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Used Car Loans for Bad Credit

Get personalized rates in 60 seconds for Bad Credit Car Financing, without affecting your credit score.

Our customers say Excellent Trustpilot stars 4.6 out of 5 based on 1084 reviews
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4.6 out of 5 based on 1084 reviews

Bad Credit Car Financing

Buying a car with bad credit can be intimidating, but before you throw your life in reverse, stop to learn about your options. To check personal loan offers for bad credit, visit Acorn Finance.

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Helping You Find Used Car Loans for Bad Credit

How do used car loans for bad credit work?

Bad credit car loans work like any other loan, only there may be stricter requirements. Here’s an overview:

  1. Get prequalified: First, you’ll need to choose a vehicle and get prequalified. In some cases it can be helpful to get prequalified first to understand what your budget is. 
  2. Finalize the approval: When you’re ready to actually buy, you’ll need to get approved. The steps between getting prequalified and preapproved can include submitting documentation and undergoing the lender’s underwriting process. 
  3. Repay the loan: After signing on the dotted line, you’ll need to start the repayment process. Auto loans and personal loans are installment loans that are typically repaid in fixed monthly installments with interest. 

 

Used Car Loans for Bad Credit: Frequently Asked Questions

What are used car loans for bad credit?

Traditional auto loans are secured by the vehicle. When it comes to qualifying for the loan there are typically requirements surrounding the borrower as well as the vehicle. For borrowers with good credit, requirements may seem less complex, and they probably are. However, for borrowers with bad credit, requirements may be more strict. While some lenders may not entertain bad credit auto loans, others specialize in them. Borrowers with bad credit may benefit from working with a dealership for financing, but pay close attention to the details. 

In the event you only need a small loan for a grocery getter you may be able to use a personal loan in place of a bad credit auto loan. Personal loans are not secured by collateral and do not have spending restrictions.

How do you find the best bad credit used car financing?

Because you’re buying a piece of equipment, the things to consider about the financing gets more complicated. If we stay focused on the loan though, you’ll want to find a loan that has affordable payments. While payments are important, don’t lose sight of the total loan cost. Some dealerships may offer in-house financing, which can help bad credit borrowers, but there are dangers too. Plus, if the loan is not reported to your credit report, you can miss out on the opportunity to boost your credit score. 

How do you qualify for a used car loan when you have bad credit?

To qualify for an auto loan with bad credit, take the following steps.

#1. Check your credit score 

Take advantage of a free credit report or credit monitoring service to check your credit score. There may be opportunities to make a few small improvements to boost your score. This can go a long way when it comes to getting a loan. It can also help raise your awareness of what your real situation is. 

#2. Determine your budget

Decide what you can afford to repay monthly, and what you’re comfortable paying in interest in fees. 

#3. Shop offers and cars

Start researching and checking offers to determine what your options are. Keep in mind you may need a down payment to qualify. 

Are used car loans worth it when you have bad credit?

Cars are necessities for many of us. Therefore, it’s reasonable to think that a bad credit auto loan will be worth it. If possible though, consider waiting to take out a bad credit auto loan. If you can boost your credit score prior, you can increase your chance of qualifying while hopefully retrieving better offers. If you don’t have time to wait, consider applying for an auto loan with a cosigner with good credit. At the end of the day though, you’ll need to find ways to keep life moving forward - car or not. Consider the pros and cons as they pertain to your situation to make the best decisions for yourself. 

 

See Also

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What can I do with a $8,000 personal loan?

A $8,000 personal loan has a number of uses, including (but not limited to):
Home improvement Buying a car Wedding costs
Debt consolidation Medical bills Startup business costs

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Compare & Shop Used Car Loans for Bad Credit at Acorn Finance

Cars are a means of transportation that most of us need. Bad credit though can complicate purchasing one, as it can also impact the kind of car you walk away with. While you may be focused on simply qualifying for a loan, don’t forget about the car you are purchasing too. It’s also important to consider that with a loan commitment, you’ll want a car that will likely last at least for the duration of the loan. Used car loans for bad credit are available, but options may be limited. Lenders will likely heavily rely on your income to overcome a bad credit score, so if you’re self-employed with bad credit, come prepared with proof of income for an auto loan. 

Looking for the fast lane to an auto loan with bad credit? Here’s what you need to know. 

The credit score needed can vary by lender and the type of loan. With a traditional auto loan that’s secured by the car, requirements for credit score may be lower than unsecured loans. However, with secured loans, there may be down payment requirements and vehicle restrictions. First, consider the price range and or type of car you want. Next, determine if a traditional auto loan or personal loan is best. For personal loans, offers will be more likely to be returned for borrowers with fair, good, average, or excellent credit. Most lenders on the Acorn Finance platform have a credit score cutoff of 600 or above.

Personal loans do not have spending restrictions. Therefore, yes, you can use one to purchase a used car. In most cases, personal loans are used to finance private party auto purchases. They can also be used to finance older cars that may not qualify for a traditional auto loan. If you’re on a budget you may need a cheaper vehicle, so a personal loan may be a viable option. 

If you choose to use a personal loan for auto financing, Acorn Finance can help you unlock personalized offers. Take advantage of our safe and secure online platform to check offers in seconds with no credit impact. With access to real offers, you can accelerate your way to making informed financial decisions. 

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