Can I Get a Bad Credit Car Loan in California's South Central Valley?

Even if you don't have great credit, you may still need a new car. That's where our bad-credit car loans come in, because Merced Chevrolet is here to help you improve your credit while driving the car or truck you need. We understand that there are circumstances beyond your control: losing a job, getting a divorce, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and more. All of these things can give you bad credit without making you a bad person. Luckily, there are ways to buy a car with bad credit, and there are steps along the way that will actually help you improve your credit score. Here's a short guide to buying a car with bad credit.

First, if possible, it's a good idea to tune up your credit score before applying for a car loan. Your credit score is the main thing that car dealers look at when you apply for a loan, so do what you can to improve yours before looking for a car. You may also want to save up some money for a down payment, because with a larger down payment you may qualify for a lower interest rate.

Merced Chevrolet in Merced CA car lot

Here are some additional questions to ask yourself

Don’t just assume you have bad credit. Find out for yourself what your credit score is, what has affected your credit, and make sure there's no suspicious activity on your report.

Then, bring your credit report with you when you meet with the Chevy finance experts at Merced Chevrolet. They may be able to work with you depending on the reason for your low credit score.

Remember that you can get a free credit report once a year.

Interest rates are generally lower for shorter term loans, which means that you will end up paying less for your car in the long run.

This also means that when you're no longer making car payments, you can focus on paying off other loans and continuing to improve your credit score before your next purchase.

Then you may consider buying another car with a lower interest rate, or buying one with our Chevy finance options, and getting the best interest rate available.

You may think that an older car will cost less, but interest rates may be higher on older vehicles.

Consider looking for buys on new cars first, and then newer used cars, since these are the cars that tend to offer the lowest interest rates.

Get into the best deal you can, given how much YOU can afford to spend on your monthly car payment.

It's still possible that you could find a better deal on an older used car, so do check out all of your options before making your final decision…and signing on the dotted line.

Depending on your situation, getting a cosigner for your car loan might be the best option to get a reasonable rate. Consider looking for a cosigner if any of the following apply:

  • You have bad credit.
  • Your income is lower than the minimum required.
  • You don't have a fixed income.
  • You have a high debt-to-income ratio.

Getting someone to cosign on a car loan is a big responsibility. Your cosigner will be responsible for making payments if you aren't able to, so only get a cosigner if you are sure you can make your payments on time.

If you are able to make your monthly loan payments, having a cosigner may help decrease the amount you have to pay.

We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions about buying a car with bad credit, just give our Chevy finance specialists a call at (209) 580-3529. Regardless of your credit, we'd love to help you afford the car you need in the south Central Valley.

Merced Chevrolet

1485 W. 15th St, Merced, CA 95340

Sales 866-703-5623
Service 877-216-6982
Parts 209-580-3511

Contact Us

Hours

Monday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Sunday 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Monday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Friday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Friday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed