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Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How to buy a car without a co-signer: A guide for first-time buyers
Buying a car is a rite of passage, and owning a car is a necessity in many places. But it's not always the most straightforward process. From researching different cars and taking test drives to comparing loan interest rates, it's even more complicated if you're going into the car-buying process independently. Having bought my first car in July, the process was nerve-racking, especially as a fresh college graduate with minimal credit history and new employment. Ultimately, though, I found success with a local dealership that offered lower interest rates to recent college grads (a program that many dealerships have an equivalent of). Even if you can't find a dealership with a similar program, there are plenty of other ways to buy a car without a co-signer. As long as you meet a few qualifying criteria, it's possible to get a reasonable deal on a vehicle. What is a co-signer? If you have a family member or close friend with good income and credit, they may qualify to serve as a co-signer for your car purchase. When someone co-signs your auto loan, they provide the dealership with their financial information and pledge to take responsibility if you fail to make a monthly payment. Having a co-signer can be a simple way to qualify for a good car deal, especially if your co-signer has an excellent credit history, but it doesn't mean it's the only way. If you don't have anyone willing to co-sign your loan, you may still qualify for a car loan if you explore multiple lenders, make sure your credit and income are in good standing, and are open-minded about the type of car you purchase. Why do I need a co-signer? You don't technically need a co-signer to buy a car. However, it can make you a more attractive buyer in the eyes of a lender, especially if you are a first-time buyer. If you have a limited or unfavorable employment or credit history, you'll likely be deemed a risky buyer. Having a well-qualified co-signer reassures the lender that payments will continue to be made if you fail to do so for whatever reason. Car loan options without a co-signer While having a co-signer can be beneficial when applying for a car loan, it's a big responsibility for the person co-signing, and sometimes even close family members or friends are unwilling to do it. Here are a few things you can do to improve your odds of successfully qualifying for a loan independently if you don't have strong credit. 1. Apply through a credit union Credit unions can often be a good alternative to financing a car outside of an auto dealership or other lender. Many credit unions are known to have lower interest rates on loans and put a higher priority on flexibility and personal connection with their members compared to auto dealerships or other types of banks. However, be aware that some credit unions may still deny you if you have a limited credit history. Even if you don't secure a loan through your credit union, you can still get loan preapproval through your credit union. If you are preapproved with a low interest rate, you can use said rate as leverage with dealerships or other lenders as you shop around for a vehicle. Read more: See our picks for the best credit unions of the year 2. Investigate no-credit options If you have a limited or unfavorable credit history, there are a few options outside of a traditional auto loan through a dealership or bank. Several online and in-person financing options market themselves with having high approval rates, no credit requirements, lower down payments, or longer payment terms, which in turn makes monthly payments lower. For example, online lender Carvana offers financing to any prospective buyer over 18 without bankruptcies and a minimum annual income of $5,100, so long as you haven't defaulted on a Carvana loan in the previous two years. For those who want a more traditional dealership experience, CarMax Auto Finance accommodates most credit profiles and offers prequalification online. Be aware that while you may get approved with no credit or poor credit, the terms will likely be less favorable compared to other options. 3. Consider a personal loan Another alternative to traditional financing from an auto dealership, bank, or credit union is taking out a personal loan. Personal loans can be used for almost any purpose and are given in a lump sum, which you then pay off in fixed monthly increments. Personal loans also give you the freedom to shop around from a variety of different lenders. Up Next Up Next Should I pay for my car using a personal loan? While taking out a personal loan to finance your car can be beneficial to some, it's generally not the best option for an auto loan. Because personal loans are unsecured, meaning there is no collateral on the loan, they typically have a higher interest rate than traditional auto loan options. Furthermore, personal loans are typically unsecured; that means they're often harder to get approved for, requiring a high credit score and good credit history. So if you are already struggling to get approved for a car loan via more traditional methods, you might also find it tough to qualify for a personal loan. There are personal loans specifically for people with bad or no credit history, but those loan terms are usually much less favorable. Still, personal loans can be a good option for some first-time car buyers. For instance, if you're purchasing an older car or a used vehicle with high mileage, you may have trouble getting a traditional auto loan. A personal loan could be a good option to pursue if you don't have enough cash to secure the vehicle. How to buy a car without a co-signer Once you have secured your financing or loan preapproval for your vehicle, it's time to start shopping. After doing your research on what type of vehicle you are interested in and what features you are looking for, here are a few other things to consider when thinking about what cars you'll best qualify for as an independent buyer: 1. Check out first-time buyer programs Many dealerships, as well as banks and credit unions, offer first-time car-buyer programs. While most of these programs don't expect you to have a co-signer or an extensive credit history, many will still require you to have a good credit score, a good existing credit history, and proof of income. Shop around with multiple lenders to see which first-time buyer programs in your area offer the best interest rate and lowest down payment for the vehicle you want. 2. Invest in a used car A three-year-old vehicle is, on average, around $13,435 cheaper than a brand new car, according to Edmunds — and is often easier to qualify for compared to a new car. By shopping for low-mileage used cars, you could find a vehicle in good condition that is both less expensive and slower to depreciate compared to newer models. Just make sure you run an inspection before committing to a car to learn about any previous issues or accidents the vehicle has experienced, as well as any previous maintenance issues the owner had before you. 3. Trade in an older vehicle If you were previously a car owner or were gifted a car, you can trade in your older vehicle and put that cash back into your new vehicle. This can help you by allowing you to put down a larger down payment or lowering your monthly payments. According to JD Power, someone buying a car can save $834 on a new car worth $42,000 by trading in their previous vehicle. The exact value you can expect on your vehicle depends on various factors, including the car's condition, history, and depreciation rates. 4. Put down a larger down payment or accept a higher monthly payment If you don't have a vehicle to trade in, you may have to put more money into your vehicle than you initially planned, either as a larger down payment to secure your car or by paying more into your car monthly. While experts recommend a down payment of 10% on a used car and 20% down on a new car, putting down a larger down payment can help you more easily secure the car you want. As far as average monthly car payments, Experian's 2025 State of the Automotive Finance Market report says auto loan payments averaged $745 per month for new cars and $521 per month for used cars. So expect to pay similar, or possibly even more, when buying your car without a co-signer. Read more: How much you should save before you buy a car? I did the above, and I still can't afford the car I want. Now what? If, after approaching multiple lenders and looking at more affordable car options, you still aren't able to secure a car with a price tag you can stomach, here are some long-term solutions you can pursue to qualify for the car that fits your needs: 1. Build your credit profile Most car lenders want applicants with a credit score of at least 661 and a lengthy credit history, which showcases responsible credit usage and financial management skills. If you don't urgently need new transportation, spending a few more months or even one or two years improving your credit score can greatly help you qualify for the car you want. 2. Increase your income Showing proof of stable income and references to your current place of employment is also a big part of qualifying for the car you want. Most auto sellers want independent buyers to have a full-time income (or at least part-time streams that equate to full-time income) to make sure they will be able to afford the car's monthly payments. Read more: 7 ways to improve your personal cash flow 3. Look into alternative avenues If you are unable to secure a car through a traditional dealer, consider buying a car through private sellers such as local used car sales, auctions, or online listings. If you secure a car through a private seller, make sure to do your research on the vehicle's history and previous ownership. FAQs What is an auto loan? An auto loan is a type of secured loan used to finance your vehicle. When you buy a car with an auto loan, the lender pays the seller the full amount once the loan is issued. Then, you make monthly payments to the lender over a several-month term (usually somewhere between 36 to 96 months), paying off the original amount plus interest. If you miss multiple monthly payments or are otherwise unable to repay your loan, your lender can repossess your vehicle. What are the risks of buying a car without a co-signer? While it's definitely possible to buy a car independently and even qualify for a good deal, there are a few things you might have to accept: Used car: Unless you have the money for a large down payment and high monthly payment, it might be most logical for you to invest in a more affordable used car. Higher monthly payment or down payment: Many dealerships view first-time buyers as risky, so you may have to accept putting more money into your car, either initially or through your monthly payment. Higher interest rate: If you don't get bogged down with higher payments up-front, your lender could offer you a deal with higher interest rates. On the other hand, many first-time buyer programs actually offer lower interest rates to certain favorable buyers, such as recent graduates or those with full-time work. This article was edited by Alicia Hahn.
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Suze Orman Breaks Down Big Beautiful Bill Act Perks: $10K Car Loan Deductions, $25K Tip Exemptions, And A $1K Gift For Every Baby
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has stirred up plenty of conversation. Financial expert Suze Orman recently detailed some of its key benefits on her "Women & Money" podcast. While she acknowledges there are many parts of the bill she hates, she encourages her listeners to focus on the practical perks that can help you keep more of your money or save on taxes. Here's a breakdown of some important highlights. Don't Miss: Would You Have Invested in eBay or Uber Early? The Same Backers Are Betting on 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can Expanded Child Tax Credit One of the standout features of the bill is the expanded child tax credit, which Orman highlights as a vital lifeline for parents raising children under 17. "Right now, the child tax credit gives you up to $2,200 per child," she explains. Even if you owe no taxes, up to $1,700 of that amount is refundable — meaning if your tax bill is zero, the IRS will still send you a check for that portion, rather than just reducing what you owe. The credit phases out for higher earners — starting at $200,000 modified adjusted gross income for singles and $400,000 for married couples filing jointly. Importantly, the child must be a U.S. citizen living with you for more than half the year. "Do not leave money on the table," Orman advises, encouraging parents to claim this benefit if eligible. Trending: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — Up to $10,000 Deductible on Personal Car Loans Another notable perk is the new deduction for interest on personal auto loans. "You can now deduct up to $10,000 per year in interest on a personal auto loan as long as – there's always a catch, isn't there — the car is assembled in the United States," Suze notes. This deduction applies only if the loan is in your name and the vehicle isn't leased or used for business purposes. This benefit is good through 2028, giving car buyers a significant tax break if they finance a qualifying vehicle. Orman cautions, "Just ask, does this car qualify or not," to make sure you're taking advantage of this Tips: Up to $25,000 Exempt From Federal Income Tax For workers relying on tips, such as servers or hairdressers, the bill offers a new exemption on tip income. Up to $25,000 in tips can now be excluded from federal income taxes annually. Orman calls this "one of the biggest tax breaks you're gonna ever see," but stresses the importance of accurate record-keeping. "This really is a gift," Orman says, but reminds tip earners to track their tips, report everything honestly, and file taxes carefully. This exemption phases out for singles earning more than $150,000 and married couples filing jointly above $300,000. Note that this only applies to federal income tax; some states are considering similar exemptions, while others still tax tip income. What This Means for You Orman isn't the first to say she dislikes this new legislation, but if it's happening, she says you might as well take advantage of it. "You first have to be able to take advantage of the things that you can take advantage of and not waste money," she says. The bill's various benefits mostly expire in 2028, coinciding with a new presidential term, but until then, Orman says there are several smart moves taxpayers can make to boost their bottom line. Read Next: Kevin O'Leary Says Real Estate's Been a Smart Bet for 200 Years — Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Suze Orman Breaks Down Big Beautiful Bill Act Perks: $10K Car Loan Deductions, $25K Tip Exemptions, And A $1K Gift For Every Baby originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Gordon Murray Automotive to Launch ‘Special Vehicles' Division Tomorrow
Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) will debut its new 'Special Vehicles' division at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, on August 15, unveiling two bespoke supercars as part of its Monterey Car Week showcase. The new branch, officially titled Gordon Murray Special Vehicles, is described by the company as 'where engineering art meets beauty,' signaling a focus on highly exclusive, design-driven projects. While GMA has not confirmed specifics, industry speculation suggests that one of the debut cars will be a reimagined version of the company's acclaimed T.50 supercar. Daily Driven Collectibles: The Best Upgrades That Don't Hurt Resale Introduced in 2020, the T.50 quickly gained notoriety for its lightweight engineering, naturally aspirated V12 engine, and distinctive rear-mounted 40 mm fan designed to enhance aerodynamic performance. The rumored Special Vehicles variant is said to forgo that signature fan, adopting a revised aero package that would alter the car's appearance and handling characteristics. 10 Must-Have Tools and Gear for the Modern Car Collector (Amazon Edition) Such a change could mark a departure from the radical fan-assisted downforce system Gordon Murray popularized, offering instead a more conventional aerodynamic profile while retaining the T.50's purist driving ethos. This approach may appeal to collectors and drivers seeking the performance and engineering of the T.50 in a slightly more understated configuration. GMA has positioned the Special Vehicles division as a platform for limited-run, highly customized models — cars likely aimed at clients who value rarity and artistic design as much as speed. The second car set for reveal remains under wraps, though both are expected to embody the lightweight, driver-focused philosophy that has defined Murray's career. Monterey Car Week has become a global stage for manufacturers to debut their most exclusive creations, and GMA's move signals its intention to compete directly in that ultra-premium space. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
