Choosing the Right Vehicle at a Buy Here Pay Here Dealership

How do you know which car is right for you when you’re shopping at a buy here, pay here dealership? In this guide, we’re covering the best practices for choosing a vehicle that will serve your needs without breaking the bank, including details about this financing model, what you need and what you don’t, info on downpayments, credit scores, and everything else you need to know. Let’s hit the road!

Key Takeaways

• Buy here, pay here financing allows customers with no credit or bad credit to get in-dealership financing on a car of their choice.
• Buy here, pay here auto dealerships carry a variety of vehicles, from standard economy cars to luxury machines.
• Buy here, pay here dealerships generally don’t need to check your credit score — all they need is your proof of income to offer you a loan.

Why More Buyers Are Turning to Buy Here Pay Here Lots

Why are so many buyers opting to purchase buy here, pay here cars instead of going through traditional auto financing? There are a few main reasons. For one thing, this financing model helps buyers get onto the road without having to squeeze through continuously narrowing credit conditions from financial lenders. For people with no credit or a poor score, this model might be the only way you can get the financing you need for the car you want.

Another reason people buy used vehicles from lots with in-house financing is to avoid down payments. This is ideal for subprime borrowers who may not be able to afford as much upfront, but still need a reliable vehicle to get to work, school, and everywhere else.

How Does Buy Here Pay Here Financing Work?

Unlike a traditional auto loan, which is typically arranged through a third-party lender, your bank, or a credit union, buy here, pay here financing allows you to enter an auto payment plan directly through the dealership you buy the car from. For buyers with low credit scores and limited cash on hand, these loans can be a lifesaver, helping you get on the road faster at a lower monthly payment than most other arrangements.

What Kind of Cars Can You Expect at a Buy Here Pay Here Dealership?

Now that we understand the buy here, pay here financing model a little better, what kinds of vehicles can you expect to find? The best cars for buy here, pay here lots is ultimately a matter of preference — one person might be looking for a simple, economical car that gets them from point A to B, while others will be on the hunt for an impressive vehicle to get where they’re going in style. 

The best buy here, pay here lots will offer a variety of pre-owned vehicles, ranging from affordable makes and models all the way to luxury options. This gives customers choice, ensuring they aren’t stuck with a car they don’t like simply because of their credit or income situation.

What Should I Bring When Visiting a Buy Here Pay Here Lot?

Before you can start choosing the right car at a buy here, pay here dealership, make sure you collect a few pieces of information. All you need to secure financing from Hawthorne Auto Square is your proof of income (whether it’s through employment, disability, SSI, or government assistance), your proof of residence, and a form of ID, such as your driver’s license, California ID card, passport, or Matricula. If you want to lower your monthly payments by trading in your current vehicle, make sure to bring it in for an estimated appraisal.

Other than that, bring a used car checklist to make sure you know what to check for on your potential purchase, and come on down to the lot to find a new ride!

Do Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships Check Credit?

Generally, buy here, pay here dealerships don’t conduct credit score checks. At Hawthorne Auto, our in-house financing means that we don’t need to check your credit to offer financing. All that’s required is your proof of income, which helps us know what kind of terms we can offer for your auto loan.

What Down Payment Should I Expect at a Buy Here Pay Here Dealership?

For people with bad credit, buy here, pay here car down payments can range from 20% to 25% of the total price of the vehicle. While paying a down payment on your vehicle is a great way to lower monthly payments and reduce the principal of your auto loan, we know that this is often the hardest part about purchasing a vehicle. That’s why we offer in-dealership down payment assistance, ensuring you can get into the vehicle you want even without a substantial down payment.

Are Payments Affordable at Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships?

We’re proud to make car payments as affordable as possible for our clients. At Hawthorne Auto Square, we can offer financing on a pre-owned vehicle for as little as $150 per payment, which is easily within reach even for people on disability, SSI, or other forms of government assistance. We strive to keep our base prices in line with overall used car price trends, ensuring our customers always get a fair shake when they need a new ride.

Benefits of Choosing Buy Here Pay Here Dealership at Hawthorne Auto

When you work with Hawthorne Auto to find your next car, you’re not just getting a vehicle — you’re investing in your future. We help people of all walks of life get the financing they need for the cars they deserve, all while protecting their purchase with a comprehensive warranty covering the vehicle’s vital components for the first 30 days or 1,000 miles. Our in-house financing helps you get on the road sooner and for a lower payment, regardless of your income type or credit situation.

Ready to Drive Home in Your Next Vehicle?

If you’re ready to get back on the road in a quality vehicle at an affordable price, Hawthorne Auto Square is here to help. With a huge selection of pre-owned vehicles and highly competitive financing options for no and low-credit buyers, we’re California’s top choice for buy here, pay here vehicles you can trust. For more info or to come pick out your next vehicle today, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a car from a buy here, pay here lot if I have bad credit?

Yes, you can get a car from a buy here, pay here lot with bad credit or no credit. Because this form of financing is offered by the dealership itself, all that’s required is your proof of income.

Are interest rates higher at buy here, pay here dealerships?

Interest rates tend to be higher at buy here, pay here dealerships to offset the higher risk of lending to buyers with low or no credit. 

How do weekly or biweekly payments work with buy here pay here financing?

Buy here, pay here financing often requires smaller weekly or biweekly payments rather than a larger monthly payment, helping to reduce the overall interest costs you pay over the loan term.

What happens if I miss a payment at a buy here, pay here dealership?

Missing a payment with a buy here, pay here dealership isn’t ideal, but it’s not the end of the world. If you miss a payment on in-house auto financing, you may have to pay slightly higher interest and a small fee.