Jun 17, 2025

Buying a new or pre-owned Honda is an exciting time! Whether you’ve got your eye on a versatile CR-V, a sleek Accord, or a family-friendly Pilot, one of the most important parts of the car-buying journey is securing the right financing. At Rolling Hills Honda in St. Joseph, MO, we believe that financing should be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Our goal is to help you understand the process and guide you every step of the way, so you can drive home happy in your dream Honda.

Step 1: Know Your Budget (and Your Credit Score!)

Before you fall in love with a specific model, it’s wise to have a realistic understanding of what you can comfortably afford.

  • Determine Your Monthly Payment: Think about how much you can allocate each month for a car payment, including insurance and fuel.
  • Check Your Credit Score: Your credit score plays a significant role in the interest rates you’ll be offered. Many online services allow you to check your score for free. Knowing it beforehand helps set expectations and gives you time to address any inaccuracies.
  • Consider a Down Payment: A larger down payment can reduce your monthly payments and the total interest paid over the life of the loan.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved Online – Save Time at the Dealership!

At Rolling Hills Honda, we make it incredibly easy to get a head start on financing from the comfort of your home in St. Joseph.

  • Our Online Finance Application: Visit our website and fill out our secure online finance application. This step allows our finance team to quickly assess your eligibility for loans and connect you with various lenders.
  • Benefits of Pre-Approval: Getting pre-approved means you’ll know your potential loan amount, interest rate, and monthly payment range before you even step foot on our lot. This empowers you to shop with confidence, knowing exactly what you can afford.

Step 3: Explore All Your Financing Options

Once you’re pre-approved, our dedicated finance specialists will work tirelessly to find the best terms for you.

  • Traditional Auto Loans: We work with a network of trusted local and national lenders to secure competitive interest rates on auto loans, ensuring you own your Honda outright once the loan is paid.
  • Honda Lease Options: For drivers who enjoy driving a new car every few years, a Honda lease might be the perfect fit. Leasing often means lower monthly payments and the flexibility to upgrade to the latest model at the end of the term.
  • Financing for All Credit Types: Don’t let past credit challenges deter you. Our finance team is experienced in working with all credit situations, from excellent to rebuilding, and we’re committed to finding a solution that works for you.

Step 4: Understand Your Trade-In Value

If you’re planning to trade in your current vehicle, this can significantly impact your financing.

  • Online Appraisal Tool: Use our convenient online trade-in appraisal tool to get an estimate of your vehicle’s value.
  • On-Site Appraisal: Our team will conduct a thorough, fair appraisal of your vehicle when you visit. The value of your trade-in can be applied directly to your new Honda, reducing the amount you need to finance.

Step 5: Drive Home Happy from Rolling Hills Honda!

Once all the financing details are ironed out, our team will walk you through the paperwork, answer any final questions, and hand you the keys to your new Honda. It’s that simple!

At Rolling Hills Honda, we’re dedicated to serving the St. Joseph, MO community and ensuring every customer has a positive and transparent car-buying experience. Our finance department is here to help you navigate the complexities of auto loans and leases, making your dream of owning a Honda a happy reality.

Ready to get started? Fill out our online finance application or stop by Rolling Hills Honda in St. Joseph, MO, today. Your dream Honda awaits!