How Auto Loans Work
An **auto loan** is a secured loan used to buy a vehicle. The car itself serves as the collateral for the loan. If the borrower stops making payments, the lender has the legal right to repossess the vehicle to recoup the balance.
Because auto loans are secured, they carry lower interest rates than personal loans. Typical terms range from 36 months to 84 months. Extending the term lowers your monthly bill but increases the total interest you pay.