<prompt> Human: Im getting ready to take over a car loan after establishing my credit. Prior to this point I paid cash for everything so my score is only 630 after completing a small secure loan. With my tax refunds I have the opportunity to put a lump sum towards a downpayment as I take over a car loan from my step father and put it in my name. Is it better for my credit if I put the lump sum down when doing so, or should I put the money in savings and use it to boost my payments over time. 18,000 loan, setting aside 2,000 towards downpayment or boosting payments overtime.Assistant: You should never make decisions about extending the life of a loan based on its affect on your credit score. If your car loan will have a high interest rate, the down payment will be more effective as your loans principal balance will be correspondingly smaller, saving you money over the life of the loan. If the interest rate is loan, putting your money in something with the possibility of higher returns is likely the better move.Human: Can you clarify what you mean by the last couple sentences? Just want to make sure I understand properly.  <response>: With a high interest rate you should pay a larger down payment because the interest will eventually be more costly for you.If its a low interest rate you might be better off saving the money, and theres a possibility you could actually make more money by investing it elsewhere. 