Is 0% new car financing a good deal?

By ConsumerAffairs.com

If you've watched much television lately, you've likely seen back-to-back car commercials touting 0% financing. As carmakers compete to sell vehicles, nearly all are resorting to "no-cost" financing.

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Offers of 0% financing often draw consumers to showrooms, but the results aren't always good for buyers.

"On the surface, 0% financing can sound like a no-brainer," said Ethan Ewing, the president of Bills.com, a financial advice Web site. "However, consumers must understand that 0% financing is intended to generate foot traffic for dealers as a bait-and-switch tactic, and that it is sometimes not as rewarding as alternative incentive offers."

In many cases, 0% financing can present a tremendous opportunity for a potential car buyer. However, consumers should always do their homework to ensure that such an opportunity really is what is seems to be.

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Some things to consider

• Remember that all dealer incentives are designed to generate car sales. The ultimate goal is to bring consumers into the showroom.

• Normally, only customers with the best credit qualify for 0% financing. If you are considering buying a car because of the promotion, check your credit scores ahead of time to determine whether to even step foot in the showroom. (You can get an idea of your score range with our quick quiz.)

• Most 0% financing offers come with a relatively short payback term, which can make for fewer but higher payments. For families on a monthly budget, it might make more sense to avoid the promotion and opt for a longer-term payback so monthly payments are lower.

• Most 0% financing offers are available on limited models only. Car buyers should research which automobiles are being offered as part of the promotion before visiting the showroom.

• Be wary of automobile prices that are elevated to compensate for low-interest-rate offers. Negotiate the price of the car independent of the loan terms. By packaging your new car price, any trade-in and your loan terms as one deal, you stand to lose money.

• Finally, explore competing promotions such as cash-back offers. Sometimes, a cash-back award can be a better deal in the long run.

For example, the monthly payment on a $28,000 vehicle at 0% interest over 48 months is $583.33. This compares with a $572.52 monthly payment for the same vehicle with a $3,500 cash-back offer and a 6% interest rate over 48 months (not including tax and title fees). Do your research carefully and compare all offers.

"Car buyers should arrive at the dealership as well-armed as possible, with an auto in mind, a set price range, and some idea of your creditworthiness," Ewing said. "Without this information you are at a great disadvantage."

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