So you’ve got your eye on that shiny new Mazda sitting on the lot, don’t you? Great choice – Mazda makes incredible, fun-to-drive vehicles that also happen to be affordable and reliable. But now that you’ve picked out your dream car, it’s time to figure out how you’re going to pay for the thing.
Getting approved for an auto loan and finding a good interest rate can be stressful, especially if you’re buying your first new car. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve compiled some tips and tricks to help you score the best Mazda finance rates possible so you can get on the road in your new set of wheels as soon as you want.
With a solid down payment, good credit, and some smart negotiating, you’ll be cruising around town in that Mazda in no time. So what are you waiting for? Start your engine and let’s go!
Compare Mazda Finance Rates at Different Dealerships
Comparing finance rates at different Mazda dealerships is one of the best ways to save money on your new ride.
Check websites like MazdaUSA.com, Autotrader, and Kelley Blue Book to compare rates in your area. Dealerships often post special offers and incentives on their sites. See who’s offering the lowest APR or interest rate. If one dealership is advertising 0% APR, there’s a good chance others will match or beat it to win your business.
Once you find some good deals, head to the showrooms. Sit down with the finance managers and be upfront that you’re shopping rates. Ask them to match or beat the best offer you found. Have printouts of the ads or screenshots on your phone as proof. If they can’t match it, don’t be afraid to walk away – that’s your strongest negotiating tactic.
Other ways to save:
- Check your credit score beforehand and look for ways to improve it. The higher your score, the better rate you can qualify for.
- Ask about special incentives for recent college grads, military members, or loyalty programs.
- Consider a shorter loan term like 3 years instead of 6. You’ll pay the loan off faster and pay less interest overall.
- Put down a larger down payment, like 20% of the vehicle’s value instead of the minimum. This lowers the amount you need to finance and reduces your interest charges.
- Ask if the dealership offers any discounts for Mazda owners trading in their used Mazda. Loyal customers often get the best deals!
With some savvy negotiating, you can get the best finance rate on your new Mazda and save hundreds or even thousands over the life of your loan. Take your time, check all your options, and don’t settle for anything less than the best offer. You’ll be riding off the lot knowing you got a great deal on your dream car.
Check Your Credit Score Before Applying for Mazda Financing
Before you start shopping rates and filling out applications, make sure to check your credit score. The better your score, the lower the interest rate Mazda will likely offer you.
Pay down any high-interest debts like credit cards to improve your score. If there are any errors on your credit report, dispute them to get them corrected. Even small improvements to your score can help.
Aim for a score of at least 660, but the closer to 800 the better. Scores above 720 will qualify you for Mazda’s top tier financing with the lowest rates. If your score needs work, hold off on applying for a few months so you can take steps to improve it.
Once you’ve checked your score and made sure there aren’t any surprises, head to Mazda’s website to see their current rates and available incentives and rebates. Rates vary over time based on the economy and Mazda’s current promotions.
When you’re ready to apply, do it within a 30 to 45 day window of when you want to buy your Mazda. Submitting multiple requests over a long period of time can lower your score. Only apply at one or two banks or credit unions in addition to Mazda so you can compare the rates offered.
With good credit and the right timing, you’ll be cruising in your new Mazda with an affordable monthly payment in no time. Start with building your score, check the latest rates, and only apply when you’re really ready to drive your new ride home. You’ve got this!
Negotiate the Best Deal on Your Mazda Loan
When buying a Mazda, you’ll want to get the best financing deal possible. Here are some tips to negotiate the best rates on your Mazda loan:
Do your research ahead of time. Check sites like Bankrate, NerdWallet, and Credit Karma to compare average APRs for new Mazda loans. See what rates people with credit scores similar to yours are getting approved for. This will give you a good starting point for negotiations.
Check your credit and credit score. Your credit score will directly impact the rates you’re offered. Check for any errors on your credit reports and take steps to improve your score if needed. Higher scores mean lower rates.
Get preapproved before shopping. Visit your bank or credit union and get preapproved for an auto loan. This shows the dealer you’re serious and gives you leverage to get a lower rate from them. Make the dealer compete for your business.
Be willing to negotiate. Don’t take the first offer from the finance manager. Ask if they can do any better, and provide the rate you were preapproved for as a starting point. They often have wiggle room to lower the APR.
Consider shorter loan terms. While longer terms like 6 years may mean lower payments, you end up paying more interest overall. Ask about 3- to 5-year loan terms which typically have lower APRs. You can always pay extra each month to pay the loan off sooner.
Ask about incentives and rebates. Mazda frequently offers cash back, low APR, and other incentives for new vehicle loans, especially for well-qualified buyers. Don’t leave money on the table—ask the dealer about any Mazda promotions that could lower your rate or out-of-pocket costs.
Following these tips will put you in the best position to negotiate a competitive rate on your Mazda financing. Do your homework, improve your credit, and leverage the dealer against preapproved offers. You’ll be driving off the lot with the keys to your new Mazda knowing you got the absolute best deal.
Conclusion
So there you have it, with some smart shopping and negotiating you can get a great deal on Mazda financing. Don’t settle for whatever rate the dealer offers you at first. Do your research ahead of time so you know what rates you should be able to qualify for based on your credit score and the incentives Mazda is offering.
Be willing to walk away if you don’t get an offer you’re happy with. And don’t forget to also consider credit unions and banks where you may be able to find even lower rates. Buying a new Mazda is exciting, so make sure you get the best financing deal possible so you can enjoy your new ride without worrying about overpaying.
With the right strategy and persistence, you’ll be cruising around in your Mazda at an interest rate you can feel good about.