.18% | 0.00% | 3.06% | 0.00% | 4.57% | 0.00% | 0.94% | 0.00% | 4.74% | 0.00% | 2.04% |
Toyota | 0.90% | 2.88% | 0.00% | 3.97% | 0.00% | 3.45% | 0.00% | 3.30% | 0.00% | 4.10% | 0.00% | 2.97% | 0.00% | 2.35% | 2.99% | 1.94% | 0.00% | 5.78% | 0.00% | 3.29% | 0.00% | 2.87% | 0.00% | 4.39% | 1.90% | 5.66% | 3.38% | 4.42% |
Mazda | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 4.96% | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 2.31% | 0.00% | 4.84% | 2.69% | 4.86% | 0.00% | 6.19% | 1.99% | 5.76% | 3.99% | 5.15% | 0.90% | 2.86% | 3.99% | 9.21% | 2.24% | 5.75% | 0.90% | 6.36% | 0.90% | 3.23% |
Honda | 4.99% | 8.84% | 0.90% | 4.76% | 0.90% | 6.19% | 0.90% | 2.66% | 0.90% | 3.89% | 1.99% | 3.13% | 0.90% | 3.56% | 0.90% | 6.40% | 0.90% | 2.83% | 0.90% | 3.36% | 0.90% | 4.77% | 0.90% | 5.67% | 0.90% | 3.67% | 0.90% | 6.25% |
Chrysler | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 2.27% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.90% | 3.41% | 1.90% | 9.15% | 0.00% | 4.55% | 1.98% | 8.28% | 3.64% | 4.80% |
Lexus | N/A | N/A | 2.99% | 4.97% | N/A | N/A | 1.90% | 4.18% | N/A | N/A | 0.90% | 5.85% | 1.90% | 4.05% | 2.90% | 5.26% | 2.90% | 3.92% | 0.90% | 3.68% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.90% | 2.17% |
Volvo | N/A | N/A | 2.49% | 5.20% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.99% | 2.70% | N/A | N/A | 2.69% | 1.94% | 1.69% | 2.65% | 1.90% | 2.57% | 1.90% | 7.23% | N/A | N/A |
Kia | 3.90% | 7.60% | 0.00% | 2.34% | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 5.21% | 0.00% | 5.39% | 2.00% | 3.65% | 1.90% | 6.99% | 2.99% | 2.70% | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 4.83% | 0.00% | 7.54% | 1.90% | 4.36% | 0.00% | 5.27% | 0.90% | 6.01% |
Ford | 0.00% | 2.33% | 0.00% | 2.58% | 3.50% | 3.46% | 0.00% | 5.81% | 0.00% | 6.47% | 0.00% | 3.10% | 0.00% | 3.44% | 2.90% | 5.00% | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 5.02% | 0.00% | 2.81% | 5.90% | 6.95% | 3.94% | 4.71% | 4.90% | 2.38% |
BMW | 3.89% | 2.37% | 3.29% | 4.74% | 3.59% | 5.03% | 2.91% | 5.14% | 2.99% | 5.18% | 0.90% | 3.16% | 2.97% | 3.72% | 2.92% | 4.97% | 2.92% | 5.98% | 0.90% | 4.42% | 0.90% | 3.35% | 3.12% | 6.67% | 3.12% | 2.26% | 2.99% | 4.67% |
Volkswagen | 0.90% | 3.34% | 0.00% | 4.87% | N/A | N/A | 2.90% | 3.66% | 2.90% | 3.52% | 1.99% | 3.59% | 1.90% | 3.34% | 2.90% | 3.23% | 1.90% | 5.02% | 0.00% | 5.42% | 0.00% | 3.89% | 2.90% | 3.97% | 2.90% | 5.68% | 3.90% | 2.51% |
Infiniti | 2.99% | 2.44% | 1.90% | 2.75% | 0.90% | 5.62% | 2.99% | 5.72% | 2.99% | 4.69% | 0.99% | 4.23% | 1.90% | 3.62% | 1.90% | 4.81% | N/A | N/A | 1.99% | 3.84% | 1.90% | 4.14% | 2.90% | 2.87% | 2.49% | 4.68% | 2.99% | 5.64% |
Audi | N/A | N/A | 3.99% | 4.58% | 3.40% | 4.87% | 2.90% | 4.08% | N/A | N/A | 1.99% | 4.11% | 2.90% | 6.94% | 3.90% | 5.83% | 2.90% | 3.88% | 2.90% | 3.34% | 2.90% | 2.73% | 2.29% | 5.23% | 2.90% | 6.41% | 1.90% | 4.34% |
Chevrolet | 3.99% | 4.54% | 2.99% | 6.28% | N/A | N/A | 3.99% | 2.66% | N/A | N/A | 2.90% | 4.68% | 2.90% | 2.71% | 1.99% | 1.91% | 1.99% | 6.97% | 1.99% | 5.03% | 2.99% | 5.28% | 2.90% | 3.27% | 1.90% | 1.32% | 2.90% | 1.15% |
Subaru | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 3.55% | 0.00% | 7.30% | 0.00% | 6.76% | 1.49% | 8.35% | 1.49% | 6.59% | 1.49% | 3.92% | 1.90% | 5.23% | 1.49% | 3.81% | 1.49% | 4.37% | 2.99% | 8.01% | 0.00% | 2.50% |
Buick | 2.99% | 4.93% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.90% | 4.43% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.99% | 5.02% | 2.90% | 3.88% | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 7.26% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.85% | 4.13% | 1.90% | 3.49% |
Mercedes | 3.49% | 6.31% | 4.90% | 5.46% | 2.99% | 6.29% | 3.99% | 7.21% | 1.99% | 3.01% | 2.99% | 4.81% | 2.69% | 3.46% | 2.99% | 4.23% | N/A | N/A | 3.49% | 4.32% | N/A | N/A | 2.99% | 8.11% | 2.99% | 9.28% | 3.90% | 5.43% |
Mini | N/A | N/A | 2.90% | 7.95% | N/A | N/A | 2.40% | 6.52% | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 7.82% | 3.44% | 6.19% | 0.90% | 6.84% | N/A | N/A | 1.49% | 6.83% | 1.90% | 6.60% | 0.90% | 4.27% | 1.90% | 7.89% | N/A | N/A |
Cadillac | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 4.37% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 3.17% | N/A | N/A | 1.90% | 4.17% | 1.90% | 3.81% | 1.88% | 6.65% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Hyundai | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 2.93% | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 2.55% | 0.00% | 2.80% | 0.00% | 3.03% | 1.90% | 5.39% | 2.99% | 4.18% | N/A | N/A | 1.90% | 7.24% | 2.59% | 3.62% | 2.90% | 7.42% | 2.90% | 6.37% | 0.00% | 4.73% |
Dodge | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.90% | 10.02% | 3.90% | 9.24% | 0.00% | 5.99% | 0.00% | 5.68% | 0.00% | 10.41% | 0.00% | 10.86% | 1.90% | 7.74% | 1.99% | 10.64% | 3.90% | 6.78% |
Acura | 0.90% | 8.11% | 0.90% | 2.86% | 0.90% | 6.19% | 0.90% | 4.68% | 1.90% | 3.82% | 1.99% | 5.32% | 1.90% | 4.28% | 1.90% | 4.06% | N/A | N/A | 1.90% | 8.52% | 1.90% | 3.84% | 0.90% | 3.20% | 0.90% | 4.53% | 0.90% | 5.08% |
Mitsubishi | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.49% | 3.84% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.99% | 3.50% | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 3.31% | N/A | N/A |
Jaguar | N/A | N/A | 1.90% | 2.35% | 1.90% | 8.73% | 1.90% | 3.12% | N/A | N/A | 1.90% | 3.06% | 1.99% | 2.00% | 1.90% | 2.57% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.90% | 6.87% | 1.90% | 5.14% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Fiat | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.00% | 9.01% | N/A | N/A | 3.90% | 7.53% | 3.90% | 5.73% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3.90% | 3.12% | 3.90% | 6.05% | N/A | N/A | 4.90% | 6.08% |
Scion | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.90% | 3.35% | 1.90% | 6.94% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3.95% | 7.59% |
Average | 2.41% | 4.91% | 1.74% | 4.40% | 2.01% | 5.54% | 1.77% | 4.38% | 1.14% | 4.58% | 1.45% | 4.58% | 1.93% | 4.94% | 2.19% | 4.43% | 1.99% | 4.76% | 1.21% | 5.00% | 1.58% | 4.92% | 2.09% | 4.93% | 1.92% | 5.73% | 2.46% | 4.35% |
Manufacturer |
Transp. Score - Q4 2017 |
Transp. Score - Q3 2017 |
Transp. Score - Q2 2017 |
Transp. Score - Q1 2017 |
Transp. Score - Q4 2016 |
Transp. Score - Q3 2016 |
Transp. Score - Q2 2016 |
Transp. Score - Q1 2016 |
Transp. Score - Q4 2015 |
Transp. Score - Q3 2015 |
Transp. Score - Q2 2015 |
Transp. Score - Q1 2015 |
Transp. Score - Q4 2014 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mazda | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Infiniti | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Mini | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
BMW | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
Acura | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
Jaguar | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6 | 6 | N/A |
Honda | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
Volkswagen | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
Kia | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
Toyota | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Nissan | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Ford | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Dodge | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Audi | 6 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Volvo | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Fiat | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3 | 3 | N/A |
Mitsubishi | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3 | N/A | 3 |
Cadillac | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | N/A | N/A |
Chevrolet | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Chrysler | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Hyundai | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Subaru | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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