If having bad credit is what troubles you, here’s the good news. Even though a higher credit score increases your chances of being approved for a car loan with better rates and terms, there are still possibilities for those with poor credit. Continue reading to find out how to get a car with poor credit.
How can I get financed for a car with bad credit?
With a poor credit score, you may not be qualified for all the loans. But by carefully considering the points mentioned below, you can increase your chances of getting the right loan.
Check your credit
It is always advisable that you check your credit score before planning to shop for a car loan. Doing so gives you an idea of what to expect from a lender. It will be worth enough not to rush on making a car purchase as this will give you time to improve your credit score.
| Credit Type | Credit score | Average APR for a new car | Average APR for a used car |
| Superprime | 781-850 | 3.46% | 4.18% |
| Prime | 661-780 | 4.53% | 6.03% |
| Nonprime | 601-660 | 7.07% | 10.83% |
| Subprime | 501-600 | 10.25% | 17.35% |
| Deep subprime | 300-500 | 13.34% | 20.93% |
Save for a down payment
Most car purchases require a down payment. The larger the down payment for a car, the smaller the loan amount and the lower the monthly payments will be. Further, a larger down payment minimizes the lender’s risk, which could result in a cheaper interest rate and greater savings throughout the life of the loan.
However, saving up enough money for a down payment is not always simple, so you may want to put off buying a car until you have saved up enough money. Making yourself more marketable in this way will help you get a better interest rate and pay off your debt faster.
Determine how much you can afford
When purchasing a vehicle, there are two primary factors to consider: the down payment required and the ongoing maintenance and insurance costs. An essential first step in car shopping is calculating your monthly payment, which includes the loan payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance. The down payment and the monthly payment will increase in proportion to the vehicle’s price.
Assess your debt-to-income ratio
Financial institutions will consider your debt-to-income ratio, which indicates your monthly debt obligations divided by your gross pay. If your debt-to-income ratio is over 45% to 50%, loan providers may view you with suspicion. Therefore, be prepared to provide proof that you have paid off accounts and have less debt than what is shown on your credit report.
Avoid opting for ‘Buy Here, Pay Here’ deals
Some car lots provide “buy here, pay here” financing, often known as “no credit, no problem” or “we finance” agreements, to customers who may not have excellent credit. People with bad credit can get loans from these institutions, but they typically come with higher interest rates. Paying off your loan early could incur fees, interest, and penalties.
Get a cosigner who has a good credit
If you don’t have the required money to make a huge down payment and you have poor credit, get a cosigner. A cosigner should be your friend or relative with very good credit. Doing so increases your chances of getting a loan with a low-interest rate.
Choose less expensive cars
Another good option is to improve your credit by purchasing a less expensive car. For less expensive cars, the purchase cost will be low, hence the monthly payments. By keeping up-to-date with your payments, you can improve your credit and hence you can later purchase a costly one.
Price negotiation
When shopping for a car loan, many consumers place a premium on low-interest rates and affordable monthly payments. However, the car’s purchase price is the single most important component in establishing the final cost of the purchase. Your ability to negotiate a lower price with the dealer can save you substantial money in interest payments over the loan term. Don’t go into pricing negotiations with the dealership without your preapproval letter.
Refinance your car later
Getting a loan from a dealership at a high-interest rate does not mean you will have to make the payments until the loan term ends. You can refinance your car after making payments for a year or more. By doing so, your monthly payments get reduced.
Shop around
Shop around across various lenders to receive the best terms and rates. If you are denied a loan from a bank due to a low credit score, look into alternative lenders.
Various lenders who offer loans for you are:
- Online lenders
- Car dealerships
- Banks and credit unions
Walk away from the wrong lender
If the lender who is ready to offer you the loan does not provide the best rates and amounts as your requirement, you have all the right to walk away. However, just because they are ready to offer you a loan does not mean they are right for you.
Bad-credit auto lenders
| Lenders | Minimum credit score | Estimated APR | Loan amount |
| Consumers credit union | 620 | 4.24-21.74% | $7500-no maximum |
| Carvana | 450 | 4..4-28.4% | $1,000-$100,000 |
| myAutoloan | 575 | 4.44-21.5% | $8,000-$100,000 |
Bottom Line
Getting a car loan with bad credit is possible, but the rates may be high. If you take measures to boost your credit score before going automobile shopping, you can save yourself some money. Consider purchasing a used car that is affordable and suits your demands for less money out of pocket if you cannot put off your purchase any longer. With time and responsible loan repayment, you may be able to refinance your auto loan at a lower interest rate.
Here’s more info on top-rated airport parking, the best parking spots in your city, affordable auto insurance, easy auto refinance, and high-quality car washes near you.
