Auto Loans & Vehicle Financing

Getting Started

A Valley First auto loan puts you in the driver's seat before you ever walk onto a dealership lot — get pre-approved, lock in your rate, and negotiate as a cash buyer.

Car dealerships make a significant portion of their profit from financing markups. Valley First pre-approval eliminates that dynamic. When you arrive with a pre-approved loan from Valley First, the financing conversation is already settled. You negotiate the vehicle price, and Valley First handles the financing, not the monthly payment — which is where salespeople create confusion by stretching terms to lower the number while increasing total cost.

Applying for a Valley First pre-approval takes about ten minutes online. You will need basic information: employment details, income, the amount you want to borrow, and a rough idea of the vehicle you are targeting. Most Valley First auto loan applicants receive a decision within one business day, and the pre-approval stays valid for 60 days so you can shop on your own timeline.

Auto Loan Rates by Term and Credit Tier

Valley First fixed-rate auto loans with terms from 36 to 84 months — the rate you lock at funding stays the same for the entire loan.

Valley First rates shown are for new vehicles (current or prior model year). Used auto loans add approximately 0.50% to 1.00% APR depending on vehicle age and mileage. Auto refinance loans are priced similarly to used vehicle loans. RV and boat financing rates start at 7.24% APR for excellent credit with terms up to 120 months. All Valley First rates effective June 2026 and subject to change. Rates assume automatic payment from a Valley First checking account (0.25% rate discount included). Deposits are federally insured by the NCUA.

New Auto, Used Auto, and Refinance Loans

Valley First finances new vehicles, used vehicles up to seven model years old, and refinances existing auto loans from any lender — each with its own rate structure and terms.

Valley First new auto loans cover current and prior model year vehicles with the manufacturer's warranty still active. Valley First can finance up to 100% of the purchase price including tax, title, and registration, though a down payment of 10-20% reduces the amount financed and often improves the rate. The loan funds directly to the dealership, so you handle nothing beyond signing the purchase agreement and the loan documents.

Valley First used auto loans cover vehicles up to seven model years old with fewer than 125,000 miles. The rate is typically 0.50% to 1.00% above the new-auto rate for the same term and credit tier. Valley First uses NADAguides rather than Kelley Blue Book for vehicle valuation, which tends to produce slightly higher values for well-maintained cars — important if you are buying a used vehicle near the top of its price range.

Valley First auto refinance loans let you replace an existing auto loan — whether from Valley First or another lender — with a new loan at a lower rate or longer term. If your credit has improved since you bought the vehicle or if rates have dropped, refinancing can reduce your monthly payment without extending the term. Valley First refinance loans carry no application fee and no prepayment penalty, so you can pay the loan off early without penalty if your circumstances change. The CFPB recommends comparing the total interest cost of your current loan against the refinanced loan — not just the monthly payment — to determine whether refinancing makes financial sense.

RV, Boat, and Motorcycle Financing

Recreational vehicle loans from Valley First cover RVs, travel trailers, boats, and motorcycles with terms up to 120 months and rates starting at 7.24% APR.

Financing a recreational vehicle through Valley First differs from a standard auto loan in two ways: longer terms are available because these assets depreciate more slowly than passenger cars, and loan-to-value ratios are calculated against NADA wholesale values rather than retail pricing. A motorhome or travel trailer that holds its value well can be financed for up to 120 months, keeping the monthly payment manageable while spreading the interest cost across a longer horizon.

Valley First boat loans follow a similar structure but typically cap at 84 months for vessels under 30 feet. Valley First motorcycle financing caps at 60 months. For any recreational vehicle loan, a down payment of 15-20% is recommended and may be required depending on the vehicle type and amount financed. Valley First can also finance private-party purchases — you are not limited to dealership inventory. Valley First handles the title transfer and lien filing so the transaction is documented properly regardless of where you buy.

Making the Most of Your Auto Loan

A few straightforward decisions when financing through Valley First — the down payment, the term length, and whether you bring your own financing — can save thousands over the life of an auto loan.

First, focus on the total cost of the loan rather than the monthly payment. Salespeople will ask what you can afford per month and then stretch the term to fit — turning a $30,000 car at 5.74% for 60 months ($576/month) into a 72-month loan at $493/month, which adds over $1,200 in extra interest. The monthly figure looks friendlier but costs more. Run the math on total interest before you commit to a term.

Second, a down payment of at least 15% protects you from being underwater on the loan — owing more than the vehicle is worth — the moment you drive off the lot. New cars lose roughly 20% of their value in the first year. If you finance 100% of the purchase price, you start in a negative equity position that persists until the loan balance catches up with the depreciation curve, which can take two to three years on a 60-month loan.

Third, bring your own financing. A Valley First pre-approval letter turns you into a cash buyer at the dealership. With Valley First financing pre-arranged, the negotiation is about one number — the vehicle price — instead of the monthly payment, trade-in value, and interest rate all tangled together. If the dealer offers promotional financing that beats your Valley First rate, you can always take it instead; the pre-approval costs nothing and keeps the option in your pocket.

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