These days, a lot of attention is paid to the epidemic of underwater mortgages, but now experts also believe the underwater phenomenon is a growing trend for Americans’ auto loans, too.
Underwater car loan balances — those for which consumers owe more than their car is worth — are becoming more common in the auto lending industry largely as a result of long-term financing, according to a study by Consumer Reports. In general, the longer an auto loan lasts, the more likely a person is to owe more money on it as the value of the vehicle depreciates.
[Credit Score Tool: Get your free credit score and report card from Credit.com]
Loan terms averaged 64 months this year, up from 63 in 2011 and 62 in 2009, the report said. These increases suggest that consumers are now taking on more auto loans with terms of six or even seven years.
The problem with this is that in many cases, long-term auto loans are extended primarily to those with generally low credit ratings, the report said. Further, the rate at which lenders have been granting those with subprime scores auto financing has ticked up in recent years, rising to a total of 38 percent of all such loans issued for used vehicles last year, up from 35 percent in 2009. A similar increase was seen for new car loans, which jumped to 13 percent from 10 percent.
Moreover, the study found that below-average buyers pay “extremely high interest rates” on the financing they receive, which can range from 9.7 percent for a standard subprime loan for a new car to 17.7 percent for used car buyers whose scores are so low they are considered “deep subprime,” the report said. These buyers might never be able to build equity with their vehicles, as even with low interest rates and a down payment of 10 percent, many borrowers find it difficult to do so.
[Featured Products: Research and compare loans at Credit.com]
Whenever a borrower opens a new line of credit — for any reason — they should take the time to determine whether it’s a good investment. This can include taking steps such as weighing the terms of the loan, and shopping around to see what else may be out there for them. Obtaining a line of credit with less than ideal terms can end up costing borrowers significant amounts of money over the life of the loan.
Image: Caitlin Regan, via Flickr
Get email updates from our credit experts. Sign up here!