What to know about financing your vehicle -- A Step-by-Step Guide

Draft 1/30/25 cc Updated 6.17.25

Buying a car is a big decision. And one important step in buying that car is figuring out the financing. We're here to help, at Stuckey Automotive! We'll break down the key steps to help you confidently navigate car financing.

Budget -- What can you spend?

Before you even start browsing our website, figure out how much you can comfortably afford to spend.

Consider:

• Monthly income
• Monthly expenses
• Insurance costs
• Maintenance and fuel

Getting pre-approved for a loan will help you get a clear picture of what you can afford, without adding more stress to the decision process.

Credit Score -- Know it!

Credit scores play a major role in the interest rate you qualify for. A higher score = lower interest rates, saving you money on the road ahead. It's easy to get your credit score for free using credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) and safe sites like Credit Karma. Make sure everything looks correct when you get your report and address any issues immediately.

ICYDK -- Surprising facts

Scott Bryan, Finance Manager at Stuckey Automotive discusses some surprising facts about financing:

• Your auto loan interest rate is based on a decreasing balance.
• You can trade in your vehicle anytime with a penalty.
• Leasing is a great option! You can drive a newer vehicle more frequently and often have lower monthly payments.