Find an auto loan for a gas-powered vehicle online: Here's how to secure the best terms in 2025
26 Jun 2025
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Would you like to find an online car loan for a gas-powered vehicle and benefit from the best possible interest rates? Many buyers overlook that the type of propulsion plays a minor role for the bank, while creditworthiness and the vehicle's value are crucial. This article shows you in three steps how to conclude your desired loan digitally and avoid pitfalls in the contract.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The type of engine (gas, petrol, diesel) is less critical for loan approval than the vehicle's value and your creditworthiness.
Always compare the effective annual interest rate, as it includes most ancillary costs and provides a more realistic overview of costs.
Look for free special repayments and payment pauses in the contract to stay flexible and save on interest costs.
Ein Fahrzeug mit Gasantrieb ist oft eine wirtschaftlich sinnvolle Wahl, doch die Finanzierung stellt viele vor eine Herausforderung. Einen passenden Autokredit online zu finden, erfordert mehr als nur den Vergleich von Zinssätzen. Entscheidend sind Ihre persönliche Bonität, die korrekte Wahl der Kreditart und das Wissen um die entscheidenden Vertragsdetails. Wir führen Sie durch den gesamten Prozess: von der Vorbereitung Ihrer Unterlagen über den schufaneutralen Vergleich bis hin zur Prüfung des Kleingedruckten. So stellen Sie sicher, dass Ihr Autokredit für ein Fahrzeug mit Gasantrieb auf einem soliden Fundament steht und Sie langfristig finanziell entlastet.
Online car loans for gas vehicles: The basics for quick approval
Finding a car loan online for a gas-powered vehicle is simpler than many assume. For banks, the type of engine is of secondary importance; the vehicle's value serves as the primary security. Loan amounts range from 1,000 euros to over 100,000 euros, with terms between twelve and 120 months. The basic requirements are almost identical for all providers: you must be of legal age, have a residence in Germany, and a regular income. A positive decision largely depends on your credit check, which can be completed digitally in a few minutes. A cheap car loan for new cars is thus easily accessible for gas vehicles as well. This foundation creates the prerequisite for specifically comparing interest rates in the next step.
Compare interest rates correctly and save up to 16 percent
The effective annual interest rate is the key figure for comparing loans, as unlike the nominal interest rate, it includes most ancillary costs. The range is wide, currently stretching from about 3.79 percent to over nine percent, depending on creditworthiness and duration. A careful comparison can reduce interest costs by up to 40 percent. Car loans with a specific purpose are often up to 16 percent cheaper than loans for unrestricted use, as the vehicle serves as security. To find the best offers, you should consider the following points:
Effective annual interest rate: Always compare the effective interest rate, not the nominal interest rate.
Creditworthiness-based rates: Many offers show teaser rates; your personal interest rate will only be determined after a credit check.
Loan term: A shorter loan term usually means lower overall costs, but higher monthly installments.
SCHUFA neutrality: Ensure that your loan request is made as a "condition inquiry" and not as a "loan inquiry" to avoid affecting your score.
With this knowledge, you can choose a flexible three-way financing or a classic installment loan specifically. Next, we look at how your creditworthiness directly affects the terms.
Creditworthiness as Key: How Your SCHUFA Score Directly Affects Interest Rates
Your creditworthiness, summed up in the SCHUFA score, is the most important factor for interest rate terms. A score above 97 percent indicates a very low risk of default and ensures you the best offers. If the score is between 90 and 97 percent, the chances of financing are still good. Banks are legally required to carry out this credit check to prevent the borrower from becoming over-indebted. Even a few unnecessary current accounts or credit cards can lower the score by a few points. A used car financing without a down payment requires particularly good creditworthiness. Knowing your score is therefore the basis for realistic expectations in financing discussions.
Practical example: The significant impact of a percentage point on total costs
Choosing the right loan has significant financial implications. Let's assume a net loan amount of 20,000 euros for a gas-powered vehicle with a term of 60 months. With an effective annual interest rate of 5.49 percent, the monthly payment amounts to approximately 382 euros, resulting in total costs of 22,920 euros. If you manage to secure an interest rate of just 4.49 percent through a good SCHUFA score and smart comparison, the payment drops to about 373 euros. Over the entire term, you save more than 500 euros. With an online calculator for your loan rate, you can explore various scenarios. This calculation shows how important it is to closely examine the contract details to avoid hidden costs.
The residual debt insurance: Often expensive and rarely necessary
Banks often offer payment protection insurance (PPI), which covers instalments in the event of unemployment or death. However, this insurance is not mandatory for taking out a loan and can significantly increase costs. The costs for a PPI often amount to ten to 20 per cent of the loan amount, which can quickly negate a favourable interest rate. For a loan of 15,000 euros, such insurance can increase costs by an additional 1,500 euros. A term life or occupational disability insurance is often the cheaper and more comprehensive alternative. Before taking out a PPI, you should carefully examine the terms and consider whether a trade-in of your old car might give you more financial leeway. This ensures that you only pay for the protection you genuinely need.
Digital Application Process: These are the documents you need
The online application for a car loan can be completed in just a few minutes today. To ensure a smooth process, you should have the necessary documents ready in digital form. Most banks require the same basic proof, which includes:
Proof of Identity: A copy of your valid ID card or passport.
Proof of Income: Typically the last three payslips or current bank statements.
Employment Contract: Sometimes a copy of the employment contract is required to confirm employment.
Vehicle Documents: After purchase, the vehicle registration certificate part two is often required as collateral.
With these documents, you can quickly complete the loan application with providers such as the digital platform for car & mobility. The final step is simply the digital signature.
Request your personal risk analysis now
Finding the right car loan for a gas-powered vehicle is an important financial decision. A thorough analysis of your personal situation is key to obtaining optimal terms and long-term security. Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific optimisation suggestions tailored to your needs.
More useful links
The Deutsche Bundesbank offers statistical data on the interest rate trends of monetary financial institutions in Germany.
Statista provides a comprehensive overview with statistics and analyses on loans and debts in Germany.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) supplies datasets on loans and online transactions.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) publishes statistics on environmental aspects and vehicles.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides information on average prices for natural gas and electricity in Germany.
The BDEW (Federal Association of Energy and Water Industries) offers data and graphics on gas mobility.
The Deutsche Bundesbank provides information on interest rates and yields for consumer loans to private households.
The Consumer Advice Centre provides information on the cancellation of car finance loans and possibilities for redemption.
FAQ
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Sollzins und effektivem Jahreszins?
Der Sollzins (früher Nominalzins) ist der reine Zinssatz für die geliehene Summe. Der effektive Jahreszins enthält zusätzlich die meisten Nebenkosten wie Bearbeitungsgebühren und ist daher die aussagekräftigere Kennzahl für den Vergleich von Kreditangeboten.
Was bedeutet SCHUFA-neutrale Kreditanfrage?
Eine SCHUFA-neutrale Anfrage ist eine „Konditionenanfrage“. Sie wird von der SCHUFA registriert, beeinflusst Ihren Score aber nicht negativ. Im Gegensatz dazu kann eine „Kreditanfrage“ bei mehreren Banken den Score senken, da sie wie abgelehnte Anträge wirken kann.
Lohnt sich eine Restschuldversicherung beim Autokredit?
Eine Restschuldversicherung ist oft sehr teuer und erhöht die Gesamtkosten des Kredits erheblich, teilweise um 10 bis 20 Prozent. Bestehende Versicherungen wie eine Risikolebens- oder Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung bieten oft einen besseren und günstigeren Schutz.
Welche Voraussetzungen muss ich für einen Autokredit erfüllen?
Die Standardvoraussetzungen sind Volljährigkeit, ein Wohnsitz und ein Bankkonto in Deutschland sowie ein regelmäßiges Einkommen und eine ausreichende Bonität (positiver SCHUFA-Score).
Kann ich auch einen Gebrauchtwagen mit Gasantrieb finanzieren?
Ja, die Finanzierung ist für Neu- und Gebrauchtwagen möglich. Bei älteren Gebrauchtwagen kann die Bank jedoch den Wert genauer prüfen, da dieser als Sicherheit für den Kredit dient.
Behalte ich den Fahrzeugbrief bei einem Autokredit?
Das hängt von der Bank ab. Bei zweckgebundenen Autokrediten ist es üblich, dass die Bank die Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil zwei (Fahrzeugbrief) als Sicherheit einbehält, bis der Kredit vollständig getilgt ist. Einige Anbieter verzichten jedoch darauf.
