Out of all the indicators of an improved economy, the recent findings from Experian may be the best for people looking to buy a used car. Analysts say that interest rates for new and used vehicles continued their downward slide and are currently at their lowest rates in more than three years.<\/p>\n
Along with lower interest rates, which dropped to an average of 4.52 percent, Experian found that in the fourth quarter of 2011, lenders continued to be more likely to approve loans to nonprime, subprime and deep subrpime customers. The report is good news for people who may be driving on a set of wheels nearing the end of its life.<\/p>\n
"The improved automotive lending market is good news for consumers in the market to buy a vehicle," said Melinda Zabritski, the director of automotive lending at Experian Automotive. "The confluence of low interest rates, longer loan terms and an increase in loans outside of prime provide a great opportunity for more people to find a vehicle that suits their needs."<\/p>\n
Not only are lenders approving more applicants, but consumers are doing their part as well. Loan delinquencies dropped considerably during the final quarter of 2011. The 30-day rate fell 6.57 percent compared to the same period in 2010, and the 60-day rate dropped an impressive 9.51 percent.<\/p>\n