Relax, and Enjoy Buying a Vehicle
Applying for financing or leasing doesn't need to be complicated. In fact, with a good credit history and a simple understanding of financing terms and procedures, it can actually be a relatively easy experience. Here are a few suggestions and details to help you when applying for credit. study this page and Click on the "Get Pre-Approved" link above for a quick and easy credit approval.
Improve Your Standing:
Establishing good credit is one of the most important steps toward purchasing a car. A solid credit history can broaden your financing options and increase the amount of money that lenders are willing to lend you. Airport Marina Honda can usually find a way to finance people with no credit or an adverse credit history. But, bear in mind, even a few bad marks on your credit record may lead to higher interest rates and ultimately cost you more money in the long run. Months before you buy pay down debts below fifty precent and maintain steady employment will help raise your credit score.
Down Payment:
The bigger your initial down payment, the less you will have to finance. With a lower amount to finance, your total interest charges will also be less. No one knows your personal situation as well as you do, so consider how much you can afford to pay each month, and plan accordingly. Also, do not forget to figure in taxes and other expenses when doing your planning.
Back to Top
Annual Percentage Rate (APR):
The APR, or amount of interest you can expect to pay annually, varies from creditor to creditor. When buying a vehicle you can usually take out a loan from banks or credit unions, or apply for financing through other financial institutions, including Honda Financial Services. We can help you with the financing process. Shop around for the best APR, then check with us to see what financing options are available through Airport Marina Honda. For your convenience, if you qualify, you can get pre-approved for financing through our online pre-approval process (click "Get Pre-Approved").
Length of Term:
Finance contracts and leases generally range from one to five years. Longer-term contracts typically have a higher APR than short-term ones, but usually offer lower monthly payments.
Back to Top
Trade-Ins:
While you could sell your car on your own, trading it in offers several advantages:
· You can get immediate cash or credit.
· The dealer handles the paperwork and might pay off your current loan/lease.
· You won't have to deal with running ads, strangers in your home and car, bad checks, or liability for mechanical problems.
Bring These to the Dealership:
Come prepared with these documents, as some or all of these may be needed:
· proof of employment and salary (your last pay stub)
· driver's license
· social security number
· bank account numbers
· a down payment check
· your auto insurance policy number
· title/loan/lease papers and owners manual for your trade-in
Back to Top
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT TO THE DEALER
The key to a pleasant and successful dealership experience is preparation and making sure all of your questions are answered. To avoid dealership anxiety, come prepared with questions in mind and goals for making your visit to the dealer an enjoyable experience.
Prepare Yourself
· Before visiting us, schedule an appointment for immediate service.
· If you want to trade-in a car, bring the current loan, lease or title papers.
· Be sure you've done your research: we are here to answer all your questions, but it helps if you know what to ask.
Test Driving
We recommend you test drive a vehicle before buying no matter how others may praise it. A few notes:
· Schedule a test-drive appointment, particularly for popular cars or on a weekend.
· Drive carefully but, where possible, tackle hills, rough surfaces, parallel parking and tight turns. Put the acceleration and brakes to the test. If possible, test drive the vehicle at highway speeds.
· Use the stereo, turn on the air conditioning, and generally determine how easy it is to adjust controls while you drive. Also, check for visibility or noise issues.
By taking these factors into consideration, you'll be better prepared and more likely to have an enjoyable experience while looking for your new vehicle.
Back to Top
Easy There...
Most new vehicles have a 1,000-mile break-in period, so during this time you'll want to keep in mind your vehicle's recommended guidelines to help preserve quality and performance. Refer to your Honda owner's manual for vehicle-specific instructions on break-in and care of your Honda.
Regular Care
To ensure that your car runs well and has a higher resale value down the road, give it the regular cleaning, maintenance and safe operation a major investment deserves.
Owner's Privileges
Should you decide on a Honda (always a good idea, we think), the Service section of this site contains maintenance advice, and details on Honda's extended service plans all of which can help you take control of your ownership experience.
Back to Top
ASK AWAY
You've got questions, we've got answers.
General Auto Finance
· How do I decide between buying and leasing?
· How can I improve my credit rating?
· How large of a down payment do I need to make?
Selling Your Vehicle
· How much is my trade-in worth?
· Can I make more money selling my car on my own, versus trading it in at a dealer?
How do I decide between buying and leasing
There are advantages to both, but no difference in maintenance or operating costs. Generally, leases are better for those who drive up to 15,000 miles each year, take excellent care of their vehicles, and want a new car every two to four years. You only have to pay for that portion of the car's life that you use. Buying is ideal if you drive a lot of miles, put your vehicle to heavy or rough use, and want to build equity. You can also sell, customize or trade your Honda if you wish.
Back to Top
How can I improve my credit rating?
Live by a realistic budget. Let your budget be your guide to spending, not your credit limit. Make timely payments at or above your minimum required payment. Don't overextend yourself. Maintain steady employment. Keep close track of your expenditures and your bills to guard against credit fraud. If you plan on making a major purchase on credit, order a copy of your credit report beforehand and review it for negative entries that might need to be resolved.
How large of a down payment do I need to make?
The bigger your initial payment is, the less you will have to finance. With a lower amount to finance, your total interest charges will also be less. No one knows your personal situation as well as you do, so knowing how much you can afford to pay each month, and planning accordingly is always advisable. Also, do not forget to figure in taxes and other expenses when doing your planning.
Back to Top
How much is my trade-in worth?
It depends on a number of factors, including the vehicle model, year and condition. You can also get a general idea of your car's worth by checking independent car value guides. However, a vehicle survey by us is always necessary to determine the final trade-in value.
Can I make more money selling my car on my own, versus trading it in at a dealer?
While in some case you may be able to make more money selling it on your own, trading your car in to Airport Marina Honda offers several advantages. You are likely to get immediate cash or credit. We will handle the paperwork and might pay off your current loan/lease. And you won't have to deal with some of the hassles associated with selling a car on your own. No running ads, no title transfer paperwork, no strangers in your car, and no bad checks.
Back to Top