An important point to note is that when retailers or dealers advertise financing, the interest rate that they quote is not necessarily the one that applies to you. Sometimes, the rate you actually end up paying is affected by your geographical location, credit history, term of loan and the condition of the item being purchased. Generally, new items are less expensive to finance (i.e., lower interest rates) than used items.
There are pros and cons to using the seller’s financing program. The pros are that it’s often fast, convenient and competitive, and if you do not meet the rigid requirements of traditional lenders, there is a good chance that you can obtain financing from a seller. The cons associated with seller financing are that there are sometimes higher interest rates and down payment requirements than those at traditional lending institutions.
If you have to take out a loan to make a purchase, there are other options. You can go to your bank, your local credit union or family and friends. There may be particular upside to using a financial institution that you already have a relationship with, in the shape of special rates or accommodations for account-holders and clients.