How do I get a car loan with little credit?
It depends on how little credit you have. If you are eighteen and have only a gas card, you are going to have to get a co-signer for your first auto loan. If you are one of those lucky people who have paid cash for everything all of their lives, but your only piece of credit is your mortgage, then you will have a much better shot at getting a car loan. Also, if the only credit you have are a few medical charge-offs, getting a loan through a major lender is going to be difficult.
The good news is that there are auto finance companies (and some dealers) who specialize in helping people with limited credit get financing. As a general rule, they will require the greater of $1000 or ten percent of the sale price as down payment, as well as proof of income (check stubs), proof of residence (utility bills), and references. Finally, they will usually only allow a payment of fifteen percent of your gross monthly income.
So….the best thing to do–short of going to an indepedent, tote-the-note used car lot–is try your local new car dealers who advertise ‘Special Financing Available.’ You might not end up with the car of your dreams, but if you get that first loan and pay it well, in three years or so you just might be in a position to call your own shots. Good luck!
