Glossary of refinancing terms

Original loan amount
 
Your current loan amount is equal to the price you paid for your car, truck, or SUV, minus your down payment. The average auto loan tends to be between $15,000 - $30,000. 


Original term

This is the number of months for the auto loan you have now. It is the total time you are paying off the cost of the vehicle. Your current car payment term may be 48, 60, 72, or 84 months. Enter the term into the car refinance calculator field.


Original interest rate

This is the amount of interest you are currently paying on your car's loan. Your interest rate varies on factors that are unique to you and your situation. It is frequently between 4% and 8% APR. Input it into the car refinance calculator interest rate.

Original Loan Amount
Your current loan amount

Original Term
Time to pay off current loan

Original Interest Rate
Current interest rate

Remaining Loan Amount
Amount you owe

Desired Term
Estimated refinance offer term

Desired Interest Rate
Estimated refinance offer rate

Your estimated monthly auto loan refinance savings:
$0.00

Estimated yearly savings:

$0

That's this many $3 cups of coffee:

0

FAQs

Can I save money by refinancing my car?

Refinancing your car can potentially save you money. Your savings depends on a multitude of factors including auto loan term, interest rate, where you live, what type of vehicle you are financing, and your credit score. All of these factor into the refinancing process and the final APR on your total loan amount. Understand how auto refinancing works

Can I pre-qualify to refinance my car?

Yes, it is possible to be pre-qualified for auto refinancing. You can quickly submit your information to check if you qualify. Please Apply to start the process and submit your information. Learn about terms and definitions related to pre-qualifying

How much money can I save refinancing my car?

This depends on the refinancing offer you select. If you want to save more money each month, there may be options to lower your monthly car loan payment. Your financial health, term length, interest rate, and other loan factors determine the amount of money you save. The average Caribou customer saves about $130* per month on their car payment.

What are the benefits of refinancing my vehicle?

There are several benefits when it comes to refinancing your vehicle. You can:

- Save money on monthly payments

- Lower you interest rate

- Pay off the loan early

- Lengthen the term of the loan so you have more time to pay.

Can I refinance my used car loan?

It is possible to refinance a used car loan. This depends on several factors like the amount of the loan, the car's age, the vehicle's mileage, and the auto loan term.

Can I refinance my car right after I bought it?

Yes, you can usually refinance your car at any time after purchasing it from a dealer. Keep in mind car dealerships often add services and incentives which may end when you refinance the car. This applies to finance-related things like cash-back programs, lease deals, dealership cash offers, rewards programs, and other related things. This does not apply to things like GAP insurance, manufacturer's vehicle warranties, and dealership service contracts.

Can I refinance my car in someone else's name?

Refinancing allows for changes like adding a cosigner. However, your name must remain on the vehicle's title.

Can I have an auto loan cosigner?

Yes, refinancing can give you the opportunity to add a cosigner to the loan. The cosigner requirements vary depending on the lender.

Why is refinancing your car important?

Refinancing your vehicle is a great way to put money back into your monthly budget. When you refinance your car, truck, SUV or other vehicle, you can work with our auto loan officers. They will help you understand the lending process better. You can refinance your vehicle for different reasons. You might want to extend your term, lower your interest rate, or save money on your monthly payment.

What are auto refinance rates today?

Auto refinance rates today vary depending on factors like your credit score, loan balance, and the length of your loan term. Borrowers with a better credit score or a smaller loan balance may get better rates.

Tip: Use our Auto Refinance Calculator above. It helps you compare current rates. You can see how refinancing your auto loan may save you money.

Is it worth refinancing your car?

Refinancing your car can be worth it if it lowers your total amount paid or reduces your monthly payment. Here are some scenarios where it might make sense:

- Your credit score has improved: A better score could mean a lower interest rate.

- Lower remaining balance: Refinancing could help you pay off your loan faster.

- Avoid a prepayment penalty: If your current loan doesn’t penalize you for paying early, refinancing could save you money.

- You need a longer loan term: Extending your term can lower monthly payments, though it may increase the total cost.

Use our calculator above to estimate your savings and decide if refinancing your auto loan aligns with your financial goals.

How to calculate if refinancing is worth it

Calculating if refinancing is worth it involves comparing your current loan terms to a potential refinance offer. Here’s what to look at for your assessment:

- Interest Rate: A lower rate could save you money, especially if your credit score has improved.

- Remaining Balance: Refinancing might make sense if you still owe a significant portion of your loan balance.

- Total Amount Paid: Compare the total amount you’ll pay with and without refinancing.

- Prepayment Penalty: Check your current loan for penalties that could offset your savings.

- Loan Term: Decide whether a shorter or longer loan term fits your financial goals.

Make sure to check out our calculator above to help you.

What is the interest rate for a 700 credit score car refinance?

If you have a credit score of around 700, you may qualify for competitive auto refinance rates. Borrowers with better credit scores usually get lower interest rates. While exact rates vary by lender, borrowers with improved credit scores often see lower interest rates than those available when they first took out their loan. This can help reduce your total amount paid or lower you monthly payments.

Refinancing your auto loan with a strong credit score may also allow you to adjust your loan term to better fit your financial goals.

You can use our calculator above to estimate your rate based on your current credit score and remaining loan balance.

What is the downfall of refinancing a car?

Although many have saved money by refinancing their car loan, it’s not always the right move. Here are some potential downsides to consider before refinancing:

- Prepayment Penalty: Some loans include feed for paying off the loan early, which could offset the benefits of refinancing.

- Longer Loan Term: Extending your loan term might reduce your monthly payments but could increase the total amount you pay over time.

- Fees and Costs: There may be application fees or other costs associated with refinancing your auto loan.

- Loan Balance Requirements: If your remaining balance is very low, the saving from refinancing might not be worth the effort.

We recommend using our Auto Refinance Calculator above to weigh the pros and cons for your unique situation.

Should you put money down when refinancing a car?

AUnlike buying a car, refinancing usually doesn’t require a down payment. However, putting money down could help reduce your loan balance and the total amount paid over time. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re refinancing for a longer loan term but want to minimize interest costs.

You can use our calculator above to see how a down payment might impact your new loan terms and overall savings.

Remaining loan amount

This is the dollar amount you still owe on your vehicle. Enter this number into the car refinance calculator field. Not sure of this amount? Subtract all of your payments year-to-date from the original loan amount. Or, check with your lender (ie: your bank or dealership).


Desired term

This will be the amount of time in months for your new refinance payment term. Your new term can vary or allow you to extend your loan. Most refinanced car loan terms are around 36 to 72 months.


Desired interest rate

This is the new interest rate you would be paying on your refinanced auto loan. Keep in mind your loan term helps to determine your rate. At Caribou we bring you access to competitive rates.
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How refinancing your auto loan can help you reach your goals

Lower your interest rate

Refinancing your car could be a great way to lower your auto loan interest rate. Several ways to qualify for lower rates are to decrease the term, make sure your credit report is free of errors, and find a cosigner.


Shorten your loan term

Shortening your loan term could help you pay off your car loan faster. This often lowers the interest over the term of the loan while increasing your monthly payment. This can cost more now to save later.


Save money each month

Check to see if refinancing your loan will save you money. You may be able to save money each month by refinancing your car. A lower monthly payment or interest rate can make all the difference in saving you money.

How 

refinancing

your auto loan

can help you

reach your

goals

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Calculate My Savings

Estimate how much you could save by refinancing your auto loan with our refinance calculator.*

Estimate how much you could save by refinancing your auto loan with our refinance calculator.*

Calculate My Savings

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Convenient, transparent refinancing that puts money back in your pocket, with offers from our network of lenders.

 

An easy way to refinance your car

1. Check your rate

Share minimal information and we’ll find competitive pre-qualified loan options in minutes, without impacting your credit.+ It’s that simple: no obligation and no Social Security number required.++

2. Select your loan offer

Choose the refinancing offer that suits you best. You can also pick from other products. These can help protect your vehicle’s value and keep extra costs away. Our Customer Support Team is available to help you every step of the way. ^^

3. Finalize your refinance

Submit a few pieces of information and sign your loan refinance documents online. We do the heavy lifting to refinance your loan. Then, it’s time to celebrate all your newfound savings!*

EASY PROCESS IN 3 STEPS

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WHAT SETS US APART

Tech to unlock low rates, 
people to make the process easy.

Competitive rates

Gain access to affordable refi rates that could save you thousands over the life of your loan* and insurance quotes.

Competitive rates

Gain access to affordable refi rates that could save you thousands over the life of your loan.*

Dedicated support

Our team of loan officers and insurance representatives are standing by, happy to help you through either process.

Our team of loan officers are standing by, happy to help you through the process.

Dedicated support

All in one place

Take control of your car finances when you apply for refinancing and car insurance through Caribou.

Take control of your car finances and find new ways to protect the value of your car when you refinance through Caribou.^^

All in one place

Fast and easy

Quickly access offers with no impact to your credit score,✝︎ and no SSN required.✝︎✝︎

Fast and easy

Quickly access offers with no impact to your credit score,✝︎ and no SSN required.✝︎✝︎

WHY PEOPLE LOVE US

100,000+ happy drivers with 

more cash in their wallets

With Caribou, you could start saving today!

Refinance my loan

An easy way to refinance your car

Tech to unlock low rates, people to make the process easy.

100,000+ happy

drivers with 

more cash in

their wallets

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Disclaimer: Calculator estimates are for educational purposes only. Savings are not guaranteed. Figures and amounts shown are not representative of actual auto loan refinance rates, terms, or offers. Applicants must provide lenders with additional information including but not limited to credit score, location, and vehicle details.

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About the auto refinance calculator

How does this car refinance calculator work?

The car refinance calculator works by taking the entered car loan interest rate and term and evaluating it against the entered refinance offer info. The results are the estimated monthly and yearly differences in payments shown as savings. Entering realistic refinance terms and interest rate estimates is the best way to use this tool. If you are interested in refinancing, you can get started now.
Using our auto refinance calculator can come in handy for estimating potential savings on your car loan.

Submit a few pieces of information and sign your loan refinance documents online. We do the heavy lifting to refinance your loan. Then, it’s time to celebrate all your newfound savings!*

Better Business Bureau A+ rating logo, highlighting Caribou's commitment to customer satisfaction and trust in car loan refinancing.
Better Business Bureau A+ rating logo, highlighting Caribou's commitment to customer satisfaction and trust in car loan refinancing.