How to Get a Lease Buyout Auto Loan
Leased cars will be considered used cars, which means that you will need to secure auto financing for a used vehicle. Typically, a used car loan will have a higher interest rate than a new car loan. Lease buyout auto loans may even have higher interest rates than used car loans as well.
Contact Your Leasing Company
Your leasing company may begin to get in touch with you at the end of your lease term. This way, you can discuss options and check your contract. Ask your leasing company any questions you may have about the end of lease cost, the car’s residual value, and fees associated with a buyout.
Shop Around
Some lenders for this loan offer preapproval. If you do get preapproved, the lender will let you know what you are able to borrow and what your loan terms and APR may be. Preapproval doesn’t mean that you automatically get the loan and it just gives you an idea of the terms. When applying for preapproval, know that you’ll need to share some personal financial information.
Preapproval can lead to a hard inquiry on your credit, which then lowers your score by a few points. You should be careful with timing since you don’t want to get a loan quote and have it expire. Most loan offers are only good for a month. Don’t apply for a loan too late. If you keep the car for a few days after the lease expires and you don’t buy it then you could face financial penalties.
Close on the Loan
Once Approved, Close on the Loan: If you have been preapproved then it’s time to finalize the paperwork and transfer the title. Talk to the lender, as well as your state’s motor vehicle department, in order to find out the next steps for transferring the title. Usually, the title will be in the name of the lender until you pay off the loan.