subject: Bad Credit Car Dealer - 3 Things To Know [print this page] If you are thinking about purchasing from a bad credit car dealer, there are some things you should know before spending your money. While these places can help you realize your dream of owning transportation, the road to purchasing a vehicle should always be a cautious one. This is especially true when you are already dealing with a precarious financial situation. The last thing you need is a monetary burden that will make your situation worse. However, being without a vehicle comes with its own burdens. It can make finding and keeping a job nearly impossible in many instances. There are very good reasons to seek out help, but you should go in prepared. Here are three things you should know.
Your Score
Unless you've been summarily rejected by all of the traditional dealerships in your area, you can't know the state of your credit unless you find out for yourself. Don't make assumptions. A lot of people think that because they got behind on their MasterCard payment last year, they will be ineligible for a traditional loan. This isn't always the case. Find out for yourself. Get your free reports and go a step further to find out your score. This will tell you whether or not you need to seek out a bad credit car dealer. These lots have various standards for accepting customers, so you should find out even if you have been rejected by a major dealership.
Requirements
You can save a lot of time by figuring out the requirements before you visit a bad credit car dealer. Call them up and find out what you need to bring with you or if you should even bother paying them a visit. Most of these lots will require that you bring proof of a job/income. If you have a terrible score and no job, you're going to find it very difficult to get a loan at any lot. Other paperwork you may be required to bring include your driver's license, a co-signer in some cases, bank statements, income tax returns, and so forth.
The Costs
Don't make the mistake of underestimating the costs of buying a vehicle. They are greater than simply the down payment and the monthly bill. You have to put gas in the tank, pay for insurance, and cover the maintenance, which will include regular oil changes at the very least. Owning a vehicle is not cheap endeavor, even if you can find a good deal. Before you decide to buy from a bad credit car dealer, make sure you can afford it.
