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How to finance a Honda

Plus, learn how military members and college grads can save.

From humble beginnings in a Japanese garage in the 1940s, Honda has come a long way to offer a line of vehicles known for their reliability. If you’re looking to finance a new or used Honda, you have several options available. And you may even be able to score a special discount if you’re a military service member or recent college grad.

How can I finance a Honda?

There are multiple ways to finance your next Honda. While it may be tempting to go straight to the dealership, you could save money by comparing your car loan options first. Visiting different banks, credit unions and online lenders could help you score a lower rate — after all, you don’t have to pay the intermediary — and could also put you in a better position to negotiate your car’s price. Another option is to take out a personal loan, though this typically comes with higher APRs since your loan won’t be secured by the car you’re buying.

If speed is your biggest priority and you don’t want to spend your free time comparing lenders, Honda has two financing options that might suit you:

  • Purchasing through Honda Financial Services. Honda offers financing directly through its authorized dealers to save you time and paperwork. In the past, such deals included 1.9% APR financing for two to five years on select models.*
  • Leasing through Honda Financial Services. If you want to change up your car every few years, then leasing through Honda Financial Services may be a solid choice. In the past, you could lease a 2019 Honda Civic for $189 per month for three years with $2,799 due at signing.*

Depending on where you live, your local dealer may offer their own special promotions, like cashback bonuses or low down payment deals. The rates and terms you qualify for will depend on your credit history and personal financial situation.

*Rates as of November 26, 2018.

How to apply with Honda Financial Services

Honda has a short online application that allows you to apply for a new or certified preowned (CPO) car, as well as its selection of motorcycles, ATVs and off-road vehicles.

Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Visit the Honda Financial Services website and choose Apply Online to start your preapproval application.
  2. Select Start Application under Honda Auto for car purchases or under Powersports for motorcycle purchases.
  3. Select the type of vehicle you want to buy, if you have a coapplicant and your marital status.
  4. Enter information about yourself, your employment, your income and the vehicle you want to buy.
  5. Review the terms and conditions, then submit your application.

If you’d rather apply in person — or want to buy a boat or power equipment — you can also download the application and bring it to your local dealership.

Honda Financial Services pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy to fill out an online or physical application
  • Offers motorcycle, boat and other recreational vehicle loans
  • Discounts for recent college grads and military members

Cons:

  • Website is difficult to navigate
  • May not be able to change payment due date

Compare car loans to finance a Honda

Use our comparison table for a side-by-side view of the lenders available to help you get behind the wheel of a new Honda. Select up to four loan providers at once.

1 - 4 of 4
Name Product Filter Values Minimum credit score APR Loan term Requirements
LightStream Auto Loans
Good to excellent credit
Competitive
2 to 7 years
Must have a good to excellent credit profile, be a US citizen or a permanent resident with a valid green card, have a valid Social Security number, credit card verification requested upon loan approval and have a valid US address.
Quick car loans from $5,000 to $100,000 with competitive rates for borrowers with strong credit.
CarGurus
CarGurus
Varies
Varies depending on the lender
3 to 6 years
Varies depending on the lender
CarsDirect auto loans
No minimum credit score
Varies by network lender
Must provide proof of income, proof of residence, and proof of insurance.
Save time and effort with this lending service specializing in beginner-friendly or subprime car loan.
Carvana
No minimum credit score
3.9% to 27.9%
1 to 6 years
18+ years old, annual income of $4,000+, no active bankruptcies
Get pre-qualified for used car financing and receive competitive, personalized rates.
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Does Honda offer special discounts or programs?

Honda offers several discount programs for members of the military, college grads and drivers with disabilities:

  • Honda military appreciation program. If you’re currently serving in the US military, have served within the past year or are a retired service member, you and your spouse may qualify for $500 toward buying or leasing a 2017 or newer Honda through Honda Financial Services.
  • Honda college grad program. Graduate within the past two years? Set to graduate within the next six months? You could be eligible for $500 toward a 2017 or newer Honda when you purchase or lease the vehicle through Honda Financial Services.
  • Honda customer mobility assistance program. To accommodate the needs of drivers and passengers with physical disabilities, Honda offers a $1,000 reimbursement for the cost of installing any qualifying adaptive vehicle equipment. This is only available if you purchase or lease a new Honda — used vehicles don’t qualify.

What will a new Honda cost me?

The actual price of your new Honda will vary based on where you live, your negotiation skills and the add-ons you choose. We list the base MSRP of Honda’s 2019 models below — though you can expect to pay anywhere from $16,000 to over $31,000.

Choose the type vehicle

Cars

Fit

  • Starting MSRP: $16,190
  • Build: Hatchback
  • City/highway MPG: 29/36

Civic

  • Starting MSRP: $19,450
  • Build: Sedan/Coupe
  • City/highway MPG: 25/36

Insight

  • Starting MSRP: $22,930
  • Build: Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 49/55

Accord

  • Starting MSRP: $23,720
  • Build: Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 30/38

Clarity

  • Starting MSRP: $33,400
  • Build: Hybrid/Electric Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 47/340

SUVs and crossovers

HR-V

  • Starting MSRP: $20,520
  • Build: Crossover
  • City/highway MPG: 28/34

CR-V

  • Starting MSRP: $24,350
  • Build: Crossover
  • City/highway MPG: 26/32

Pilot

  • Starting MSRP: $31,450
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 19/27

Passport

  • Starting MSRP: $31,990
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 20/25

Trucks and vans

Ridgeline

  • Starting MSRP: $29,990
  • Build: Truck
  • City/highway MPG: 19/26

Odyssey

  • Starting MSRP: $30,190
  • Build: Minivan
  • City/highway MPG: 19/28

Car insurance costs that come with driving a Honda

Does a new Honda come with a warranty?

Honda offers a three-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty on its new cars alongside a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. While this isn’t the most robust warranty on the market, it’s standard and should cover you in case there are any manufacturer defects.

Bottom line

Whether you’re interested in slipping into a new or used Honda, you have a variety of financing options to choose from. If speed is your main concern, then financing directly through Honda Financial Services might be the way to go. Otherwise, you may be able to score lower rates if you compare car loans from banks, credit unions and online lenders before visiting a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a used Honda with a secured car loan?

It depends. Some lenders have a limit to how old your vehicle can be or how many miles it can have on it. The normal cap is 10 years or 100,000 miles, but it varies by lender. Read our article on car loans for used cars to find a lender that may be able to help.

Is roadside assistance available through Honda?

Yes. If you purchase a new vehicle, you’ll have access to 24-hour roadside assistance during your limited warranty period. If you’re buying a used car or your warranty period is up, many car insurance providers offer roadside assistance as part of their coverage options.

What is Honda’s One-Pay Lease Program?

Rather than making monthly lease payments, the Honda One-Pay Lease Program allows you to pay for your lease up front in one single transaction. You may be able to qualify for lower rates through this program, on top of getting guaranteed asset protection (GAP) coverage at no extra charge.

What’s the best way to finance a Honda C-RV?

The best financing option will depend on your financial situation, whether you’re buying new and other factors. Read our guide to financing a C-RV to learn about your options.

Pictures: shutterstock and Honda’s official page

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