Identifying a good interest rate for a car loan can be tricky because it depends largely on the individual applicant. That said, yes, 3.5% is a good interest rate for most car loan borrowers. In general, people with average or higher than average credit scores can find interest rates of 3% to 4.5% on 36-month car loans. When you look for an average APR for a car loan, you'll find some statistics, but they don't mean anything if you don't understand your own financial situation and how auto loans work.
The average APR of a new car loan for someone with excellent credit is 4.96 percent. The average APR for a new car loan for someone with bad credit is 18.21 percent. Therefore, there is no doubt that there is a wide range of APRs for car loans and it's important to know where they belong before starting the car buying process. Longer car loan terms are generally not allowed on older models for fear that the car won't make it to the end of the repayment schedule.
For example, if you have a variable car loan with a preferred interest rate plus 2% and the prime rate is 3%, your interest rate would be 5%. Even with a strong credit score and a certain type of car, you'll want to compare prices to get your car loan. While car loans are available from several sources, including banks, credit unions, and car dealers, it's important to compare interest rates before committing to a loan. If you're planning to apply for a new or used car loan, it's worth researching what types of interest rates are available to you.
A higher income will only increase your chances of getting approved for an auto loan if you don't have increasing outstanding debts.