Question 1

Will checking my rate hurt my credit score?

Accepted Answer

No. Pre-qualification uses a soft credit pull, which doesn't affect your score. A hard pull only happens once you choose a vehicle and submit a full credit application.

Question 2

What documents do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

A valid driver's license, proof of income (two recent pay stubs or a tax return for self-employed), proof of residence (a utility bill works), and proof of insurance. If you're trading in, bring the title or payoff information.

Question 3

Can I add a co-signer or co-buyer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A co-signer with stronger credit can lower your rate or help you qualify for a longer term. A co-buyer also gets ownership rights to the vehicle.

Question 4

Should I take a longer term to lower my payment?

Accepted Answer

A longer term lowers the monthly payment but increases total interest. We recommend choosing the shortest term that keeps your payment comfortable. The calculator above shows the trade-off in real time.

Question 5

What is GAP insurance and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

GAP covers the difference between what you owe and what the vehicle is worth if it's totaled or stolen. It's worth considering if you're financing with a low down payment or a longer term.

Question 6

Can I refinance later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your credit improves or rates drop, refinancing can lower your monthly payment or shorten your term. We can help you evaluate when it makes sense.

Question 7

I'm a first-time buyer — can I still get approved?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with first-time buyer programs that consider income and employment history rather than just credit length. A co-signer or a larger down payment can also help.

Question 8

I've had a bankruptcy or repossession — what are my options?

Accepted Answer

Our 20/200 lender network includes second-chance programs designed to rebuild credit. We'll find the best structure for your situation without judgment.

Question 9

How does financing a car work?

Accepted Answer

You borrow the vehicle's price (minus your down payment and trade equity) from a lender, then repay it in fixed monthly installments over 36–84 months. Each payment covers interest (your APR, set by your credit tier) plus principal. The car serves as collateral, so the lender holds the title until the loan is paid off. We shop the loan across 20+ banks and credit unions so you see the best rate for your profile.

Question 10

What is a good finance rate for a car?

Accepted Answer

As of today, a strong rate for excellent credit (740+) on a new car is roughly 5–7% APR; good credit (670–739) typically lands 7–10%; fair credit 11–15%; rebuilding 15%+. Used-car rates run 1–2 points higher. The rate-by-tier table above shows current ranges from our lender network — your actual rate depends on term length, down payment, and the vehicle.

Question 11

How do I get pre-approved for car financing?

Accepted Answer

Three steps: (1) Complete our soft-pull pre-qualification — about two minutes, no impact on your credit score. (2) We submit your profile to lenders in our network and return your real APR range within the hour. (3) Pick a vehicle that fits and we finalize terms in store. Pre-approval is good for 30 days and gives you negotiating leverage on price.

Question 12

Can I finance a car with no credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. First-time-buyer programs from our credit-union partners look at income, employment history, and rent or utility payments instead of a long credit file. Bringing a co-signer with established credit, putting 10–20% down, or choosing a shorter term all help. We've placed loans for buyers with zero credit history every week.

Question 13

Do I need full coverage insurance on a financed car?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every auto lender requires comprehensive and collision coverage (commonly called "full coverage") for the life of the loan — they're protecting their collateral. State-minimum liability alone isn't enough. Most buyers also add GAP coverage if they're financing with less than 20% down, since it covers the difference between what you owe and the car's value if it's totaled.

Question 14

Is it better to lease or finance a car?

Accepted Answer

Finance if you drive more than 12,000 miles a year, plan to keep the car 5+ years, or want to build equity. Lease if you want a lower monthly payment, like driving a new car every 2–3 years, and stay under the mileage cap. Leases include a manufacturer warranty for the entire term but you own nothing at the end. See the lease vs finance comparison above.

Question 15

What cars are offering 0% financing right now?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturer 0% APR offers rotate monthly and are usually limited to specific trims, terms (often 36–48 months), and well-qualified buyers (typically 720+ credit). Current 0% and low-APR programs at nucar are listed in the Promotional rates section above — ask a finance specialist which vehicles in stock qualify.

Credit tier	Typical APR	What to expect
Excellent (740+)	~5.40%	Best rates from prime lenders, lowest down payment options.
Good (670–739)	~6.90%	Competitive rates from most lenders, flexible terms.
Fair (580–669)	~9.90%	Approved with most lenders, higher rate, manageable monthly.
Rebuilding (<580)	~13.90%	Second-chance and subprime lenders, structured to rebuild credit.

Financing that works for your budget — and your credit.

Payment calculator

Choose the structure that fits

Standard auto loan

Low-down or zero-down

Credit-rebuilding program

How approval works

Soft-pull pre-qualify

Choose your vehicle

Finalize in store

Rate ranges by credit tier

Lower your payment with a trade

Multiple lenders

Soft pull first

Same-day approval

No obligation

Lease vs finance — which fits you?

Finance

Lease

Current 0% and low-APR programs

Frequently asked questions

Ready to see your real rate?