Car financing with bad credit or no credit yet.
A low score or a short credit history is more common than people think, and it says nothing about who you are. We offer several financing options for all credit needs and situations. Here is how it works, and how to put your best foot forward.
- 4.6 stars from 134 Google reviews
- 4× voted best used car dealer by local readers
- 27+ years of Ben Mayfield buying and selling cars on the Gulf Coast
Bad credit and no credit are different things.
Both can make a lender cautious, but for different reasons, and it helps to know which one you are dealing with.
Bad credit usually means something in your history: late payments, accounts in collections, a repossession or a bankruptcy. Lenders look at how long ago it happened and what you have done since.
No credit means there is not much history to look at yet. That is normal for young buyers, people new to the country, or anyone who has always paid cash. Your first auto loan, paid on time, can be how you build that history.
We can’t promise anyone an approval, and nobody honest can before seeing an application. What we can do is look at your options and tell you straight what is possible.
What lenders usually weigh
- Your income and how long you have had your job
- How long you have lived at your address
- The size of your down payment
- Your monthly debts compared to your income
- The price and age of the vehicle you choose
- Whether a co-buyer is applying with you
Four steps, no surprises.
A calm way to go from worried to driving.
Check
Pull your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and look for mistakes. Errors happen, and they can be disputed.
Gather
Have your license, recent pay stubs or proof of income, and proof of where you live ready. Lenders often ask for them.
Apply
Fill out our secure online credit application. Add a co-buyer or your trade-in if you have one.
Talk
We go over what is possible in plain English, including the real monthly payment, before you decide anything.
Ways to strengthen your application.
None of these are required. Each one can help.
- Put more money down. A bigger down payment means a smaller loan, which lenders like.
- Use your trade-in. Equity in your current vehicle works like a down payment.
- Add a co-buyer with established credit. Our application has a section for one.
- Choose a vehicle within your budget, not at the top of it.
- Fill in the application completely and accurately, including time at your job and address.
- Keep the loan term as short as your budget allows; longer terms usually cost more in interest overall.
One more thing: be careful of anyone who promises guaranteed approval before they have seen your application. A straight answer is worth more than a promise.
Tools that help.
Payment calculator
Try a price, a down payment and a rate. Rates for credit that is still mending are often higher, so try a few.
Trade-in offer
Find out what your current vehicle is worth toward your down payment, even if you still owe on it.
First car?
No credit history at all? Our guide for first-time buyers walks through the whole thing.
Buyers who came in worried.
Word for word, from Google and Facebook.
We can recommend this dealership to anyone seeking a positive and stress-free used car buying experience. Fred Moore transformed our dire situation into an opportunity to help someone in need find a car. He didn’t pressure us and allowed our mechanic to inspect the car before we made a purchase.
Personable, reasonable, helpful, genuine are words which come to mind.. as far as car buying experience, why go anywhere else..
I was dreading the thought of having to interact with dealership salesmen at the larger auto dealerships so, on a recommendation from family, I checked out Sport Center Imports. After a 10 minute conversation with Ben, I felt so much more at ease regarding the car purchasing process. I was able to tell Ben what I wanted, my price range and any "deal breakers" and he went to work. I could not believe it when he reached out shortly after our meeting to let me know he had already found our car. The entire process was SO easy, simple and hassle-free.In the past, I have felt like the bigger auto dealerships tried taking advantage of me as an unknowing customer. My experience with Ben was the total opposite - I truly felt as though he was working to help me, not dupe me. Ben was such a pleasure to work with that I will never purchase a car from anyone else!
Bad credit questions.
Can you guarantee I will be approved?
No, and we would be wary of anyone who does before seeing your application. We offer several financing options for all credit needs and situations, and we will tell you honestly what is possible.
I have had a repossession or bankruptcy. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply. Lenders look at how long ago it was and how your credit has looked since. Fill out the application and we will talk through your options.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
A credit application usually involves a credit check, which can lower a score slightly for a while. If that worries you, call us first at 251-625-2131 and ask your questions before you apply.
Do I need a down payment?
It depends on the lender and your situation. A down payment, or equity from a trade-in, usually helps your chances and lowers your payment.
Can someone apply with me?
Yes. The application has an optional co-buyer section with the same questions as the main applicant. A co-buyer shares responsibility for the loan, so make sure you both understand that.
A straight answer is the first step.
Apply online, or call 251-625-2131 and talk to us first. No pressure, no judgment.