Is it possible to refinance a car loan with one’s current auto loan bank or institution?
I currently have an auto loan with Bank of America. I am paying 9.7% APR. I’m considering refinancing just to get my interest rate lower.
In fall 05, I started it w/ a loan balance of ~$27K. In 1.5yrs, I’ve paid down the loan to a little under $15K. Currently the car has a trade-in value of ~$19,500 and a retail resale value of ~$23K(I looked this up on Kelly Blue Book’s website). So I know that I’m not upside-down on my loan.
Do I have a good chance of refinancing? My credit is solid, but the only thing that I’m afraid might hinder me is the credit card balances that I currently have(although I’ve been paying them on time).
More importantly–Is there a chance Bank of America might be able to refinance my car loan for a lower rate? If they do this, is it possible for the loan acct.# to stay the same?(since it’s within the same bank) Do banks sometimes refinance car loans that they already manage? And if I tried to refi with Bank of America, would it create a hard inquiry?
I asked about it at my credit union and I’d say it’s a no-no. The credit union said they only determine int. rates based on what tier my credit score falls in, so my good loan-to-value ratio, length of loan, etc won’t help me.
Some Additional Resources:http://www.automobileindia.com/cars/loans/auto-refinance-calculator.html
automobile india provides you with the auto loan refinance calculator. check it out.
http://www.business.com/directory/automotive/finance/weblistings.asp
http://www.bankrate.com/calculators/auto/auto-loan-calculator.aspx. Wells Fargo Auto Finance Center Wells Fargo offers auto refinance options for your auto
They also said that I’d only qualify for a “used car” loan, and the rates are higher for those. But I will definitely try Bank of America…except I called 2X today and got disconnected each time after waiting a while. >:( Anyone have any specific car loan experience dealing with Bank of America?
Comment by freedom from debt!
Clear Your Bankrupsy
You really should have no problem refinancing as long as you do not owe more than the vehicle is worth and you have ok credit.
Posted on April 4, 2009 at 4:47 am
Comment by antique kodak cameras
Clear Your Bankrupsy
Yes it is possible. Since you have paid the loan down so much your loan to value has changed greatly. This is one of the main things that lenders base rate on.
You should have no problem refinancing with your own bank, if you do? Try a credit union, they will always beat a bank on rate anyway.
And yes it will be a hard inquire.
Posted on April 6, 2009 at 9:22 am