My business partner had suggested that we upgrade our food business from off the street and make it mobile and he opined that we get a sprinter van.
I’d not lie to you, I loved the idea but what scared me was the cost of getting the van. My biggest fear was pulling out such a huge fund at once from the business but he informed me of other options that I found interesting and I’d like to share it with you.
So come with me on this journey, let’s explore the Sprinter Van loan option.
We’ll overview the key qualifications lenders look for when reviewing applications for Sprinter van loans.
We’ll look at minimum credit scores, income, down payment and usage requirements.
Understanding these standards can help you evaluate if financing a Sprinter van is feasible for your situation.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Sprinter Van Loans
Sprinter vans have become increasingly popular as Conversion Vans for camping, mobile businesses and DIY custom projects.
Sprinter vans are heavy-duty cargo and passenger vans manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. Available in multiple sizes and cargo capacities, these versatile vans double as Conversion Vans or commercial work vehicles in trades like catering, delivery and construction.
These versatile Mercedes-Benz vans can however be financed through a commercial vehicle loan or standard auto loan.
Though specialized eligibility requirements apply when seeking financing for a Sprinter van purchase.
Financing options for Sprinter vans include:
- Commercial vehicle loans – This is Offered by banks for business/commercial usage with Sprinter vans as collateral. It Requires strong business finances.
- Standard auto loans – Provided by banks and credit unions for consumer/personal Sprinter van purchases. Evaluate personal creditworthiness.
- Dealer financing – This is Offered directly through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers. It has a Limited competitive shopping but easy process.
We’ll now focus on key eligibility factors for the most common consumer auto loans and commercial loans used to buy Sprinter vans.
Minimum Credit Score Requirements
It’s not a novelty that your credit score is very important when it comes to obtaining loans.
Your credit score impacts available loan types and rates.
And Most lenders impose the minimum score requirements provided below:
- Commercial Loan – 680+ credit score required in most cases
- Auto Loan – 650+ credit score, with 720+ scores getting better rates
Having “good” credit in the 660-720 range meets the minimum for approval but may lead to higher rates. Those with “excellent” 750+ scores however have the most financing options and qualify for lowest rates.
Note that Improving your score can expand lender options.
So it is advisable to Pay all current debts on time, resolve any errors on your reports and reduce balances below 30% of limits.
Income Requirements for Sprinter Van Loans
Lenders indeed want assurance that you can consistently handle the considerable loan payments these large vans require so they provide an Income requirements and it includes :
- For consumers – Gross monthly income of at least $4,000-$5,000. Lenders may require your income verification through pay stubs, tax returns or bank statements showing regular deposits.
- For businesses – They may require 2 years of tax returns showing ample sales/revenue to cover major ongoing expenses plus new van loan payments. Higher revenues needed for larger fleets or loan amounts.
Be aware that Meeting verifiable income thresholds helps demonstrate your ability to manage the loan responsibly.
Down Payment Amounts Needed
While zero down payment auto loans exist, making larger down payments help your Sprinter loan eligibility and rates. Payments like:
- 20% down – Gets best rates; monthly payments are manageable.
- **10% down **– This meets most lender minimums for approval; provides decent rates.
- $0 down – This automatically Leads to higher rates and monthly payments; harder to qualify.
The high sticker prices on Sprinter vans make larger down payments ideal for you to secure affordable financing terms.
But it is possible for well-qualified applicants to still potentially get approved at lower or no down payment levels.
Sprinter Van Loan Usage Requirements
It is important that you know that Sprinter loans have requirements based on your intended usage:
- Consumer auto – This Must be for personal, family or household usage. No commercial use.
- Commercial – This is only for Sprinter vans used in qualified businesses or to generate income. Not for consumer use.
Lenders restrict loans depending on whether the Sprinter will be for personal or revenue-generating business needs.
These defined usages impact loan types and approval.
Other Factors Impacting Sprinter Van Loan Eligibility
Beyond the major factors covered already, lenders also weigh the variables provided below to ascertain if you are eligible or not:
- Your Length of employment and residence time
- Whether you have Existing auto and mortgage debts or not
- Your Number of new credit applications
- Your Previous repossessions or auto loan defaults
- Your Plans for customizing or modifying the van if any
- Your business financials and time in operation (commercial only)
When you meet lender standards across all of these areas, it results in the best financing rates and terms.
So it is important for you to weigh your own situation to determine if securing a Sprinter van loan appears feasible.
Where Can You Get Approved for a Sprinter Van Loan?
With clear eligibility standards already in mind, where should you turn to get approved and find the best rates?
- Large national banks – Banks like Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo finance Sprinter vans, both as auto and commercial loans. Their broad lending capabilities provide extensive options if you meet qualifications.
- Credit unions – Local credit unions are also better options because they offer more personalized service and often have more flexibility than major banks when reviewing applications.
- Online lenders – Companies like Lightstream, Upstart and LendingTree provide easy online loan applications with access to multiple lenders, saving time.
- Mercedes-Benz dealers – Dealers like Mercedes Benz of San Diego make navigating financing simple but offer less ability to shop rates.
Getting pre-qualified by multiple lenders is wise to compare loan costs. An existing banking relationship can also help your approval odds.
What Loan Terms Can You Expect?
Come with me, let’s find out the typical loan terms and details if approved for a Sprinter van, it includes :
- Loan amounts from $25,000 up to $100,000+
- Interest rates from 3-12% APR based on credit
- Loan repayment terms of 60-72 months
- Monthly payments from $400 up to $1,500+
- You should know that Auto loans have maximum terms of 72 months
- Commercial loans however allow longer terms up to 84 months
Though the qualifying standards are high, competitive terms make financing feasible for many solid borrowers.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining financing for a Sprinter van involves you meeting clear borrower requirements across credit, income, down payment amounts and projected vehicle usage.
While qualifications are strict due to the high purchase prices, numerous lenders provide access to loans and leases if you have a strong financial profile.
Following the tips we have provided in this guide it will help position you as an ideal applicant to unlock the Sprinter van loan option that aligns with your needs and budget.
However, be sure to get pre-qualified, compare multiple lender rates and terms, and understand the loan parameters before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What credit score is needed to buy a Sprinter van?
A: You’ll need a minimum credit score of around 650-680 for most lenders, but 720+ scores qualify for the best rates on a Sprinter van loan.
Q: How much money do I need to put down to buy a Sprinter van?
A: At least 10-20% as a down payment is recommended. Exceptional borrowers may get approved for $0 down, but will pay higher rates.
Q: Do Sprinter van loans require a commercial license?
A: No, Sprinter vans under 26,000 lbs gross vehicle weight can be financed with a standard auto loan and personal driver’s license.
Q: Can I get a Sprinter van auto loan for a used van?
A: Yes, lenders will finance used Sprinter vans under 5-7 years old meeting their mileage limits. Rates are higher than new van purchases.
Q: What is the best way to get approved for a Sprinter van loan?
A: Have excellent credit (720+), steady verifiable income of $4,000+, make a 20% down payment, and limit existing auto debt to improve approval odds.
