Financing with a Bank or Dealership: What's the Difference?

Knowing where to get a car loan comes down to knowing your options. Many St. Augustine drivers aren’t aware that financing your new car with a loan from a bank or other financial institution isn’t the only path: you can also choose to finance a car directly with your local Jacksonville-area dealership. For buyers with less-than-perfect credit, that’s great news. Read the guide below to learn where to get a car loan in any financial situation — and then go car loan shopping with confidence!

Car Loan Shopping in St. Augustine and Orange Park

Determining the best place to get auto financing can be confusing, especially for first-time buyers. You can divide your financing options into two main categories: paying for your car with a loan from a bank, or paying for your new Mazda vehicle with a loan from your auto dealership. In either case, you’ll make monthly payments on your loan until you’ve paid back the cost of the car, plus interest, to the bank or dealership.

Below, we’ll look at which car-buyers benefit from each option. If you’re still feeling undecided or have more specific questions — no worries! Just call our finance center to speak with an auto financing expert.

Should I Finance with a Bank or Dealership?

The best place to get a car loan depends on your financial situation, but also your personal preference. Many Mazda buyers prefer the simplicity of in-house financing, and do you know where to get a car loan with bad credit? Weigh the pros and cons of both options to find out which is right for you:

Financing with a Dealership

• Dealerships are connected with a variety of lenders, so they can work to find you the best rates possible.
• Fill out just one form, and your application is underway!
• You can choose the best of offers from multiple lenders.
• Competition between lenders for your business can lead to better rates and more offers.
• High credit score? Dealerships will likely offer special low-interest rates.
• Your dealership may offer a financing special on the vehicle you choose.
• Dealerships are often more flexible than banks when it comes to negotiating the terms of your loan.
• Dealerships take factors other than credit score into account when they decide on your offer, so you may see better interest rates at your dealership vs. your bank.

Financing with a Bank

• You may have a pre-existing relationship with your bank, and feel more comfortable working with them.
• Set Interest rates.
• Flexible payment schedules at your bank may be possible.
• Taking out a personal loan with a not-for-profit credit union will likely get you low interest rates, lower loan minimums, and lower fees.

Finance For Your Budget at Hodges Mazda!

The Hodges Mazda finance team is here to take the hassle out of car loan shopping. Reach out to us if you need help with any part of the car-buying or leasing process — so you can enjoy your new Mazda CX-5 or MX-5 Miata! We also have plenty of car care tips to help you learn how to clean leather car seats, about bad credit financing, find the best restaurants with delivery in Jacksonville, and more!