In this article I’m going to share with you how to get a car loan, even if you have a low credit score. The information in this article might be the only information you will need to learn, so you will know how to get the bank to say yes to your car loan. So, let’s get started and get you on your way to driving that car you need and want.
Auto lenders look at more than just your credit score when considering making you a loan. They look at your entire financial picture, including income, the debt you owe, monthly payments and credit history before making the decision to approve or decline a loan. Before you go out and apply for a loan, make sure that your employment history, credit, income and address information is acceptable, based on what the lender is looking for.
If you have sufficient employment history and income, a lender may approve your loan even with a low score.
Here’s What Lenders Are Looking For:
Employment and Address History: Have at least two years of employment history and address history at the same job. The longer you have been at your job and the more money you make, the better chance you have of getting the approval on your auto loan. However, if you have had several jobs and moved from one residence to another and have low income, it’s going to be tough getting approved for a loan. You should also have enough income every month, to cover all your monthly debt. If your debt is high and close to or over your income level, a bank will decline the loan.
Vehicle Value: The lender calculates the vehicle’s value by the year, make, model, options and miles on the car you are looking at purchasing. Based on your credit history and score, the lender will approve a percentage of that value as the loan amount. If you have poor credit you will need to come up with a larger down payment. You may not be able to get the entire amount of the loan that you applied for, because of a low credit score.
What You Can Do:
Pull your credit history. Know what your score is before you apply for a loan.
Save some money for the down payment. If you have things around your home that you aren’t using, consider selling them and use the extra cash for the down payment. The more money you put down, the better chance you have of getting the loan.
Choose a car based on what you can afford, not on the latest style. When you have bad credit you can’t be picky on the finance terms or the car. Dealers who offer programs for people with poor credit have cars that will fit the program for the lenders approval.
Don’t worry about having to pay a higher interest rate right now. Provided you make your payments on time, you can usually refinance for a better interest rate and terms within 12 to 24 months. Remember you are rebuilding your credit and it takes time to get it back up in the higher scores.