FAQs on how we make financing easier
At Friendly Chevrolet in Springfield, IL, we understand that financing a new or used car can seem confusing or even intimidating. We focus on taking the mystery and the stress out of deciding how to pay for your next vehicle. The friendly experts in our finance center explain your loan and lease options simply. We can help you understand the pros and cons of a loan vs. a lease and help you get qualified if you'd like. Here are some FAQs.
Is it better for me to get an auto loan or lease my new vehicle?
This may be the most frequently-asked finance question of all and we'll be glad to explain each choice. For starters, a car loan allows you to build cash value in your vehicle and that's real money you can use someday to buy your next car, truck or SUV. Making car loan payments on time helps build your credit score. A lease gives you lower monthly payments without the hassle of selling the vehicle at the end of your lease.
Can I buy or lease a car, truck, or SUV online?
You can handle most of the steps online. You can shop, select your favorite vehicle, apply for financing and get a generous offer for your car's cash or trade-in value. You can also see your likely monthly payment with our payment calculator and find out what effect different variables like interest rate and the term of a car loan will have on your monthly payment. Ask us for details and know that we're happy to discuss your options in person.
Are monthly payments really lower when I lease compared to buying?
Yes, monthly lease payments for a car will virtually always be lower than monthly loan payments for the same vehicle. Keep in mind that, with a lease, you're not buying the car: You're paying to drive it over a defined period of time that's usually 36 months.
How does my credit impact buying or leasing a vehicle?
The answer is probably what you expect: The better your credit score, the lower your monthly lease payment is likely to be. Of course, a strong credit score helps you qualify for a lease in the first place. Once you start your monthly lease payments, making all those payments on time helps improve your credit score - just like a loan.
Can I buy my vehicle if I'm currently leasing it?
Yes and you don't have to delay until the end of your lease to buy your leased vehicle. It's perfectly fine to buy that vehicle at any time during your lease. We can explain the cost and the details.
What happens when I return my leased car, truck, or SUV?
At the end of your lease term, that's when you return the vehicle to us. That's also when you pay for any excess damage, wear-and-tear or miles you drove that are greater than the total amount specified in your lease contract. Then we take the car off your hands: You don't have the hassle of selling it. At that point, you have quite a few options. One is to sign a new lease and get another brand-new car. Ask us about the choices you'll have.
Should I wait for a manufacturer's lease deal or special incentive?
That's up to you, of course, but in today's world of uncertain vehicle availabilities, waiting for an even better deal might mean losing the chance to buy or lease the car you want most.
How does trading in my used vehicle work at your dealership?
It's easy. Just contact us online, in person or by phone. We can explain the simple steps directly. To see what your car is worth as a trade-in, check our online Value Your Trade tool. You can then bring a copy of that offer along with your car, title and any loan payoff info to our dealership. We'll make the whole process quick and easy at Friendly Automotive in Springfield, IL near Jacksonville and Chatham.
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