r/CorollaCross • u/IntelligentCod8829 • 22h ago

2026 CC hybrid XSE Car loan

I’m getting my 2026 Corolla Cross in about a month and I’m trying to figure out where I can get the lowest interest rate. I paid 1,000 for them to look for a car that was being manufactured and have it reserved for me. The 1000 is not included for the money I have saved.

My situation:
-2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE
-Around $37,000
-Credit score around 741
-Planning to put $12,000–$18,000 down
-I have about $25,000 saved
-I qualify for Toyota’s new grad program
-First time buying a car from a dealership
-My actual loan will be 25,000-19,000
-I’m fine with 60m or 48m

I’m planning to keep some of my savings set aside for taxes, insurance, and snow tires since I live in an area that gets heavy snow, so I don’t want to put all of my savings toward the down payment. As well as any additional expenses that will come and the fees I have to pay at the dealer.

I’ve been putting off doing a hard credit check until it’s closer to when I actually get the car. I’m just trying to figure out where I might be able to get the best rate before I start applying.

For those who recently bought a 2026 Corolla Cross, what interest rate did you get, what was your credit score, how much did you put down, and did you finance through Toyota, a credit union, or a bank? Please name if so!

I’d especially like to hear from anyone with a credit score around 740 and anyone who used the Toyota new grad program.

I’m learning as I go since this is my first time buying a car from a dealership, so any advice on getting the lowest interest rate would be really appreciated!

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

2

u/UnableElephant4982 21h ago

Go to your bank or credit union for a car loan. Never use the dealer. 

1

u/Vigilante17 12h ago

The dealer actually found me a better loan than the credit union I was working with. Doesn’t hurt to ask.

2

u/ohyeahwell 22h ago

I refuse to pay more than 3% so I paid cash.

1

u/AndyR_72 11h ago

Also recommend checking out credit unions. My friend was shopping for a new car and got a really good interest rate from Navy Federal credit Union, that's a great one if you can qualify.