Unwrap Rates as Low as 1.99% During Happy Honda Days! Shop Now!

Financing 101


Auto Financing at Hendrick Honda Charlotte

Once you have budgeted for the cost, searching for a new vehicle can be a pleasant experience. Searching for the appropriate financing option for a vehicle loan doesn’t have to be difficult, even when reading through the details of the agreement. Acquiring financing for your next vehicle can be a hassle-free experience if you have the right knowledge and preparation. Continue reading to thoroughly understand what you need to be mindful of when considering auto financing.

What Is Auto Financing and How Does It Work

Statista says more than 84% of people finance their new vehicle purchases through banks, credit unions, or other lenders. Car buyers make a down payment and pay the rest through monthly installments.

Financing a vehicle is useful when you can’t afford to buy it outright. It’s important to remember that borrowing means paying interest. Compare financing options to find the best. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the important terms involved.

Auto Financing Dictionary

  • Amortization: Over time, your loan will be divided into principal and interest.
  • Principal: This refers to the initial amount you borrowed without including any interest.
  • Interest Rate:Lenders add a percentage to the borrowed amount as profit.
  • Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): It is possible for deals to offer the vehicle at a lower price than the manufacturer’s suggested price, which means the price may be subject to negotiation.
  • Down Payment: Making this payment can help you decrease the amount of money you’ll have to borrow for the vehicle.
  • Loan Conditions: It’s essential to carefully read and comprehend all loan conditions and guidelines before signing. Some documents may require only one signature.
  • Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) Insurance: In the unfortunate event that your vehicle is stolen or damaged beyond repair, GAP insurance will cover the difference between what you owe and the vehicle's current value.
  • APR: The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is an important metric that reflects the actual cost of borrowing over a year, taking into account all associated fees.
  • Manufacturer Incentives: These are incentives given by automakers to increase their sales.
  • Fixed-Rate Financing: The interest rate on your loan will not fluctuate throughout the term, ensuring a dependable and unwavering rate.

Types of Auto Financing

If you’re looking for ways to finance a vehicle, there are several common options to consider. Each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that you should take into account.

  • Secured Auto Loans: This loan uses your purchased vehicle as collateral. This may lead to a lower interest rate, which can save you money in the long run. However, it’s important to note that the lender will require a down payment, and if you’re unable to repay the loan, they have the right to repossess your vehicle.
  • Unsecured Auto Loans: When it comes to unsecured loans, lenders take into account a few key factors, such as income, credit reports, and residence. These loans do not require collateral but come with higher interest rates.

Factors that Affect Auto Loan Rates

Your credit score primarily determines your auto loan rate, so you'll need a higher credit score if you want a lower interest rate. When reviewing a loan application, lenders consider the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio and the loan term length. Choosing a shorter-term loan can decrease interest rates but increase monthly payments. While the monthly cost may seem high, paying off the loan faster can ultimately save money by reducing interest accumulation.

When weighing your options for a vehicle purchase, remember that the vehicle's age is a crucial consideration. Generally speaking, financing a new vehicle will be more cost-effective than financing a used vehicle. In the eyes of lenders, new vehicles are often considered to be a safer option due to their tendency to encounter fewer issues. Moreover, new vehicles often come with exclusive low-rate offers that are not readily available for used vehicles.

It's worth noting that your down payment can affect the interest rate offered to you. Keep in mind that a larger down payment typically results in a reduced interest rate, as you’re borrowing a smaller amount of money. Many individuals choose to trade in their automobiles and utilize their value as a down payment. Our “value your trade” toll can assist you in estimating the value of your vehicle.

Navigating auto loans can be a complex process, but taking the time to understand the factors involved can help you secure the best loan for your needs. By doing so, you can save money on the vehicle you’ve been dreaming of.

How to Get Pre-Approved for an Auto Loan

Before getting a loan, lenders assess the borrower’s financial information to determine if they are eligible. This is known as prequalification. Despite being less formal than a full loan approval, a pre-approval does not guarantee loan approval. If you want to start your car shopping journey with clarity about your eligibility and monthly payments, the finance department at Hendrick Honda Charlotte is here to help you. We can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your options, so you can make an informed decision. Simply reach out to us to get started.

Hendrick Honda

We would love to speak with you

Contact Us
Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer:

$899.00 Dealer Administrative Fee included in advertised price.

All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees and government fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.

Additional Disclaimers:

Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between November 2, 2026 and December 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by December 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Available on approved credit through Honda Financial Services in select states only. 1.99% APR available on select new and unregistered 2026 Honda models through 1/4/27, for well-qualified buyers. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher financing rates apply for buyers with lower credit ratings. Actual down payment may vary. Dealer participation may affect actual payment. Dealer sets actual prices. See dealer for details. **Program effective with contracts dated November 3, 2026 through January 4, 2027. Available to all Honda dealers in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming; *Florida and Pennsylvania dealers are excluded from this program. Interest will accrue during the deferment. Tiers 1 through 8 are eligible for this program, however, each application is subject to credit approval. IGS customers that are in tiers 9-14 do not qualify for the 90-day deferment. The IGS program provides a rate benefit to loyal customers. It does not change the risk associated with the customer’s tier. **All New MY26 and MY27 Honda vehicles are eligible. Honda Financial Services (HFS) will honor contracts up to ten (10) days after program expiration date, provided the credit application has been received by HFS on or before the program end date. Standard credit criteria apply

*$209/mo for 36 mos with $3,999 due at signing. Available to current owners of any 2011 or newer Honda. Includes down payment, no security deposit; excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. For well-qualified customers. Premium colors not included in advertised price. Closed-end lease for 2026 Accord 1.5T LX available through 1/4/2027, to approved lessees or purchasers by Honda Financial Services. Lease or Finance offer only available to current qualified owners of any 2011 or newer Honda. Total Suggested Retail Price $29,690.00 (includes MSRP and destination; excludes tax, title, license, registration, dealer-installed accessories, insurance). Actual net capitalized cost $22,642.01. Total monthly payments $7,524.00. Option to purchase at lease end $18,110.90. Monthly payment/total due at lease signing calculated with $750.00 LOYALTY AWARD AMOUNT toward cap cost reduction or down payment assistance. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and up to 20¢/mi. over 10,000 miles/year. Offer cannot be combined with $0 Due at Lease Signing or Certified Pre-Owned Financing. Conquest & Loyalty offers cannot be combined. Dealer participation may affect actual payment. Dealer sets actual prices. See dealer for complete details.

*$309/mo for 39 mos with $4,699 due at signing. Includes down payment, no security deposit required; excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. For well-qualified customers. Available only for residents of AK, AL, AR, DC, GA, ID, KS, LA, MD, MO, MS, MT, NC, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WY. Premium colors not included in advertised price. Closed-end lease for 2027 CR-V LX AWD Continuously Variable Transmission available through 1/4/2027, to approved lessees by Honda Financial Services in select states only. Total Suggested Retail Price $34,570.00 (includes MSRP and destination; excludes tax, title, license, registration, dealer-installed accessories, insurance). Actual net capitalized cost $29,482.52. Total monthly payments $12,051.00. Option to purchase at lease end $22,816.20. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and up to 20¢/mi. over 10,000 miles/year. Dealer participation may affect actual payment. Dealer sets actual prices. See dealer for details.

*$449/mo for 36 mos with $5,399 due at signing. Includes down payment, no security deposit required; excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. For well-qualified customers. Premium colors not included in advertised price. Closed-end lease for 2026 Passport AWD RTL available through 1/4/2027, to approved lessees by Honda Financial Services. Total Suggested Retail Price $46,545.00 (includes MSRP and destination; excludes tax, title, license, registration, dealer-installed accessories, insurance). Actual net capitalized cost $39,858.70. Total monthly payments $16,164.00. Option to purchase at lease end $29,323.35. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and up to 20¢/mi. over 10,000 miles/year. Dealer participation may affect actual payment. Dealer sets actual prices. See dealer for details.

*$449/mo for 36 mos with $4,199 due at signing. Includes down payment, no security deposit required; excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. For well-qualified customers. Premium colors not included in advertised price. Closed-end lease for 2027 Odyssey EX-L available through 1/4/2027, to approved lessees by Honda Financial Services. Total Suggested Retail Price $44,790.00 (includes MSRP and destination; excludes tax, title, license, registration, dealer-installed accessories, insurance). Actual net capitalized cost $39,505.62. Total monthly payments $16,164.00. Option to purchase at lease end $28,217.70. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and up to 20¢/mi. over 10,000 miles/year. Dealer participation may affect actual payment. Dealer sets actual prices. See dealer for details.

*$419/mo for 36 mos with $4,299 due at signing. Includes down payment, no security deposit required; excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. For well-qualified customers. Premium colors not included in advertised price. Closed-end lease for 2026 Ridgeline AWD RTL available through 1/4/2027, to approved lessees by Honda Financial Services. Total Suggested Retail Price $45,190.00 (includes MSRP and destination; excludes tax, title, license, registration, dealer-installed accessories, insurance). Actual net capitalized cost $39,487.65. Total monthly payments $15,084.00. Option to purchase at lease end $27,565.90. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and up to 20¢/mi. over 10,000 miles/year. Dealer participation may affect actual payment. Dealer sets actual prices. See dealer for details.

*$209/mo for 39 mos with $4,299 due at signing. Includes down payment, no security deposit required; excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. For well-qualified customers. Premium colors not included in advertised price. Closed-end lease for 2026 Civic Sedan available through 11/30/2026, to approved lessees by Honda Financial Services. Total Suggested Retail Price $25,990.00 (includes MSRP and destination; excludes tax, title, license, registration, dealer-installed accessories, insurance). Actual net capitalized cost $21,676.86. Total monthly payments $8,151.00. Option to purchase at lease end $16,633.60. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and up to 20¢/mi. over 10,000 miles/year. Dealer participation may affect actual payment. Dealer sets actual prices. See dealer for details.

*$249/mo for 36 mos with $4,199 due at signing. Includes down payment, no security deposit required; excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. For well-qualified customers. Available only for residents of AL, AR, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA. Premium colors not included in advertised price. Closed-end lease for 2027 HR-V LX AWD Continuously Variable Transmission available through 1/4/2027, to approved lessees by Honda Financial Services in select states only. Total Suggested Retail Price $29,650.00 (includes MSRP and destination; excludes tax, title, license, registration, dealer-installed accessories, insurance). Actual net capitalized cost $24,588.58. Total monthly payments $8,964.00. Option to purchase at lease end $19,865.50. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and up to 20¢/mi. over 10,000 miles/year. Dealer participation may affect actual payment. Dealer sets actual prices. See dealer for details.

*$429/mo for 36 mos with $5,499 due at signing. Includes down payment, no security deposit required; excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. For well-qualified customers. Available only for residents of AK, AL, AR, DC, GA, ID, KS, LA, MD, MO, MS, MT, NC, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WY. Premium colors not included in advertised price. Closed-end lease for 2026 Pilot AWD EX-L 10 Speed Automatic available through 1/4/2027, to approved lessees by Honda Financial Services in select states only. Total Suggested Retail Price $48,390.00 (includes MSRP and destination; excludes tax, title, license, registration, dealer-installed accessories, insurance). Actual net capitalized cost $40,440.05. Total monthly payments $15,444.00. Option to purchase at lease end $30,485.70. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and up to 20¢/mi. over 10,000 miles/year. Dealer participation may affect actual payment. Dealer sets actual prices. See dealer for details.

Menu

Get Directions

8901 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28273
Hendrick Honda 35.116400, -80.881890.