How much does a small used auto loan impact my credit?

Monday, May 2nd, 2011 at 15:55

Question by beetle1283: How much does a small used auto loan impact my credit?
I am about to buy a 2003 Honda Civic from my uncle for approximately $ 10,000. I had intentions of putting down 5,000 or 6,500 dollars (depending on what I sell my current car for) and take out a small auto loan for the remaing 3,500 or 5,000 for about 36 months.

The rates I am finding are not as good as I would have hoped, through no fault of my own. I am 24 and haven't done anything that would have given me bad credit. I pay back all my bills and whatnot.

Am I better off just buying the car outright (I can afford it) or taking out a loan for the sake of taking out a loan. I've heard a few times that a small loan really helps your credit.
So put down 5,000, take out the 5,000 loan amount, put 5,000 in a savings account and let the loan cycle? What does that mean.

Best answer:

Answer by P J
Put the money to pay off the loan in a savings account, get the loan let it cycle about 6 months then pay the balance off. This gives you a payment history although you will pay a bit of interest it will be a good trade line.

Also initially your score will take a 5-7 point hit for the credit report when getting the loan, rebounds rapidly!

What do you think? Answer below!

Finance your car here onsite if you need help buying one of these beauties :)