Auto Loans Still Within Reach for Applicants with Bad Credit Scores

Jun 9
21:01

2012

Donna Hammond

Donna Hammond

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Purchasing a car is not as straight forward as it once was, but even with poor credit, auto loans are not out of reach. Understanding your options can strengthen your application.

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Most people buying a car have two fronts to keep an eye on. The first is the automobile and its traits,Auto Loans Still Within Reach for Applicants with Bad Credit Scores Articles with engine size, traction, style, economical efficiency and a host of other points incorporating the final decision. The second is financing, with the various options in auto loans fixed firmly at the top of the thought process. But these days, no loan is easy to come by so it is important to know how best to approach the task of securing one.Believe it or not, even if an applicant has bad credit, it is still possible to secure car finance loans to get the car most wanted. But compromises may be necessary in order to do so. For example, it may be necessary to accept higher interest rate loans to finance a car purchase. It might even be necessary to take two smaller loans to secure the necessary funds, though this does create double the risk of default.  Still, loans are not out of the question, and there is a variety of options available to everyone seeking one. It is just a matter of keeping some key factors in mind.Auto Loans are SecureThe first factor to consider is that fact that car finance loans are secured loans and should, therefore, be available at a good interest rate. Poor credit history should not be a major influence, but the deal should certainly be better than rates with unsecured loans.The reason why they are considered secured loans is that the car itself is the collateral for the loan, which means that any default on payment can result in the car being taken in compensation. That fact alone goes some way towards explaining why loans to finance a car purchase are not so hard to get.Making the Down PaymentOf course, auto loans are typically affected by the down payment that is made. This is because the payment made reduces the size of the loan that is required. If a car costs USD10,000, for example, a down payment of USD2,000 is made, then the car finance loan will only be for USD8,000. A down payment of half the amount, would mean a loan of USD9,000.Finding the necessary funds, however, can be tricky, perhaps requiring a small, short term loan to raise the funds. This would mean having two loans, for the down payment and then the other loan to finance the car purchase in full. But, it is always possible to simply get one to cover the car purchase fully.The Right LendersThere are a number of lender options when seeking auto loans, not least on the internet. In fact, for these types of loans, online sites have grown in popularity, as they are quick and convenient. Other options are a regular bank or financial lenders, and car financing service from the auto dealership itself.Each of these methods have their pros and cons, but depending on your circumstances, can be tailored to suit your needs.  A car finance loan usually comes with criteria that include having a full time job with a proven history of pay received. Unfortunately, self employed individuals tend not to qualify for the loan.Getting a loan to finance a car purchase is also faster than is generally thought, with most lenders providing a decision with just 24 hours. This convenience is appreciated, of course, but the simplicity with which one can apply for an auto loan means it is generally a successful move.