Financing a new or used car with poor credit is feasible. However, there are ways to boost your approval chances and possibly acquire a reasonable interest rate. Do not enter the car buying process blindly. Individuals with good credit have many options. On the other hand, if your credit is bad, you must search for a good deal. Here are four tips to help you obtain a car loan with bad credit.
What is Your FICO Score?
FICO scores range from 300 to 850. The lower the score, the higher the interest rate received on an auto loan. Having a low credit score does not remove the possibility of getting a new or used car loan. However, a low credit rating will greatly affect the interest rate on these loans.
Before applying for an auto loan, obtain an online copy of your credit report and score. If your score is below 600, consider postponing buying a car. Instead, devote six months to improving your score.
Maintain Steady Employment
Along with credit report rating, auto loan lenders require applicants to have steady employment. Often times, an applicants must earn at least $1200 a month. Steady employment usually consists of having the same employer for 90 days. Thus, avoid changing employers every two to three months. To prove employment, auto loan lenders may request copies of recent paycheck stubs.
Get Pre-Approved with a Sub Prime Auto Lender
Before browsing the selection of vehicles at car dealerships, attempt to get approved with an online sub prime lender. These lenders help many people with bad credit obtain financing. There lending requirements are flexible however, sub prime auto loans have higher interest rates. If eager to buy a new car, accept the higher rate, and then refinance at a later date.
Apply with a Co-Borrower
The easiest way to get approve for an auto loan with bad credit is to apply with a co-borrower. If the person co-signing the loan has excellent credit, this may justify a better rate. Of course, there are risks to using a co-signer. If the primary borrower becomes incapable of making regular monthly payments, the co-signer becomes responsible for the loan.
