Don’t let bad credit stop you from taking out an auto loan. Many lending companies can get your car loan approved even if you have no credit, bad credit or a bankruptcy. Ads for bad credit auto loans practically promise that you can buy a car no matter what kind of credit you have. Most of these ads are based on the truth, but it is best to know your options and understand how the system works.
Even with poor credit you can obtain a car loan through direct financing. The process is the same as for a good credit auto loan. The only difference is that borrowers with bad credit will have to make a larger down payment and their interest rate will be higher. Borrowers may be asked for a down payment of 20% to 50%, with interest rates of 5% to 26%. In general, borrowers with bad credit can expect to pay 7% to 18% interest. Amortization for bad credit auto loans may range from 2 to 4 years as opposed to good credit debtors whose car loans may extend up to 5 or 7 years. The upside of these loans is that they can be used to rebuild your credit.
Bad credit auto loans may be abused by some dealers who inflate their car prices or interest rates for the financing. For example, a dishonest dealer may charge $6,000 for a car that normally sells for $3,000. After taking the down payment, the dealer may finance the balance at a very high interest rate, say 24 to 26%. The borrower is left to deal with an overpriced car and a loan that is unrealistically high.
Ultimately, the borrower will end up defaulting on the loan and further ruining his credit. Or, he may end up paying two or three times the price of the car if he had purchased it from a legitimate dealer. Before you decide to buy a car, be sure to research its true value to avoid paying more than you should.
In some instances purchasing a car can be to the buyer’s advantage especially if the dealer is desperate to make a sale. Concessions may be made for a lower down payment or interest rate. This is particularly true for new vehicles financed by the car manufacturer’s own funding arm. For newer cars, the amortization period can be longer too.
With the internet, it is now easier to obtain a bad credit auto loan. The internet has a dealer network system where you can click on a site advertising car financing. You will be asked for certain information and this will be passed on to a dealer who is willing to work with someone who has poor credit. You and the dealer can work out a plan allowing you to get car financing even with bad credit.
The internet also allows multiple submission of financial information to potential creditors. You will be asked to provide in depth financial information which is forwarded to a network of lending sources willing to finance your loan. You may end up with a few lenders competing to offer you the best rates and terms.
Almost anyone will be able to obtain vehicle financing although people with bad credit and little or no down payment may find it difficult to get car financing. Don’t be discouraged if you fail in your first attempts at financing. If you persevere and improve your credit, you should be able to obtain an auto loan despite having bad credit or even bankruptcy.
