Can I Get Down Payment Assistance from a Car Dealership?

Putting a lump sum down is smart, but how do people come up with this big chunk of change in the first place? Not everyone has savings they can dip into. For most Californians, coming up with a down payment is one of the hardest parts of buying a used car. 

Many car dealerships offer down payment assistance programs to give you a leg up on your used car purchase, even if you have limited funds or bad credit. Read on to learn how these work, who qualifies, and what other alternatives to car dealership financing are available from a car lot like Hawthorne Auto Square. 

What Is Down Payment Assistance?

Down payment assistance involves a lender providing the car buyer with cash for their down payment or giving the borrower extra time to pay it. This benefits the lender, as it attracts more potential customers and helps them make more sales. It’s also a game-changer for the borrower. It’ll reduce the total principal balance, which, in turn, lowers the monthly payments. 

Dealership-provided assistance is different from a third-party program because the dealership is often more flexible. Hawthorne Auto Square offers assistance on used car down payments throughout our service area to make financing a new car easier. 

How Do Car Dealerships Offer Down Payment Assistance?

Here are some ways car dealerships can provide down payment assistance.

Manufacturer rebates

Car manufacturers sometimes offer rebates to the consumer, which are applied toward the vehicle’s purchase price. However, these rebates aren’t available for pre-owned models.

Dealer incentives

In this program, the dealer matches part of your down payment. For example, if your dealer offered a 50% incentive and you put down $3000, the dealer would add another $1500 to your down payment, bringing it to $4500. Eligibility depends on the dealership’s policies.

Matching programs

Certain dealerships will sometimes match a percentage of your down payment. For example, if they offer to match the first 10%, and you put down $2000, they’ll add another $200 to the total down payment, bringing it to $2200.

Discounts on trade-ins

You can bring in your old car and trade it in, using the market value as part of your down payment on your new vehicle. To be eligible for this, you must be the title owner of the car you’re trading in, and the dealership must offer trade-ins.

At Hawthorne Auto Square, we tailor your payment plan to your unique needs, giving you options like customized car down payment programs or providing up to five months to build your down payment. We work on a case-by-case basis, depending on your financial situation. 

We also provide loan pre-approval to take the guesswork out of trying to budget for your used car purchase, even if you have bad credit.

Can I Qualify for Down Payment Assistance With Bad Credit?

Each case is unique, but bad credit generally impacts your eligibility for assistance programs. The lender determines how much you need to put down based on your credit score. Risk is a factor, so the lower your credit score, the higher the down payment is likely to be.

Don’t let bad credit stop you from getting the vehicle you need. Even with poor credit, you can access financing options like our pre-approved car loans. 

Ways you can improve your eligibility for auto loan assistance include:

• Bring proof of current income, as many dealerships will use your job as proof you can make your ongoing car payments.
• Have a cosigner.
• Build your credit before buying a vehicle.

Benefits of Down Payment Assistance Programs

The top benefits of down payment assistance programs are:

• Lower upfront costs for buyers
• Improving monthly payment affordability
• Enabling buyers to secure lower interest rates
• Reducing financial strain for first-time or low-income buyers

At Hawthorne Auto Square, we help buyers in a wide range of situations on a case-by-case basis. We work with first-time car buyers, those on fixed incomes, and those with a history of bankruptcy or repossession. Payment options will vary, including the length of the loan, the amount, and the down payment amount, because we tailor our program to you.

Limitations and Considerations

While these types of vehicle financing options sound great, they’re limited to specific types of used vehicles. You’ll also have a higher interest rate on the loan and there could be dealer-specific financing requirements. 

When you’re dealing with auto dealership loans, it’s important to read the fine print of any agreement, look for hidden fees, and ask questions like:

• Can I read the CARFAX report on the vehicle’s history?
• What will my monthly payments be
• What’s the interest rate?
• What’s my minimum down payment? 
• Is there warranty coverage? 

If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to have them clarify it for you so you won’t be stuck in an agreement you can’t afford.

Alternatives to Dealership Down Payment Assistance

Some other options you can choose if you don’t qualify for car-buying assistance are:

• Government or non-profit programs
• Personal savings or budgeting
• Using a trade-in to reduce the down payment
• Co-signer loans

If your lender allows it, you could put a down payment on a credit card. However, this isn’t recommended because you’ll have to pay interest to the credit card company and on the auto loan.

How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance at a Dealership

Follow these tips to apply for down payment assistance on a used car.

• Do your research: Find dealerships that offer down payment assistance, like Hawthorne Auto Square.

• Prepare the necessary documents: Necessary documents include identification, proof of income, and proof of residence

• Negotiate the terms: Talk to the dealership about your options, and find financing options that’ll work for you. 

Need Help With Your Down Payment? Contact Hawthorne Auto Square 

Hawthorne Auto Square is a premier used car dealership in Los Angeles. We offer many types of high-quality, low-mileage cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, from base models to luxury cars. 

In addition to car payment plans, we provide warranty and maintenance programs. To see our current listings or take advantage of the down payment assistance program at our car dealership, contact us at (855) 236-4781 today.

FAQs About Down Payment Assistance at Dealerships

What credit score do I need to qualify for dealership financing programs?

Every dealership is different. At Hawthorne Auto Square, bad credit won’t stop you from getting the car you want with reasonable financing you can afford. 

Are there special financing options for people with bad credit?

Yes! You can apply for down payment assistance, look into government assistance programs, use a co-signer on a loan, or trade in your existing vehicle to reduce the total down payment cost.

How much down payment is typically required for someone with bad credit?

If you have bad credit, the down payment will typically be 20% to 25% of the total price of the car. Contact our sales team to learn how we can help you get into a pre-owned vehicle.