Buying a car with bad credit is a problem that no one wants to have. But things happen. Unfortunate circumstances such as prolonged unemployment or underemployment combined with a hefty medical bill may have landed you in debt and left you in the red on your bills. Itās not as bad as you think. Having bad credit should only be looked at as a temporary problem that you can fix! With that in mind, the good news is that securing financing for a car loan is possible even with bad credit. Here is some advice on how consumers with credit problems can still get a quality a used car.
Work on Improving Your Credit Score
Before car shopping with bad credit check your credit reports and get your credit score. You should get copies of your credit reports at least a month before shopping. This allows you to know what’s in the reports to make sure all information is correct. The big three credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each has their own credit report on you, and each is required by federal law to give you a free copy of their reports once a year. Review the reports for errors, and if there are any, have them corrected. Doing so will improve your score. If there are no errors, you can research the interest rates that you will most likely be eligible for determined by your FICO credit score on the report. You can improve your score by a few points each month by simply paying your bills on time. Showing that you are caught up on past due payments and are current will impress any lender.
What Can You Afford?
As you work on your credit reports, itās important to get a good handle on your monthly budget. Knowing what you can reasonably afford for a monthly car payment means living within your means. Do not stretch your income too thin to buy a ābigger, better car.ā The bad-credit interest rates will be higher, and will add to the total cost of the auto loan and the monthly payment. In addition, when it comes to your monthly car payment, you will need to save room in your budget for fuel and insurance costs. Unfortunately, with poor credit, your insurance payments will likely be more expensive.
Buy a Used Car
A quality used car is much lower in price than a new one. Shopping for a used car is your best bet until you fully repair your credit. In other words, shop for a practical, reliable used car that will get you back and forth to work. A lower priced used car means lower monthly payments, too.
Save Money and Make a Down Payment
One sure way of buying a car with bad credit is to save money for a down payment. A down payment shows lenders that you are committed to the auto loan, you are serious about repairing your credit, and may also improve the chances of getting a better interest rate. Most lenders would like to see a down payment of 10% or $1,000. Cash is always king, but if you have a trade-in in addition to cash that is all the better.
Shop for a Good Deal
Just because you are having bad credit problems doesnāt mean you have to be stuck with a bad deal. Do your homework and shop around for an auto loan that will meet your needs, i.e., one that you can afford. People with bad credit too often jump at the first loan offer thatās approved no matter how unappealing it may be, especially if they have previously been turned down. If the deal isnāt sitting right with you, donāt take it. Think about thisāif one lender has approved your loan, chances are another one will, too! One that is best for you!
Making a fresh start with your credit starts with you. With a little attention, your credit doesn’t have to stay bad forever. Over a relatively short period, paying your monthly bills on time for a year or two will greatly improve your credit score. Then, if want to buy a newer vehicle or refinance the one you have at a better interest rate, you will be able to.
Want to learn more about buying a car with poor credit? Ā If you have had previous repossessions, bankruptcy, divorce foreclosures, slow pays, or your credit score is low, donāt worry, we can work with any credit situation. Contact us today to see how we can help!