Bad Credit Car Finance – How to Get Pre-Approved for an Auto Loan with Poor Credit
Getting pre-approved for bad credit car financing will help you get the best rates possible. Pre-approved auto loans also give you an edge during car shopping, providing you with the most options. Your car shopping experience can be focused on getting the best price on a car, rather than worrying about financing.
Why Pre-Approved Loans Are Better
Some dealerships would have you think that getting financing with bad credit is nearly impossible. Not so. By researching lenders and their financing packages, you can find near market rates.
By getting pre-approved, you also remove a barrier when negotiating the price of your car. With a blank check in your hand, you can buy from any dealership or person. Sellers are much more willing to go down in price in order to seal the deal.
Start By Finding A Good Sub Prime Lender
Most financing companies deal with prime and sub prime car loans. So start your financing search by asking for loan quotes from several different lenders. If you have no idea who to look at, start with recommended sites.
When you ask for quotes, consider all possible terms. For example, selecting an adjustable rate loan will give you a lower initial payment than a fixed rate loan. Buying from a dealership will also get you better rates.
Look at fees and closing costs, not just fees, when comparing car loans. The APR number will give you the overall cost of the loan, a helpful number to use. If you are planning to refinance, lean toward a low application fee loan with slightly higher rates. This can save you money in the long run.
Online Application Speeds Car Loan Process
Car financing companies have developed online loan applications to save time and money. By having you enter your basic personal and financial information, lenders can limit the number of personnel needed to process your loan.
As a result, you can receive a blank check for you car purchase in five to seven days. You will also receive your loan contract at the same time. When you are ready to purchase your car, you simply sign both the check and loan contract.
View our recommended lenders for bad credit auto loans online.
Struggling with too much debt? Check out our recommended online debt consolidation and management companies online, or view our recommended sources to get a free credit report online.
Bad Credit Auto Financing FAQ:
Question: Any one get approved for auto financing with bad credit?
My husband and I are going to apply for financing tomorrow for a new car (we are getting rid of my current car for something bigger). The payment would be around what we pay now for our car payment. I have had a flawless payment history for my current car and my previous car. However, we had a lot of credit card debt (paid off now) and late mortgage payments (current now – due to unexpected out of pocket medical costs). My FICO score is in the 620′s. I am unsure of my husbands score but imagine that it is similar to mine since everything is in both of our names. Do you think that we will get approved for financing based on our payment history and credit score?
Answer: Auto finance is what I do for a living and with the scenario you describe there should be no problem getting you approved. Your score is sub-prime so the interest could be higher then you like, but you should be approved.
Question: Does anyone know of any lenders that will do auto financing with repo, bad credit, and bankruptcy?
Answer: Yes their are many and buy here pay-here is always an option… the problem with buy here pay here is whatever you put down in payment usually equals the price the dealer paid for the car. You end up paying way too much for the auto. Do you have all of those problems (Repo, bankruptcy, bad credit etc) as many small car lots offer second chance financing for every type of bad credit. Remember that money down can help you overcome any type of bad credit. Be realistic in what you will get. Try and keep the loan to 12-24 months and make sure the car is not over seven years old and has less then 125,000 miles. And please make sure the dealer will let you take it to a mechanic before you own it.
Question: Auto financing: can banks charge a bad credit fee?
I’m inside of the car dealership now and I’m waiting for the finance manager to finish running my application. While talking about the price, they added $2,000 (this is after putting down $2.000… so basically I just lost that 2k) and the sales manager told me since myself and cosigner have such bad credit (which is true) that the bank will charge 1k-2k extra fee for financing. This sounds fishy, like they are getting money out of me. Is this true?
Answer: Often when you have bad credit there are additional fees involved, plus a higher interest rate. But if you are in a situation where you are not comfortable or unsure, do not sign anything and maybe have some one else look over the paper work and advise you. Even not knowing your situation that fee sounds high. When buying a car with bad credit you need to visit a dealership with a reputable Special Finance Department.
Question: Does anyone know of any Minnesota car dealers that finance bad credit?
or any other bad credit auto loans. I am improving my credit, but it is still bad, and my car is dying!
Answer: Typically, unless you buy from a ‘buy-here, pay-here’ lot, the dealership doesn’t actually finance the car. They submit your application to lenders and try to negotiate an approval. I would suggest to maybe try your bank or credit union to see if they will finance an auto loan for you. If not, then I would go to the nicest dealership in the area and talk to one of the associates about your situation. It’s best to be honest upfront rather than hiding it.
Question: How do you get financed for a auto loan with bad credit?
I am looking to get financed but I have really bad credit in the lower lower end of the 500 range. I will be paying cash for half the car and hopefully getting financed for the other half. Does anyone know if it is possible, I understand my interest will be high if I can but I am willing to take that on I just wanna repair my credit. What are some good places to go through to get financed with the bad credit. I am looking into purchasing a new 2009 altima ….any suggestions?
Answer: Bad credit means you are not a good risk for a loan. It today’s credit market it is almost impossible to get financing if you have bad credit. Take your 50% down and buy a late model used car instead for cash. Repair your credit by getting a secured credit card from your bank.
Question: Are there any good auto dealers that finance people with bad credit in the los angeles area?
Answer: Most Kia & Hyundai dealers have bad credit programs. Call around. STAY AWAY FROM IN-HOUSE FINANCING “TOTE-NOTE” DEALERS!!! Their cars are usually junk and they charge nearly twice the car’s value.
Question: Where can I find a reasonable auto financing company for someone with bad credit?
I actually have a zero credit score and need a new car. I have a great job, make approx $2240 a month gross and bring home approx $1744 been employed with current employer for 2 1/2 years, and previous employment I was with for 4 1/2 years. I have zero to put down due to my hubby’s layoff and our depleted savings, I do have a trade in 2001 Ford Focus probably worth about $1500-$2000, but would like to put -0- down if it’s possible.
Answer: There’s no such thing. If your credit is bad, no prime lender is going to loan you money. You have demonstrated an inability to handle your finances, and you will pay dearly for the privilege of borrowing money. That’s just how it works. Further, you want to buy with $0 down. You will have no equity in this vehicle for several years, and it would be difficult, if not impossible to sell it or trade it before it’s paid off.
Question: Where can I get a bad credit auto loan with a score of 560?
I have already tried one of the local dealers and they told me no yesterday. I have a car financed with Ford Credit right now and I am upside down on it because I deffered a few payments a while back. I want to trade it in, because it is starting to have problems and it is not worth me putting more money into it. I really do not want to go to a buy here pay here lot, because their cars are really over priced and they usually have motor issues too.
Answer: What type of car are you looking to purchase? Some lenders, like Ford Motor Credit and GMAC, will approve your loan based on your tier level, which includes credit score, job time, residency, debt-to-income, and loan-to-value. Each situation is unique, so it’s hard to give you the best advice without more information. How much do you owe on your current vehicle v/s the payoff? What are you looking to purchase? New or Used?