The Zebra
Compare 100+ insurers
Reviewed today
- APR
- Varies
- Min. credit
- —
- Loan amount
- —
- Term
- —
New car loans
Walk into the dealer with a pre-approval, not a hope.
Every dealer pads their financing margin. A pre-approved auto loan from a competing lender shrinks that margin to zero — and gets you the keys faster.
The cleanest path to a new car is the one most buyers skip: get pre-approved, lock in the APR, then negotiate the price separately. Lenders below all use soft credit pulls for pre-qualification — your score doesn't move while you shop.
New-car APRs run 1–2pts lower
Most lenders price new vehicles more aggressively than used. A 720 FICO can see APRs as low as 4.99% on a 60-month term.
0% APR promos: usually a trap
Manufacturers offer 0% in exchange for forgoing cash rebates. Run the math both ways — cash rebate + outside loan often beats the promo.
Manufacturer warranty intact
Financing through a third-party doesn't void your bumper-to-bumper warranty. Your only obligation is to the lender.
Top lenders we've audited.
Real APR ranges, soft-pull pre-qualification, no spam. Click a row to expand our editorial review of each lender.
Rates as of May 24, 2026
Today's rates
| Lender | APR | Min. credit | Loan amount | Term | Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Zebra Compare 100+ insurers | Varies | — | — | — | Reviewed today | |
AutoPay Best refi marketplace | 4.99–17.99% | 560+ | $5K–$100K | 24–96 mo | Reviewed today | |
LightStream Best for excellent credit | 6.94–14.94% | 660+ | $5K–$100K | 24–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
LendingTree Insurance Best multi-quote tool | Varies | — | — | — | Reviewed today | |
Caribou Best for subprime refi | 5.49–17.99% | 580+ | $8K–$80K | 24–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
AutoPay Best marketplace | 5.69–17.99% | 580+ | $5K–$100K | 24–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
PenFed Credit Union Best credit union | 5.24–17.99% | 610+ | $500–$150K | 36–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
LightStream Best for prime refi | 6.49–13.74% | 660+ | $5K–$100K | 24–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
PenFed Credit Union Best credit union refi | 5.24–17.99% | 610+ | $500–$150K | 36–84 mo | Reviewed today | |
Capital One Auto Navigator Best soft-pull pre-qual | 6.99–22.90% | 540+ | $4K–$75K | 36–75 mo | Reviewed today |
AutoPay
Best refi marketplace
Reviewed today
- APR
- 4.99–17.99%
- Min. credit
- 560+
- Loan amount
- $5K–$100K
- Term
- 24–96 mo
LightStream
Best for excellent credit
Reviewed today
- APR
- 6.94–14.94%
- Min. credit
- 660+
- Loan amount
- $5K–$100K
- Term
- 24–84 mo
LendingTree Insurance
Best multi-quote tool
Reviewed today
- APR
- Varies
- Min. credit
- —
- Loan amount
- —
- Term
- —
Caribou
Best for subprime refi
Reviewed today
- APR
- 5.49–17.99%
- Min. credit
- 580+
- Loan amount
- $8K–$80K
- Term
- 24–84 mo
AutoPay
Best marketplace
Reviewed today
- APR
- 5.69–17.99%
- Min. credit
- 580+
- Loan amount
- $5K–$100K
- Term
- 24–84 mo
PenFed Credit Union
Best credit union
Reviewed today
- APR
- 5.24–17.99%
- Min. credit
- 610+
- Loan amount
- $500–$150K
- Term
- 36–84 mo
LightStream
Best for prime refi
Reviewed today
- APR
- 6.49–13.74%
- Min. credit
- 660+
- Loan amount
- $5K–$100K
- Term
- 24–84 mo
PenFed Credit Union
Best credit union refi
Reviewed today
- APR
- 5.24–17.99%
- Min. credit
- 610+
- Loan amount
- $500–$150K
- Term
- 36–84 mo
Capital One Auto Navigator
Best soft-pull pre-qual
Reviewed today
- APR
- 6.99–22.90%
- Min. credit
- 540+
- Loan amount
- $4K–$75K
- Term
- 36–75 mo
APR ranges are sourced from each lender's public site and are updated regularly. Your actual rate depends on credit history, loan amount, vehicle, and state. CarSavr may earn a commission when you apply through our links — it never affects how we rank lenders.
Frequently asked
What APR can I get on a new car loan?+
With 720+ FICO and a 48–60 month term, 4.99–6.99% is realistic on a new vehicle in 2026. With 660–719, expect 7.5–10.5%. Below 660, shop more carefully and consider a larger down payment to offset the risk premium.
Should I take the dealer's 0% APR offer?+
Not before you compare. Manufacturers tie 0% APR to forfeiting cash incentives ($1,500–$4,500). On a $35k car at 5% over 60 months, you'd pay ~$4,600 in interest — usually less than the rebate you'd give up.
How much should I put down on a new car?+
10–20% is the standard recommendation. Less than 10% and you'll be underwater on the loan within months. More than 20% offers diminishing returns — that cash can earn 4–5% in a HYSA instead.
Can I get a new car loan with no credit history?+
Yes — most national lenders have first-time buyer programs that consider income + bank history instead of credit. Expect APR in the 8–13% range; refinance within 12 months once you've built a payment record.
Compare APRs without hurting your credit.
All four of our top lenders pre-qualify with a soft credit pull. You'll know your rate in under 60 seconds.