Do you have bad credit but want to buy a car? There are many individuals in the same position. Listed below are tips that may help you get your car despite a poor credit history.
1. Check out local car dealers
Car dealerships may work with you in financing a car, especially with the recent economic upheavals. Check with dealers in your local area about the options that are available to you in acquiring a vehicle. Do not be afraid to negotiate for better prices and lower down payments. You can also do some of your research online and save yourself time and legwork.
2. Get the best price possible
If you have your eye on an auto that really appeals to you and, upon checking it out, have found it to fit your needs, do a bit of research among several dealers in your neighborhood who sell that make and model. Check out the prices that are being offered and see who can give you the best price for your car.
3. Get a free copy of your credit report
Every year, you are entitled to receive a free credit report from one of the three credit bureaus in existence, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Read over your report carefully and check for any inaccuracies that could be giving you a lower score than you deserve. When you have a copy of your credit report to refer to, it will give you a better idea of your current credit situation and the steps you will need to take to improve it.
4. Consider used rather than new
Of course, you would love to have a new car, but you might want to consider obtaining a used one that will be less costly and easier to purchase. You may be able to acquire a new vehicle in the near future when you have given yourself time to clean up your credit history and improve your score.
5. Try pre-financing
Websites such as RoadLoans.com will provide you with pre-financing that can be a very useful option for you when buying a car. It is a simple process to fill out the loan application. In most cases, you will know within 24 hours if you have been approved for a car loan.
6. Work out a budget for car payments
Before actually buying your car, work out a budget plan to see if you will be able to afford the car payments each month. Do not jump into purchasing a car unless you know beforehand if you can afford to pay for it.
There are ways to obtain a car even when you are plagued with bad credit or no credit at all.
Melanie Lewis writes for a site that provides information on car loans with bad credit as well as a useful payment estimator to help you calculate your monthly payments.