Dealership sales staff are the best persons to tell you about all the ins and outs and features of various models on the showroom floor. However, once you have decided which car is best for you, you will be handed over to a business manager or F&I specialist who will guide you through the financing process. A business manager within the dealership environment is an expert in the different financing processes and will be able to structure the best deal according to your needs, affordability and financial situation. However it is important to have a basic understanding of the following financing terms in order to make the best decision about how to finance your next car.

Deposit

The deposit is the cash amount that you will need to pay as part of the financing deal. It is up to the buyer what percentage they would like to put down as a deposit, but most financial institutions will require a minimum of 10 percent. A bigger deposit means a lower loan amount which will translate into a lower monthly payment. A bigger deposit also means less risk for the bank which could translate into a lower interest rate.

Pre-approval

A pre-approval is the amount your financial institution determines they are able to lend you according to your credit rating and affordability. This is a valuable tool as it will allow you to shop within your means and avoid applying for finance on a car that you can’t afford only to be declined by the financing institution.

Interest rate

Financial service providers will charge you interest on the amount they loan you and this percentage will be added to your monthly repayment amount. Depending on the option you choose, the interest rate will either be fixed, or it will be linked to the Prime Interest Rate which is determined by the South African Reserve Bank.

Instalment Finance

Instalment finance is the traditional way of financing a vehicle. This sees the motorist pay a deposit and then monthly repayments along with interest for a period of between 36 and 72 months as per the agreement. At the end of the financing period once all payments have been made, the vehicle becomes your property.

Balloon payment

A balloon payment is when you initially only finance a portion of the total vehicle price via an instalment finance agreement in order to pay a lower monthly instalment. At the end of the contract period the remaining percentage will need to be paid in cash, refinanced or the vehicle can be sold to settle that outstanding balloon payment amount.

Guaranteed Future Value

Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) is becoming an increasingly popular financing option. Vehicles depreciate the moment they drive off the showroom floor and a GFV plan gives motorists a future value for the vehicle after a certain amount of time and mileage upfront. For example after three years the vehicle is worth R300 000.

Knowing what the vehicle will be worth after three years allows a deal to be structured around that amount. Options include an instalment finance agreement with a balloon payment which is equal to the GFV, which will allow the motorist to drive the vehicle for a certain period of time, pay a monthly instalment but then not have to worry about refinancing the balloon payment. At the end of the period they will be able to return the vehicle for an amount equal to the balloon payment and walk away not owing anything further.

Settlement amount

The settlement amount is the amount that needs to be paid to the financial institution to settle the finance agreement prematurely. This will be required when you want to buy a new car before paying off your existing car or if you choose to pay off your car with cash from a yearly bonus or savings. Once the settlement amount is paid the vehicle becomes your property.

Total price

This is the total price you will pay for the vehicle over the contract period and includes the selling price, , interest and admin fees over the repayment period. The longer the repayment period and the higher the interest rate the more you will pay in total.

Title holder

While you might think that your new car is yours it is actually owned by the bank or financing institution until paid in full. While paying off a vehicle you will be listed as the owner, but the bank will remain the title holder, and they will retain the registration document until the vehicle is paid off. Once the vehicle has been paid in full, the vehicle becomes your property and will be transferred into your name at the provincial licensing authority.

Leasing agreement or full maintenance lease

A leasing agreement or full maintenance lease sees motorists drive a new car for a certain amount of time and pay a monthly fee for the usage of the vehicle. This fee will include usage as well as maintenance and insurance bundled into one amount. At the end of the term you simply return the vehicle. This type of agreement is akin to a long-term rental as the vehicle never becomes your property, you only pay for the usage thereof.