DeKALB | Getting assistance to pay for a car has never been easier.

“With the economy as is, some people can’t buy cars,” said Kathleen Patterson, Castle Bank branch manager. “But if you can, it’s the perfect time.

Banks like Castle Bank, 141 W. Lincoln Highway, and PNC Bank, 145 N. First St., are doing what they can to help buyers in this market.

“The loan opportunities are there,” said Eduardo Garza, PNC Bank assistant vice president branch manager. “We are also running special promotions to help.”

Garza said car interest rates are around 3.29 percent. In the past, it has been between 6 and 7 percent.

“We have never had any rates this low,” Garza said.

Banks help finance customers on a case by case basis, Patterson said.

“If you can’t repay the loan, it loses value,” Patterson said. “The older the car, the shorter the finance and the rate is higher. With newer cars, it’s a lower and longer rate.

Auto dealers are welcoming these low interest rates as well.

“The lower the interest rate, the more people want to buy cars,” said Steve Tallitsch, business manager at Mike Mooney Inc, 204 N. Fourth St. “Everything circles around payments.”

The auto market is seeing an increase in used car sales because of lower rates.

“It’s easier financing pre-owned cars,” Patterson said. “There is a demand for used cars, so trade-ins are valuable.”

Brian Bemis Toyota, 1890 Sycamore Road, forsees the coming months as the best time to get a car.

“[The lower rate] increases business,” said General Manager Tandon Noplos. “It’s helping payments be lower than years before.”

Noplos said in years past, car rates for new cars were between 5 and 8 percent. Now, interest rates are 3 percent and under.

“I expect the rates in the next eight months to stay put,” Noplos said.

During late winter and into early spring, dealerships are at its biggest inventory, Noplos said.

“It’s better now to get a car,” Noplos said.