How long can you finance a car?

Most auto loans run from 36 to 72 months, and many lenders also offer 84-month terms, especially on new vehicles. Some lenders limit longer terms based on the vehicle's age, mileage or loan amount. A longer term lowers the monthly payment but increases the total interest you pay and raises the chance you'll owe more than the car is worth for a longer stretch. Choose the shortest term whose payment you can comfortably afford.