How To Save On Auto Loans Despite High Fed Rate

Over the past two years, Americans have faced steep auto loan rates as the Federal Reserve worked to quell inflation by pumping up the federal funds rate. As of July, the results of these efforts are questionable: The inflation rate is 2.7 percent, up from 2.4 percent in June and still above the Fed’s goal of 2 percent.

The Federal Reserve rolled out its last federal funds target rate cut at the December meeting, but the central bank opted to hold the rates steady in the July meeting. While auto loan rates may decline over time, relief may be slow to arrive.

How to save money regardless of the Fed rate

The key to saving money is preparedness. So, while the cost to borrow money increases, there are still ways to find your lowest possible rate.

Apply for loan preapproval

By applying for auto loan preapproval, you can lock down your expected monthly cost before signing off on your vehicle. It gives you a firm grasp on the true cost of your new car and gives you a leg up during negotiation. You can also use the preapproved rate when comparing other loan options.

Consider a trade-in

Trading in your current vehicle is a great way to drive off with a new car while spending less cash on a down payment. It will also save you the headaches of selling your car privately.

Shop around

Experts recommend that you compare at least three different loan offers when looking for vehicle financing. Do not sign off on the first deal you come across, and understand that dealer financing often costs more than financing offered by outside lenders.

Focus on affordability

As with all large purchases, it’s essential to calculate your loan cost ahead of time to ensure that you only sign off on a vehicle that you can afford. This way, you can ensure you can keep up with your monthly payments and be prepared for even the worst-case scenario.

Buy hybrid or fully electric

While buying EVs tends to carry a higher purchase price tag, they can be much less expensive over the lifetime of ownership. Check out special tax credits offered in your state as well as green auto loans to save money on an eco-friendly vehicle.

Results of the July Fed meeting

At the December meeting, the Fed announced its third consecutive rate cut — a quarter of a percentage point, putting the federal funds target rate at 4.25-4.5 percent. The rate hasn’t budged since. Seven months later, at the July meeting, the Fed continued holding rates steady.

However, as Bankrate economy reporter Sarah Foster writes, policymakers “continued penciling in a median of two cuts for 2025, despite simultaneously expecting higher inflation. Some Fed officials have also indicated that they don’t want to wait too long to watch what happens with inflation because high rates alone raise the risk of a recession.”

Unfortunately, while the federal funds rate is no longer at a 22-year high, there may not be a reduction in the cost of auto loans for the average consumer any time soon.

“Throughout history, when inflation rises or even looks like it’s about to take off, the Federal Reserve has been called to action,” explains Sarah Foster, senior U.S. economy reporter at Bankrate.

They do this by “raising interest rates to cool demand and bring prices back into better balance,” she concludes. And this is what the FOMC has been up to — raising rates to try and address high inflation. But most Americans, she explains, see the pain before they see the gain.

Borrowers feel that pain when financing big-ticket items such as new vehicles, especially as tariffs and threats of tariffs keep prices high. Lenders raised rates over the last few years in response to a higher benchmark rate. And these higher rates have, combined with higher prices, made a challenging environment for many.

How much are drivers spending?

Drivers financing used cars pay an average of $521 each month, and those financing new ones paid $745 each month, according to first quarter data from Experian.

“If sales volumes in November are any indication, we think 2024 will end on a positive note for the auto business. Yes, prices are trending higher year over year, but higher incentives and discounts are bringing in buyers,” said Erin Keating, Executive Analyst at Cox Automotive, regarding 2024 end-of-year prices.

While year-over-year prices are trending slightly upward, new car prices are leveling out compared to past years and discounts are also increasing.

Bottom line

While it’s true that a steep benchmark rate will impact your available rates, it is not all bad news. The FOMC has stepped in with a lower base rate, vehicle prices have declined and there are still ways to save money when financing your vehicle.

Stay up to date on current Federal Reserve news, understand how future changes can impact your budget and compare available loan rates.