The 0% APR Buyer’s Guide
An infographic roadmap to securing a truly affordable car deal, looking beyond the headline offer.
The Lure of “Free Money”
A 0% APR offer means you pay no interest. It’s a powerful marketing tool used by manufacturers to move specific new cars, often those in excess inventory. But this attractive deal is highly exclusive.
Who Actually Qualifies?
0% APR is advertised broadly, but it’s a “bait” to draw in buyers, only a fraction of whom will meet the stringent credit requirements.
Decision Point: 0% APR vs. Cash Rebate
Manufacturers often make you choose: take the 0% financing or a cash rebate. The best choice isn’t obvious and requires calculation. Taking the rebate means securing your own loan from a bank or credit union.
Which Saves You More?
Example: A $20,000 car financed for 60 months with a $1,000 rebate option and an alternative 5% APR loan.
What’s a Car’s True Cost?
A truly affordable offer considers the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). For new cars, depreciation is the single biggest expense over the first 5 years, often dwarfing any savings from a 0% APR deal.
Your Winning Strategy: A 4-Step Process
Your strongest tactics are arriving with research, having your own financing, and being willing to walk away.
Today’s Hottest 0% APR Deals by Loan Term
As of July 2025, longer 0% APR terms are concentrated in the EV and Hybrid space. This chart ranks select offers by the length of the interest-free period.