Tag Archives: financing

Understanding the Language of Car Loans

Walking into a car dealership without understanding the basic terminology of an auto loan is a sure way of needlessly throwing away money. At Approved Loan Store, we believe that better informed car buyers are happier car buyers in the long run, so we have put together the most common terms used in auto finance and explained them in simple, understandable language.

Auto Loan: An auto loan is an amount of money borrowed from a lender that will be repaid by the consumer with interest.

Loan Principle: A loan principle is the amount of money that the consumer is borrowing to purchase the vehicle. For example, if someone purchases a $25,000 car and puts a down payment of $5,000, the loan principle is $20,000.

Interest Rate: Lenders make a profit on a loan’s interest rate. The lower the interest rate, the less the buyer will have to pay on the loan in addition to the loan principle.

Loan Term: The loan term is the amount of time that the car buyer has to pay off the auto loan.

Credit Score: A credit score is calculated based on a customer’s credit history including whether they made their payments on time, how much debt they are carrying compared to how much credit they have available to them, and how long they have had open credit cards, mortgages, or other loans. Credit scores are used by lenders to determine auto loan approvals. Consumers with high credit scores are more likely to get approved for a high loan principle and low interest rate. Consumers with low credit scores will have a more difficult time getting approved for a high loan principle and low interest rate.

If you have a low credit score and have been turned down for an auto loan, Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, or no credit, we will work with you to get you into a great car with interest rates and a loan term you can handle! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and connect with Approved Loan Store on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

Image courtesy of watcharakun / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Approved Loan Store Announces Major Expansion, New Headquarters

2014 has barely begun, and Approved Loan Store has announced its biggest expansion to date, including a new headquarters in Ramsey, NJ.

Approved Loan Store, the tri-state area’s premiere auto loan specialist, has been helping car shoppers find vehicles and financing since 2011, specializing in subprime auto loans. Their network of dealerships serves customers in New York and New Jersey, though customers from as far away as Connecticut and Philadelphia make the drive for lower interest rates and monthly payments.

“The Ramsey office gives Approved Loan Store the space to grow as a company,” said Approved Loan Store owner Todd Campanella. “2014 promises to be a very exciting year. We plan to bring on new staff and associates while still providing fresh opportunities to our current staff and great service to our customers.”

The expansion is about more than space. Approved Loan Store’s new Ramsey office also represents a major technological upgrade for the company including an entirely new customer service phone system, improved customer tracking, and safeguards for ensuring higher quality service on all calls. One significant upgrade is manager oversight on all customer service calls. Managers can monitor calls and provide specific feedback to representatives, even as the call is happening.

Approved Loan Store’s Ramsey headquarters is located at 275 North Franklin Turnpike, next to the Interstate Shopping Center. The office can be reached toll-free at 877-217-2217, and the company’s website can be found at www.ApprovedLoanStore.com.

2013 in Review: Top Brands, Top Cars, and Lots of Growth

2013 was an exciting year for the auto industry. Repossessions and late payments were down, sales at individual franchises were up, and a third of auto loans approved are for subprime credit consumers. Dealerships are selling more cars, and more consumers can obtain an auto loan with low interest rates.

Of course, the million dollar question at the end of the year is which brand came out on top. Which models sold the most units in 2013, and which brands saw the most improvement? According to figures compiled by Autoblog.com, Ford was the best-selling brand of 2013, and General Motors was the best-selling car company of 2013. Jaguar as a brand and as a company had the biggest growth, 41.1 percent growth brand-wise and 20.2 percent growth as a company.

Unfortunately, Fiat could not hold onto the momentum from the end of 2012, where they saw a 121.4 percent volume growth. At the end of 2013, Fiat was one of the brands that ended the year below their previous year, a 1.2 percent drop in volume, though Volvo had the biggest sales volume drop of the year with a 10.1 percent dip. Overall, however, most brands performed very well, and the brands with volume sales decrease saw a relatively small drop in sales.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Did you purchase a new or used car in 2013? If the answer is yes, tell us about your new car in the comments section below! If the answer is no, tell us why in the comments section as well. With low interest rates (even for subprime credit buyers), there is no better time to buy than now!

Are you ready to get into a new or used vehicle? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you into a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and connect with Approved Loan Store online on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Holiday Car Deals 2013 – 0 Percent APR, Customer Cash, and More – Part 2

This week, we are bringing you part 2 of Holiday Car Deals 2013. In part 2, check out deals from Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, and Chevrolet, and for the best deals all year around, call Approved Loan Store at 877-217-2217!

Chrysler

$1,000 Cash Allowance on 2014 Chrysler 200 Convertible
APR Starting at 1.9% for 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible
APR Starting at 0% for 72 Months on 2013 Chrysler 300, Chrysler 200, Town & Country

Deadline for delivery is on all deals is January 6, 2014.

Dodge

0% APR for 36 Months or $1,000 Cash Allowance on 2014 Dodge Dart, Dodge Durango
0% APR for 36 Months or $1,500 Cash Allowance on 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
0% APR for 36 Months or $2,000 Combined Cash Allowance on 2014 Dodge Avenger
0% APR for 36 Months or $2,500 Cash Allowance on 2014 Dodge Charger
0.9% APR for 36 Months or $500 Cash Allowance and as much as $1,000 Bonus Cash on 2014 Dodge Journey
0.9% APR for 36 Months or $1,000 Cash Allowance on 2014 Dodge Challenger

Deadline for delivery on all deals is January 6, 2014.

GMC

$500 Bonus Cash and $500 Consumer Cash on 2014 GMC Terrain
$500 Bonus Cash and $1,000 Consumer Cash on 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 (Excludes Work Truck Preferred Equipment Group/SLE)
$500 Bonus Cash and $1,500 Consumer Cash on 2014 GMC Acadia
$500 Bonus Cash and $2,500 Consumer Cash on 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD Extended
$500 Bonus Cash and $3,500 Consumer Cash on 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD Crew, 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew
$500 Bonus Cash and $4,000 Consumer Cash on 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD Regular
$500 Consumer Cash on 2014 GMC Savana Cargo Van, 2014 GMC Savana Cargo 2500, 2014 GMC Savana Cargo 3500, 2014 GMC Savana Passenger, 2014 GMC Savana Passenger 2500, 2014 GMC Savana Passenger 3500

$1,000 Consumer Cash on 2013 GMC Terrain
$1,500 Consumer Cash on 2014 GMC Yukon (Excludes Denali), 2014 GMC Yukon XL (Excludes Denali)
$2,000 Consumer Cash on 2013 GMC Acadia, 2013 GMC Savana Cargo Van 1500, 2013 GMC Savana Passenger 1500, 2013 GMC Savana Passenger 2500, 2013 GMC Savana Passenger 3500, 2013 GMC Savana Cargo Van 2500, 2013 GMC Savana Cargo Van 3500
$2,000 Consumer Cash and $750 Bonus Cash on 2013 GMC Yukon (Excludes 5SA)
$2,000 Bonus Cash and $1,000 Consumer Cash on 2014 Sierra 1500 Work Truck Preferred Equipment Group/SLE
$2,500 Consumer Cash and $750 Bonus Cash on 2013 GMC Yukon (Excludes Denali)
$3,000 Consumer Cash on 2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab/Regular Cab, 2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD
$3,500 Consumer Cash on 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab
$4,000 Consumer Cash on 2013 GMC Sierra Extended Cab
$4,500 Consumer Cash on 2013 GMC Sierra Regular Cab

0% APR for 60 Months and $500 Bonus Cash on 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD, 2014 GMC Acadia
0% APR for 60 Months and $750 Bonus Cash on 2013 GMC Yukon XL
0% APR for 48 Months on 2013 GMC Savana Cargo Van 1500, 2013 GMC Savana Cargo Van 2500, 2013 GMC Savana Cargo Van 3500, 2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD, 2014 GMC Yukon, 2014 GMC Yukon XL, 2013 GMC Savana Passenger 1500, 2013 GMC Savana Passenger 2500, 2013 GMC Savana Passenger 3500
0% APR for 60 Months on 2013 GMC Sierra 1500, 2013 GMC Acadia, 2013 GMC Terrain, 2013 GMC Yukon

2.9% APR for 60 Months on 2014 GMC Savana Cargo Van, 2014 GMC Savana Cargo 2500, 2014 GMC Savana Cargo 3500, 2014 GMC Savana Passenger, 2014 GMC Savana Passenger 2500, 2014 GMC Savana Passenger 3500
2.9% APR for 60 Months and $500 Bonus Cash on 2014 GMC Terrain
3.9% APR for 60 Months and $500 Bonus Cash on 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 (Excludes Work Truck Preferred Equipment Group/SLE)
3.9% APR for 60 Months and $2,000 Bonus Cash on 2014 Sierra 1500 Work Truck Preferred Equipment Group/SLE

Deadline for delivery on all deals is January 2, 2014.

Chevrolet

$3,500 Customer Cash, $1,000 Trade Assistant, and $750 Option Package Discount on 2014 Silverado All Star Edition V-6 when trading in an eligible vehicle

Deadline for delivery is January 2, 2014.

Check back with Approved Loan Store in the days leading up to Christmas for the part 3 of the biggest deals automakers are offering this season! If you are tired of looking and ready to get into a great new or used car for the best rates, Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you into a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more car buying and credit tips, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

Image courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Holiday Car Deals 2013 – 0 Percent APR, Customer Cash, and More – Part 1

Christmas is less than 2 weeks away, and the holiday deals are in full swing. Sorting through all the cash-back-bonus-bucks-low-APR-for-60-months offers can be a daunting task for even the savviest deal seeker, which is why Approved Loan Store has compiled some of the best holiday deals all in one place. This is only part 1, so keep an eye on the blog in the next week for more great car deals!

Hyundai

0% APR for 72 months on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, Elantra Coupe, and Elantra GT, No Down Payment is Required

0 percent financing actually means $13.89 per month per $1,000 financed, and not every buyer can qualify for the deal. Consumers with poor credit or no credit might not fall under the program’s parameters, but car buyers who are interested in the deal will need to move fast as the offer ends January 2, 2014.

Buick

$750 Holiday Cash and $500 Consumer Cash on the 2013 Buick Encore FWD
$500 Holiday Cash and $500 Consumer Cash on the 2014 Buick Verano
$2,500 Bonus Cash and $1,000 Consumer Cash on the 2013 Buick Regal, Regal GS, or Regal Turbo
$500 Bonus Cash and $500 Consumer Cash on the 2014 Buick LaCrosse
$1,000 Bonus Cash and $1,500 Consumer Cash on the 2013 Buick LaCrosse
$1,500 Consumer Cash on the 2014 Buick Enclave
$2,000 Consumer Cash on the 2013 Buick Enclave

There is plenty of fine print on these deals, though. The delivery must happen by January 2, 2014, and the deals are not available on finance or lease offers. Car buyers who have enough funds on hand to pay for the whole car outright can find a good deal, but everyone else will have to check out their financing deals below.

0% APR for 60 Months on 2013 Buick Verano (excludes Leather/Premium Group), 2013 Buick Enclave, and 2014 Buick Enclave
0% APR for 60 Months, Plus $500 Bonus Cash on 2013 Buick Verano Leather/Premium Group
0% APR for 60 Months, Plus $1,000 Bonus Cash on 2013 Buick LaCrosse
0% APR for 60 Months, Plus $2,500 Bonus Cash on 2013 Buick Regal, Regal GS, and Regal Turbo
1.9% APR for 60 Months, Plus $500 Bonus Cash on 2014 Buick Regal and LaCrosse
1.9% APR for 60 Months, Plus $750 Bonus Cash on 2013 Buick Encore
2.9% APR for 60 Months on 2014 Buick Encore
2.9% APR for 60 Months, Plus $500 Bonus Cash on 2014 Buick Verano

As far as the fine print, all deals are subject to approval and can vary depending on location.

Toyota

0% APR for 36 Months on 2013 Avalon, 2013 Prius c, 2013 Prius v, 2014 Prius, and 2014 Tundra
0% APR for 48 Months on 2013 RAV4
0% APR for 60 Months, Plus $500 Bonus Cash on 2014 Camry
0% APR for 60 Months, Plus $750 Bonus Cash on 2013 Venza
0% APR for 60 Months, Plus $1,000 Bonus Cash on 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid
0% APR for 60 Months, Plus $3,000 Bonus Cash on 2013 Prius Plug-in Hybrid
0% APR for 60 Months on 2013 and 2014 Sienna, 2013 Prius, 2013 Highlander, 2014 Venza, 2014 Camry Hybrid
1.9% APR for 60 Months on 2013 Avalon Hybrid, 2014 Toyota Avalon, 2014 Corolla
2.9% APR for 60 Months, Plus $500 Bonus Cash on 2014 Camry
5.9% APR for 60 Months, Plus $500 Bonus Cash on 2014 Camry

As it is with all of these deals, they are subject to approval and can vary by location.

Check back with Approved Loan Store in the days leading up to Christmas for more deals. If you are tired of looking and ready to get into a great new or used car for the best rates, Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you into a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more car buying and credit tips, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

Image courtesy of jannoon028 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mazda6 Wins Popular Mechanics Car of the Year Award

Last year, Popular Mechanics awarded their first Car of the Year award to the Ford Escape, but in its second year, Mazda has taken the magazine’s top honor.

In a joint press release, Mazda and Popular Mechanics announced that the 2014 Mazda6 was named Car of the Year. Vehicles that were in consideration for Car of the Year were judged by editors and contributors to the magazine, and their final decision was based on affordability, utility, fuel efficiency, performance, innovation, and bold design. Popular Mechanics also wrote in the announcement on their website that the Mazda6 is an “underdog story” that won the award because Mazda made a “truly great car.”

The 2014 Mazda6 comes with impressive standard features on the 2014 Mazda6 include leather steering wheel and shift knob, six audio speakers, MP3 audio input, USB connection, and front reading lights. Safety-wise, it also comes with standard 4-wheel ABS, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, stability control, and tire pressure monitoring. In their review, Edmunds gave the Mazda6 a B rating, and at the time of publishing, it had earned a consumer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Readers, what do you think? Have you checked out the 2014 Mazda6, and did it deserve to win Popular Mechanics’ Car of the Year award? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Are you ready to get into a great new or used car, truck, or minivan? Now is the time to buy, and Approved Loan Store can help you find the car you want at terms you can afford, even if you have credit problems! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

October: Honda Civic Outsells the Competition

In 2012, the Ford Focus beat out the Toyota Corolla for the distinction of the world’s best-selling car. As numbers from October are released, however, another challenger has emerged and beat out the Focus for the month.

The Honda Civic sold 27,328 units in the United States in October, beating out the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, and Hyundai Elantra. Last year, the Toyota Corolla won the month of October with 20,949 units sold, followed by the Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, and Hyundai Elantra. The Honda Civic is also leading compact sales for 2013 so far with 280,889 units sold.

Interestingly enough, the Ford Focus was the world’s top seller of 2012, and currently it is in fourth place for U.S. year-to-date sales with 203,762 units sold, trailing the Civic by 77,127 units. The Focus didn’t even beat its previous year’s U.S. sales numbers. In 2012, the Ford Focus sold 18,320 units, and in 2013, it only sold 15,108 units.

At the time of publication, the starting MSRP for the 2014 Ford Focus is $16,310, and the starting MSRP for the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe is $17,965.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Which compact car do you think deserves to be the world’s best-seller? What about America’s best-seller? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Whether if you’re trading in, looking for a good deal on a used car, or ready to buy your first car, Approved Loan Store is here to help you! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Cadillac CTS Named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for Cadillac, the reasons for celebration go beyond turkey and presents.

Last week, Motor Trend announced that the Cadillac CTS had beat out the Mazda3 and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray to win the Car of the Year award. The official announcement was made on Fox and Friends, Fox News’ morning show. The Cadillac CTS, which Motor Trend dubbed “a car for all seasons,” has been exceedingly well-reviewed. Jalopnik called it GM’s best sedan ever, and it earned top reviews from Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book, and Auto Guide.

Standard features on the Cadillac CTS 2.0L Standard include a 5.7” color display, Bose 11-speaker premium audio system, Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist, remote start, StabiliTrak, and OnStar services including emergency services and hands-free calling. Additionally, the CTS 2.0L Standard gets an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city in RWD, 19 mpg city in AWD, 30 mpg highway in RWD, and 28 mpg highway in AWD.

No matter what car you are looking for from the Cadillac CTS to favorite Chryslers, Fords, Kias, Mazdas, and more, Approved Loan Store is ready to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to work with you to find a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Study: Halloween Worst Day of the Year for Cars

If Halloween left you with egged windows and toilet papered trees, count yourself fortunate. Many drivers woke up to find damaged cars, all in the name of out-of-hand holiday mischief.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that drivers have twice the chance of waking up to broken windshields, spray painted graffiti, or slashed tires on November 1 compared to the rest of the year. An average of over 1200 insurance claims are filed for damage from Halloween night’s tricks, more than any other single day including the 4^th of July, New Years, and St. Patrick’s Day. With an average claim costing $1,528, Halloween alone accounts for $1.9 million in claims.

For drivers with a garage, the answer is obviously to park the car inside for the night, but what about everyone else? On high-risk holidays like Halloween and the 4^th of July, it might be worth it to pay for a spot in a parking garage for the day. Depending on the attachment to the car, it might be better to pay for peace of mind and prevent a costly bit of vandalism.

Was your car damaged this Halloween? Do you have any suggestions for drivers wanting to protect their car? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ford Offers Drivers Affordability, Fuel Economy with 2014 Fiesta

With fuel economy continuing to improve across the board in the 2014 models, car buyers no longer have to choose between buying a green car and buying an inexpensive car.

This week, the 2014 Ford Fiesta’s fuel economy and starting prices were announced. According to Autoblog, the Fiesta can be paired with an optional SE Manual EcoBoost package starting at $16,445 for the four-door model and starting at $17,045 for the hatchback model. For that price, drivers will get 32 mpg city and 45 mpg highway, which is incredibly good fuel economy for an equally economically priced vehicle.

The 2014 Ford Fiesta will also come with a number of standard features including SYNC with SYNC AppLink, leather and metallic trim, power locks, message center with LCD screen, 4-way manual driver’s seat, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control.

Are you looking for a safer car or one with better fuel efficiency? No matter what you’re looking for, Approved Loan Store wants to help you get in a car you want at terms you can afford! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!