The Rich Borrow Free
May 25th, 2007 by David Weliver
Ever wonder about 0% loans? Are they too good to be true? And if so, why would the company even offer it?
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that car dealerships advertise 0% car loans with small print that cite unworldly credit requirements. When normal customers apply for a loan the rate is less than extraordinary. But the dealership successfully used the 0% loan as a teaser to get people in the door. Nine times out of ten, the customer will buy anyway.
This isn’t just the case with loans. Dealers will advertise incredible pricing on a certain model car only to have one vehicle in that particular “trim level” available on the lot. But they sure have plenty of others to sell that cost thousands more.
Lease pricing, too, is heavily dependent on your credit. Most leases require a score of at least 700 to qualify, and monthly payments will be much higher than advertised the lower your credit score (check yours now).
Of course, a few people qualify for the lowest available financing. The ones who need it least. Most people who can drive away with a 0% car loan have near spotless credit, and could probably buy the car with cash if they chose. Of course, taking 0% financing is actually better than paying cash because you can continue to earn interest while paying off the 0% loan.
Wondering how dealers can afford it? That’s easy. They’re still screwing you on the price of the car!
