How to Use a Motorcycle Financing Calculator Like an Expert

Jun 4
09:21

2012

Shelby McCarthy

Shelby McCarthy

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A motorcycle financing calculator is often a helpful tool for borrowers comparing motorcycle loans. Many wonder why a loan calculator is such a valuable tool for consumers?

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The primary reason is that a loan calculator can help a borrower compare loan terms and interest rates quickly. In addition,How to Use a Motorcycle Financing Calculator Like an Expert Articles most online calculators offer a side by side comparisons of different loan terms and rates. Using this information a consumer can potentially save thousands of dollars in interest charges over the life of the loan.

Before looking at motorcycle loans borrowers must assemble a simple monthly budget. This financial outline can be helpful when comparing financing options online. One tool can be used to make this process easier is a motorcycle financing calculator. The simplicity of the tool allows borrowers to find an affordable monthly payment even before applying for a loan at their favorite bank.

For most consumers interest rates may seem fairly simple and easy to understand. However, borrowers must be careful when comparing interest rates on motorcycle loans. The easiest way to compare loans is by determining the Annual Percentage Rate on the loan. Usually this is known simply as APR. Advertised interest rates and annual percentage rates will vary and borrowers need to be aware of these marketing strategies. Using a motorcycle financing calculator a borrower can efficiently determine the cost difference on multiple loans at once.

In addition to interest rates borrowers should review multiple loan terms to find the best available financing. For borrowers with bad credit however they may not have the flexibility to shop around for attractive loan terms. The best way to handle this situation is by using a loan calculator to estimate the lowest monthly payment with the financing terms available.

On the surface it seems as if interest rates are the only aspect of motorcycle loans that matters. Unfortunately for most borrowers this is incorrect. Many have failed to spend the extra time research loan terms and end up spending more money than they expected on closing costs, points and penalties.

An extended loan term may also help borrowers reduce their monthly loan payments even with a high interest rate. For example, a large loan may not be reasonable for a family with a limited monthly budget. However, by extending the repayment period the loan terms are much more attractive for both the borrower and lender. It should be noted that longer terms will mean additional interest charges over the life of the loan.

A motorcycle financing calculator can reveal many more financing options to borrowers with limited cash. Another common example of using loan terms creatively is by paying extra towards the principal each month to reduce interest charges and shorten the repayment period.

By making small adjustments in loan terms and interest rates borrowers can accurately estimate the most affordable monthly payment for their situation. While the search for financing can be stressful borrowers must remember that a motorcycle can help anyone live a lifestyle of freedom and adventure. This experience is priceless and should not be missed at any cost. It is sad that many Americans fail to experience the pleasure of riding a motorcycle because of financial constraints.

One aspect of a motorcycle financing calculator that is often overlooked is the cost of a down payment. Simple calculators do not take this into account but borrowers must add in the additional cost. Often times the down payment is quite substantial and not always available to borrowers on a strict monthly budget. Before applying for a motorcycle loan consumers will need to research the required down payment or collateral on the loan and determine if they have enough money available.

Motorcycle enthusiasts with not enough cash for a down payment will need to consider alternative financing options. One of the most popular today is peer to peer lending. These new websites offer unsecured personal loans for motorcycle purchases. They require no down payment and have low interest rates for borrowers with good credit.

Smart borrowers have discovered that developing a reasonable budget before applying for a loan has helped them save thousands of dollars. It is often very tempting to begin shopping for a motorcycle before getting the required financing. Getting pre-approved for a motorcycle loan should be done before the shopping process starts. The extra discipline this requires is rare, but often results in a favorable advantage for borrowers that plan ahead.