Best options, in order
- Nonprofit car loans — programs like Ways to Work offer small, low-interest loans for reliable used cars
- Credit unions — often approve members with lower credit scores at fairer rates
- Co-signer loans — a co-signer with good credit can lower your rate
- Buy-here-pay-here dealers — a last resort; rates are often very high
Red flags of predatory auto loans
- Interest rates far above average for your credit score
- "Guaranteed approval" with large upfront fees
- GPS trackers or kill switches you were not told about
- Pressure to sign before reading the contract
- Loan payments that are more than about 10–15% of your take-home pay
Before you sign
- Get pre-approved so you know your rate
- Have the car inspected by an independent mechanic
- Read the full contract, including the total cost of the loan
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Related help
How to buy a car with no credit · cheap reliable used cars · car payment assistance