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Car Down Payment
Definition
The upfront cash payment when buying a car, reducing the amount financed.
Explanation
Down payment reduces the loan amount, lowering monthly payments and total interest. It also helps avoid being upside-down since cars depreciate rapidly. Financial experts recommend at least 20% down on a new car.
Zero-down financing is available but risky — you start with negative equity as soon as you drive off the lot.
Example
$30,000 car: $0 down = finance $30,000 ($580/month). $6,000 down (20%) = finance $24,000 ($464/month, saves $2,880 in interest over 5 years).