Car loan preapproval is a simple process that helps you understand how much you can borrow from a lender to purchase a new or used vehicle. Preapproval requires less time and paperwork than the car loan itself but gives you a good estimate of what you can spend on a new car. If you're looking to get a car loan, our expert team at Jack Burford Chevrolet put together this guide on how to get preapproved for a car loan in Richmond, Kentucky.
Getting pre-approval for a car loan shows a dealership you're serious about purchasing a new vehicle. Understanding the basics of getting preapproval for a car loan can help you leverage your knowledge to come out ahead. Although car loan preapproval isn't an official loan, and you'll need to finalize the agreement before you receive any funds, it gives you an idea of your monthly payments and the interest rate you can expect to pay on the money you borrow.
Knowing the maximum amount you can pay each month allows you to work with our finance team to get a loan that fits your budget. While the exact interest you'll pay could change based on the market conditions, having an estimate for the interest rate provides an excellent range and place to start. When we know how much money you have to work with, our sales representatives can show you the vehicles that suit your needs. You can also explore our inventory page as soon as you get preapproval and know your budget.
To start, just fill in some basic information on our form, such as:
In this helpful guide, you'll learn the steps you can take to get preapproval for a car loan so you can start shopping for your next vehicle.
You won't need to provide us with any documents to get your preapproval, but you may need a couple of documents handy when providing us with information during the preapproval process. We'll need a few details about you and your financial situation to provide the most accurate estimate for your potential car loan. A few documents you may want to gather before getting started are:
Your credit score plays a large role in determining your loan amount and terms. The better your credit score, the better your car loan. Having a higher credit score shows you're responsible with your borrowing habits, resulting in a lower interest rate. Often, you can also borrow more and get a longer term to lower your monthly payments when your credit score is high. You can raise your credit score by paying off debts or talking to creditors about removing mistakes that may damage your credit score.
However, regardless of your credit score, our finance team can work with you to match you to a car that checks all your boxes and a loan you can afford. We offer flexible car loan options no matter your credit score.
We encourage you to shop around for the best loan from the right lender. Banks, credit unions, and private lenders are all options for your next car loan, but we're sure you'll find the ideal auto loan with us. We have competitive loan rates and terms to make your car shopping experience at Jack Buford Chevrolet unforgettable. Once you've explored your preapproval options, consider which lender has the loan terms you prefer. Bring those offers to us, and we'll see if we can beat them to get you an even better deal on your next car, truck, or SUV.
Now that you have your preapproval offer, it's time to start shopping for a new car. Use the amount in your preapproval offer as a guideline to find a vehicle in your price range. You may have some wiggle room to negotiate when it's time to sign your official loan papers, but you don't want to stray too far over the preapproval limit. Peruse our online inventory of new and used models that has something for everyone. We have a huge selection of sedans, family SUVs, and hard-working trucks that get the job done.
After you choose your favorite new Chevrolet or other used model from our extensive lineup, you can fill out your auto loan application with us. This is the final step in purchasing a car and requires a little longer than it takes to submit your information for preapproval. At this stage, you'll need documentation that proves who you are, your income, and other details banks require when lending money out for a car purchase. When you agree to the terms of the car loan, you can take the keys and drive home in your new vehicle.
Preapproval from a lender helps you maximize your car-buying experience because you know how much you can spend. Setting your own budget and sticking to it means you'll feel more satisfied with your new vehicle purchase. Plus, there won't be any surprises when your loan gets approved because you'll already know what to expect regarding payments and interest. Fill out our online loan application to get preapproval for your auto loan or visit our Apply for Auto Financing tab today. Our experienced finance team will get back to you quickly so you can start shopping for a car you love.