Buying a used car is only possible with adequate financing. Whether you want a tough pick-up for work, a reliable saloon for the family, or a compact car for city driving. By considering all the options available, you can choose the one that’s right for you.
This article for amoplant.lv car enthusiasts will help you understand the nuances and choose between a car loan or leasing. Especially if you purchase around €5,000 and want to own the car.
Differences between car leasing and car loans
If you don’t have all the money you need right away to buy a used car, you have only 2 options. But how do you know whether a car loan or lease is right for you? Let’s get to the bottom of each offer.
A car loan is financing for purchasing a car you own outright, but it is up to you to repay it. On the other hand, a car lease is the rental of a car for a fixed period, with the option to buy it at the end of the lease period.
If you are determined to become a car owner, a car loan is the way. However, leasing also offers you the option to become a car owner by buying it at the end of the lease term. Indeed, the total cost will usually be higher because of the lease payments.
Car finance options
Now that you understand the difference between a car loan and a car lease and have chosen between them let’s look at where you can get one. Assuming your purchase amount is around €5,000, let’s see what Latvian banks and other lenders have to offer to buy a car for your use.
Luminor
This relatively new bank in Latvia offers car loans and leasing options, making it a good choice for potential car buyers. For example, Luminor provides car loans at 7.9% p.a. and leasing options at rates from 2.29% + Euribor.
The bank individually considers the down payment, the customer’s age, and the vehicle type. Luminor offers a straightforward approach with competitive rates and conditions for environmentally friendly cars and standard vehicles. Conditions include compulsory CASCO insurance in case of leasing.
Citadele
Citadele offers car loans up to EUR 20 000 and leasing with competitive interest rates and conditions to suit different financial situations. Citadele car loans are suitable for people who want to own a car without a down payment, collateral, or CASCO insurance.
On the other hand, their leasing options offer lower monthly payments. But the car remains the bank’s property until the lease is fully paid. Citadele allows financing up to 90% of the car’s value for up to 7 years. This makes it an advantage for those looking for long-term financing solutions.
ViaSMS
Viasms, known mainly for its quick loans, offers financing of up to €5,000, which can be used to purchase a used car. This will be an excellent option for those who don’t want to burden themselves with all the paperwork for a car at the bank.
Unlike standard banks, Viasms has the advantages of quick access to money, fast application processing, and minimal questions. The lender also offers a discount on interest for the first month. As a tip, it saves a little on the total loan cost. You can repay the loan at any time, up to 10 years.
Latvijas Kredītu Centrs
Another place you can turn to for car finance is the financial intermediary LK Centrs. Working with many lenders in Latvia, they specialize in car loans and leasing, including car pledging. You can consider many attractive lending options by applying to them.
Latvijas Kredītu Centrs offers a wide range of financing from EUR 1000 to EUR 50 000 at 2% to 20% at interest rates. They demonstrate a personalized approach based on your income and credit history. Repayment terms are up to 10 years. A nice bonus is that they sell some cars, which you can see on the LK Centrs website.
What do I need to apply for a car loan or lease?
When looking at offers from different lenders, preparing well before you go wherever you decide to take out a loan is vital. To be approved for a car loan or lease, consider a few details about you as a borrower and prepare a few documents.
For example, you need a used car valuation, CASCO insurance, and a down payment to get a car lease. You must also be at least 21 years old, have a regular income, and have a driver’s license.
The conditions for a car loan are less strict, but the bank also requires you to have an income of at least €500 a month. Registering the car in your name with the CSDD within 30 days is essential. The ViaSMS loan, for example, does not ask for such details. They give you the money for the purchase after checking your credit history.
The financial route to car ownership
Choosing the right car lease or car loan depends on your financial situation, the specific vehicle, and whether ownership or flexible use is crucial to you. Use tools such as the leasing calculator to compare estimated loan payments.
Prospective borrowers should consider their long-term financial stability and special needs, such as environmentally friendly cars or possibly buying another vehicle. Whether it is Luminor personalized car loans or Citadele flexible financing. Or maybe Viasms fast access to funds or Latvijas Kredītu Centrs brokerage services. The right choice should match your capabilities.