MONEY DECISION GUIDE

48 vs. 72-Month Car Loan

A longer loan lowers the payment but can raise interest cost and negative-equity risk.

Compare total interest and the full ownership cost—not only the advertised monthly payment.

A 72-month term keeps debt around longer while the vehicle usually loses value. That can make selling or replacing it harder.

Stress-test insurance, fuel, maintenance, registration, and the payment inside your monthly surplus before deciding.