There is not a universal rule when it comes to down payments. Auto-loans that do not require a down payment, or a "zero down auto-loan." You can drive a car off the lot without paying any amount of money. It is important to consider the long-term consequences of a zero-down loan. Because you have not paid a down-payment, your principal is a higher number, and therefore your interest is compounding on a larger amount of money than if you had provided a down payment at the time of purchase. Similarly, lenders tend to raise interest rates on zero-down loans. Zero down auto-loans could cost you more money in the long run.