Monthly car payments continue to hit record levels for both new and used cars.
The overall cost of car ownership remains elevated due to steep insurance and car maintenance prices in addition to the cost of a loan.
Good credit scores are key to qualifying for the best auto loan rates and driving away with a competitive monthly payment.
New car prices remain steep, with monthly payments for new cars soaring to the highest levels ever recorded. Amid this environment, buyers are taking on increasingly larger loans to make vehicle purchases, and some are also stretching repayment over a longer timeline — in some cases, up to seven years.
Whether you have poor credit or are looking to refinance your current loan, it's important to understand typical monthly payments and rates so you can feel confident that you are getting the best deal. While auto loan rates in 2026 are projected to lower slightly, it won't be enough to put a serious dent in the many factors that are driving up the cost of car ownership, including continued high cost of auto insurance and maintenance expenses.

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