Down Payment: The Smart Way to Buy a Car with Bad Credit

There are several ways to buy a car, especially with a down payment. If your credit score is low and you have no time to rebuild it, you can put money down to purchase your dream car. It does not matter if you buy a used car or a new one, down payment can improve your bad credit auto loan approval chances. It is a smart choice to make a down payment.

How does Down Payment benefit Bad Credit Car Buyers?

As a car buyer, there are many benefits to making an upfront payment to the dealer.

a. Get Lower Monthly Payments: When you make a down payment, the size of your loan will become smaller, and thus, your monthly payments will reduce as well.

b. Enjoy A Shorter Loan Term: A hefty down payment can lower your loan term and reduce your overall monthly costs of owning a vehicle.

c. Get Reduced Interest Amount: With a down payment of at least 10% of the total cost of the car, you will be able to pay off your loan early and enjoy a reduced interest amount.

d. Avoid Negative Equity: If the buyer wants to sell the car, it would be easier for him as the market value will be higher than the loan amount.

If you’re willing to put a down payment, the bad credit auto financing process will become easier and faster. You will be able to nullify the effects of your bad credit score and enjoy an affordable deal. So, it is smarter to seek a down payment for your next car.

Why do Lenders look forward to Down Payment?

If you have money for a down payment, you will borrow less from the lender thus, save more! But, how does that benefit the lender? Why do lenders look forward to a higher down payment amount?

Lenders want to protect themselves if you are unable to pay them back. Because of your bad credit history, they may be wary of your financial situation. They don't want you to owe more than the value of the vehicle, and a down payment amount will close this gap between the sale price of the car and its actual market value.

Additionally, the down payment displays your current financial condition to the lender. Credit scores and past financial statements provide a history to the lender. But, if they want to understand your current financial situation, the down payment amount will inform them whether you are capable of making an upfront payment or not. It will assure them of regular monthly payments in the future. It will also save them from undergoing the cumbersome repossession process.

Can you afford to make a Down Payment?

Before you search for different car models, find how much you can afford as the down payment. There are many factors to determine the best down payment amount for your situation, such as your credit score, the car's sale price, and how big a monthly payment you want. Consider everything when deciding how much money to put down on your new vehicle.

If you look at the benefits of the down payment, you may want to borrow money from a friend or a family member, take a second job or sell your belongings. However, avoid seeking personal loans from lenders because they are expensive. And, if you are unable to pay them in the future, the loans will affect your credit score severely.

If you are unable to make a down payment, search for no down payment auto loans. Several subprime lenders offer bad credit no money down auto financing options to help car buyers. To get approval, you must submit an online auto loan application form with all details about your personal finance. Provide pay stubs for the last six months. If you are self-employed, offer two years of tax returns to the lenders. It will help them in making a decision.

Down payment is essential but not mandatory for buying a car. Find ways to make a down payment. But if you cannot, do not fall prey to expensive payday loans and personal loans.