Auto Loans
How Car Financing Works
If you’re interested in getting a Honda, Honda Financial Services frequently offers incentives on its new, certified pre-owned and lease vehicles. Honda financing deals vary depending on your location and your credit. It’s possible to apply online so you’ll know if you’re approved before you head to the dealership, but the dealer will be the one to give an exact rate.
To qualify for Honda financing, you generally need at least a 610 credit score, but their best deals, including 0% financing, are typically reserved for those with excellent credit. Low APRs aren’t just for new vehicles though — certified pre-owned (CPO) Hondas may qualify, too.
In addition to APR deals, Honda Financial Services (HFS) offers rebates and other special programs. You may be able to land one of these when you lease or buy, even if you don’t finance with HFS. In some cases, you might be able to combine offers.
There are different types of cash rebates that reduce the price of the vehicle.
Active military personnel as well as retirees and veterans and their spouses may be eligible for $500 off when they buy or lease a new vehicle through Honda Financial Services. You may be able to use this rebate with other Honda financing deals.
If you graduated from an institution of higher education within the last two years or you will graduate within six months, you may be eligible for a $500 rebate when you finance through Honda Financial Services. You could combine this rebate with other programs.
Honda often offers $0 down lease deals, but be sure to read the fine print — less money upfront means higher monthly payments. Although it is technically possible to set up a lease through a bank or other lender, almost all leases are set up through the automaker and, at lease end, Honda will give you the option to purchase your vehicle.
Leasing a car can be a smart move, especially if you prefer to get a new vehicle every few years. If you’re thinking about it, here’s more on whether to lease or buy a car. Like loyalty offers for purchases, HFS offers up to $1,000 in waivers for those who lease (or purchase) another Honda.
A Honda One-Pay Lease gives you the option to pay all of your lease costs in a single, large upfront payment. Another alternative to traditional leasing is the Leadership Purchase Plan which combines elements of leasing with a balloon loan: make low monthly payments and one large payment at the end of your term and own the vehicle. If you don’t want to make the large payment, you could instead return the vehicle, similar to leasing.
The best Honda financing rates tend to go to those with the highest credit scores. You can get your free credit score using My LendingTree. You’ll also get free access to credit and identity monitoring, all while finding ways to save on loan payments.
Narrow your search at automobiles.honda.com where you could sort by model or by the type of Honda financing deal you’re seeking: lease, finance or special program. Be aware of the expiration date on any Honda rebate or financing deal.
Get preapproved before going to a dealership. Fill out a single online form at LendingTree to receive up to five auto loan offers from lenders, depending on your creditworthiness. You could also apply directly with your own bank or credit union.
Test-drive a few cars and tell the salesperson you want to get your car loan through HFS — IF they can beat the best preapproval offer you got from another lender. Sign the paperwork and drive off in your new car.