Navigating the various ways to pay for a vehicle can be as complex as choosing the car itself. However, understanding all the options available is critical to ensuring long-term financial wellness when finally buying that dream car.
A cash offer remains the most straightforward path to ownership. By paying upfront, buyers gain significant savings by eliminating interest charges. A cash transaction is also less complex, ensuring immediate and full ownership of the vehicle.
“While often feasible in the pre-owned market, the higher price point of new cars makes a cash purchase less attainable for most buyers. Furthermore, it can significantly impact personal financial liquidity as well as reduce monthly interest income for those with invested savings,” says Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA).
With pre-approved bank finance, the buyer secures a loan directly from the bank before visiting a dealership. This approach provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing the precise spending allowance, eliminating the risk of a finance application being declined at the point of sale.
It does, however, require a level of financial expertise and time that most car buyers, particularly first-time buyers, might not have. “Most buyers may find it taxing to approach multiple institutions individually to compare offers, potentially missing out on more competitive rates,” Brandon says.
Most South Africans opt for finance arranged through the dealership’s Finance and Insurance (F&I) manager. This person acts as a concierge between the buyer and multiple lending institutions. They can pull quotes from multiple banks simultaneously, allowing the buyer to easily compare interest rates and deal structures, including fixed vs. linked rates, balloon payments, and guaranteed future value (GFV) deals. “The added benefit of dealer finance is that deals can be tailored to most budgets,” Brandon notes.
"Choosing how to pay for a vehicle is a significant financial commitment and therefore requires careful consideration of one's unique circumstances," he adds.
"The modern automotive dealership is a hub of financial expertise, where experienced F&I professionals navigate a wide range of options available to car buyers, including non-traditional models such as rent-to-own, subscriptions, and lease agreements, to ensure most clients find a structure that suits their lifestyle and budget."
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