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Nov 22, 2023
Kia Financing FAQ

Purchasing or leasing a vehicle is a major financial decision that warrants careful consideration. Aside from doing your research about the vehicle you’re interested in, it’s also important to take into account your preferences, needs, and budget. It’s likewise crucial to look into the financing options available to you. We at Tom Kadlec Kia understand the importance of this investment. To help you make an informed decision, we answered several common questions about Kia financing.

What Credit Score Is Needed To Finance a Kia?

To secure financing for a Kia vehicle, your credit score, which indicates your creditworthiness, typically must fall between 650 and 850. Kia Finance America provides varying financing options depending on your credit score as well as other factors. In general, the higher your score, the better your chances of getting a loan offer with a low interest rate. This is a huge advantage because it can significantly reduce the overall cost of financing a Kia vehicle. 

This doesn’t mean that only those with higher credit scores can afford a Kia. If your score is on the lower end, you can still apply for financing. You might just have to pay a higher interest rate to compensate for the lender’s perceived risk. If you’re in Rochester, Minnesota, or the surrounding areas, our finance department can help you explore your options and find the best one for you.

How Much Is a Monthly Payment for a New Kia?

The monthly payment for a new Kia can vary depending on several factors, which include the following:

  • Vehicle price: This is the most significant factor in determining your monthly payment. More expensive models as well as top-tier trims will generally result in higher payments.
  • Down payment: This refers to the amount you pay upfront when you purchase a vehicle. Generally, a larger down payment will lower your monthly payments.
  • Interest rate: This is the percentage of the loan amount that’s added to your balance equity, and its computation is based on factors such as your credit score, income, and prevailing interest rates in the market. Typically, the lower the interest rate, the lower your monthly payment.
  • Loan term: The longer the period you choose to repay your loan, the lower your monthly payments will be. However, remember that longer loan terms, such as 60 months, result in higher overall interest costs.
  • Credit score: Your score influences the interest rate you can secure. A higher credit score can lead to a lower interest rate, which, in turn, reduces your monthly payment.
  • Taxes and fees: Additional costs such as taxes, registration fees, and any extended warranties or insurance can affect the total amount you need to finance and, consequently, your monthly payment. These costs can vary depending on the state where you purchase your Kia.

To get an accurate monthly payment estimate for a specific Kia model, you can contact banks or credit unions for quotes. They’ll consider these factors and provide a precise monthly payment amount based on your unique financial situation and the Kia model you’re interested in. You can also get in touch with us and we’ll provide you with a free quote and discuss your financing options.

Is Kia Finance and Hyundai Finance the Same?

Kia Finance and Hyundai Finance aren’t the same. However, the brands they represent — Kia and Hyundai — are related. Kia Finance is the financing arm of Kia Motors, whose parent company is the Hyundai Motor Group. It provides financing options to customers who want to purchase or lease Kia vehicles. It’s a distinct and separate entity from Hyundai Finance.

On the other hand, Hyundai Finance is the financing division of Hyundai Motor America. It provides financing solutions for customers looking to buy or lease Hyundai vehicles. It’s focused on serving the financial needs of Hyundai customers.

What FICO Does Kia Use? 

A Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) score is a three-digit number that lenders use to evaluate an individual’s creditworthiness. There are various FICO credit scoring models, and these may cater to a specific industry or financial product, such as mortgages or auto loans. The range of scores and what each means depends on the model.

Kia Finance provides you with a FICO Auto Score 8, which relies on data from Experian — a leading credit reporting agency. This score is calculated from your credit history within a given period, and it influences the amount you can borrow and the terms of your loan. Kia Finance updates your score quarterly if you have an active finance agreement with them. You can easily and readily access your current FICO score through your online account provided you have a purchase or lease agreement with Kia Finance. 

What Is the Lowest Credit Score Kia Will Lease?

Kia Finance doesn’t specify the minimum credit score to be able to lease a vehicle. However, as mentioned earlier, a credit score from 650 to 850 is usually enough for you to qualify for financing. If your score is lower, having a cosigner or agreeing to a higher loan interest rate can help increase your chances of getting approved for a lease through Kia Finance. 

It’s important that you know what information is necessary to provide to Kia Finance before you start your application. This can help you save time and make the process easier. Some of the usual details you should have ready include your name, contact information, employment status, and income. You may also need to provide your Social Security number to enable them to conduct a credit history check and verify your identity.

Ready To Purchase or Lease a Kia?

It’s important to consider your unique financial situation and explore all available options when it comes to purchasing or leasing a Kia vehicle. If you’re ready to get started, fill out our online credit application to get preapproved. One of our finance experts at Tom Kadlec Kia will be in touch with you to discuss your auto financing options and answer your questions. You can also contact us or visit our dealership in Rochester, Minnesota, to view our current inventory, schedule a test drive, and get more information that can help you make the right choice.