Should You Accept a Car Loan from Your In-laws?

Unless you have the money to buy a car outright, you will have to take out a car loan to finance your dream of buying a brand new car. There are many options available such as making use of an existing home equity loan or taking out a bank loan through your local branch.
Interest rates will vary, which can influence the type of car you end up buying. With so much to consider when taking out a car loan, would it be wise to accept a car loan from your in-laws? While you may have no qualms about borrowing money from your own parents, you must consider how you feel about borrowing money from your spouse's family. There is a lot involved in accepting a car loan from in-laws than from your own family or from a lending institute.

Relationship

Before you agree to accept a car loan from your in-laws, think about the type of relationship you have with them. Do you get along well? Are your in-laws genuinely trying to help you or do they expect something in return? If you have a strained relationship with your in-laws then you may find that accepting a car loan from them will only make your relationship worse.

Hold Over You

It does not matter whether your in-laws treat you as one of their own or if they dislike you; the point is that once you accept a loan from your in-laws they will have a financial hold over you. They will undoubtedly be entitled to repayment, but it may go further than that. They might believe that lending you money has given them power over you to interfere in your marriage, advise you on how you raise your children and other important aspects of your life.

Repayment

Related information
  • Do you have a good relationship with your in-laws?
  • Some in-laws feel that a loan gives them power over the personal affairs of others
  • Have a written agreement in place if you agree to accept a car loan from your in-laws
 
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No No Money and family or friends are not a good recipe!

Posted on 04/02/2008 at 9:04:17 AM

Best not to unless absolutely necessary.

Posted on 04/02/2008 at 8:04:07 AM

Money and family don't mix, great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted on 04/02/2008 at 7:04:30 AM

I have a great relationship with my in laws...depending on the terms, yes maybe...but it would definitely be the very last choice or if that is the only option.

Posted on 04/01/2008 at 10:04:06 PM

I appreciate the comments. This is certainly a tough decision to make. Sophie

Posted on 04/01/2008 at 5:04:19 PM

i agree with robritt..never loan money to family or friends..but i want to add one thing to that..unless you chalk it up that you will not get it back....then it's already accepted in your head...there are so many other resources even with bad credit from banks, dealers, and credit union...good topic!!

Posted on 04/01/2008 at 4:04:37 PM

Good topic and NO!!!

Posted on 04/01/2008 at 4:04:22 PM

Wonderful job on this!!

Posted on 04/01/2008 at 3:04:16 PM

Fantastic article~we did this once early in our marriage and soon regretted it. Never again!!!

Posted on 04/01/2008 at 2:04:26 PM

I agree 100%! Money and family do not mix. I'd never, ever take a car loan- or any other type of loan- from in-laws. I'd walk first. -Super read, Sophie!

Posted on 04/01/2008 at 2:04:17 PM

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