Banks Are Repossessing More Cars Than Ever – Why BHPH Dealers Are Positioned To Help

What to Know

• Car repossessions are hitting record highs in the U.S. due to rising living costs, tighter loan conditions, and a return to normal financing terms after the pandemic.
• Banks repossess vehicles if the loan goes into default.
• If you’ve recently had your car repossessed and need another, flexible financing from a buy here, pay here dealership like Hawthorne Auto is a great way to get back on the road, regardless of your credit score and finances. 

Why Are Banks Repossessing So Many Cars Right Now?

As car repossessions surge across the United States, many drivers are looking for solutions to help them stay on the road with less financial stress. Luckily, buy here, pay here dealerships can help repossessions, reduce monthly costs, and ultimately help keep you behind the wheel with flexible, approval-guaranteed financing.

Why are banks repossessing so many cars right now? Learn why more cars are being repossessed in the U.S.

How economic pressure leads to more repossessions

Whether it’s employment concerns, rising costs of living, or the return to more standard lending practices after pandemic-era relief measures, many people are finding it difficult to make monthly payments on their typical car loans. This means banks are repossessing more cars than ever, leading more drivers to look for alternative solutions.

Why bank financing has become harder to secure

In addition to the overall economic factors, financing has generally become harder to secure in recent months. Many banks are tightening loan conditions in response to credit stress and elevated loan delinquencies. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that more drivers are turning towards low and no-credit financing options to get relief from standard auto financing.

What Happens When a Bank Repossesses Your Car?

When you lease a vehicle, you’re taking out a loan to pay for it, which is paid in monthly or biweekly installments. If you fail to make payments, the lender will repossess the car to sell it and recover the outstanding balance on your loan. If the sale price is less than the loan amount, you’ll still need to pay any remaining debt, legal fees, and costs of the repossession (e.g., towing, storage) yourself. 

A car repossession has a big impact on your credit score and means you’ll no longer have a vehicle to get to work or anywhere else you need to go. Plus, you naturally won’t be able to reduce the costs of your next vehicle with a trade-in. Car repossession is a major concern for many people, leading them to seek alternatives. 

How Buy Here Pay Here Dealers Help When Banks Say No

With high interest rates and restrictive loan terms, traditional auto financing isn’t always an option. In these cases, many opt for buy here, pay here (BHPH) used car financing after repossession. This financing route allows you to get guaranteed approval on a vehicle, even after the significant credit hit of a repossession. 

Another advantage of BHPH in-house financing is flexibility with your income. Many auto dealers, such as Hawthorne Auto Square, approve financing for low-income individuals, even if your main source of income is from Social Security, disability, or unemployment benefits. This makes a vehicle accessible to virtually anyone, regardless of employment status, credit score, or income level.

Financing After a Repossession — What Are Your Options?

A car repossession can have a significant effect on your credit score, and financing may be hard to secure if you lose your vehicle to a defaulted loan. Because of this, it’s important to look for flexible financing options to help get you back on the road, regardless of your financial situation. One way to do that is through buy here, pay here financing.

Why BHPH Dealers Are the Safety Net for Today’s Car Buyers

With all this talk of auto loan defaults and repossessions, you’re likely wondering what your best option is if you find yourself in this situation. Buy here, pay here financing is an invaluable way to get back on the road. Regardless of your credit score or history, you still need a vehicle. BHPH financing is your safety net in case you find yourself in a difficult financial situation, helping you secure an affordable, reliable vehicle at a price you can actually manage on an ongoing basis.

What To Watch Out for When Shopping After a Repo

Some dealerships prey on people in a desperate situation after a vehicle repossession, slapping on huge interest rates and massive down payment requirements for a limited selection of vehicles. When navigating your first BHPH purchase, we recommend choosing a dealership with a good selection of vehicles (especially cars under $15,000). Look for a dealer that will accept nontraditional forms of income, such as government assistance or atypical employment, like gig work. 

Serving Drivers Across the South Bay & Greater Los Angeles

Here at Hawthorne Auto Square, we’re proud to serve customers in all manner of financial situations, whether you’ve just experienced a repossession, have low or no credit, or don’t receive income through standard channels. We serve the Hawthorne area and surrounding communities, including:

• Carson, CA – 90745, 90746
• Inglewood, CA – 90301
• Compton, CA – 90220
• Torrance, CA – 90501

Ready To Get Approved and Back on the Road?

We’re proud to offer highly flexible auto loans on a huge variety of reliable vehicles, ranging from trusty economy cars to recent luxury models. If you’re ready to get approval for the vehicle you need, regardless of your income situation, credit score, or any past repossessions, we’re here to help you get back on the road in an affordable car you love. Contact us to learn more about your financing options or to visit our used car lot today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when car repossessions hit record highs?

Car repossessions hitting record highs is a sign of widespread financial struggles across the country. More people are struggling to afford monthly vehicle payments, indicating rising living costs and increasing unaffordability across the board.

What are my best next steps if the bank already repossessed my vehicle and I still need transportation?

If your car has been repossessed, you’ll likely still need a vehicle right away. If this is the case, a buy here, pay here dealership is a great next step to finding a car to get you to work and everywhere else.

Are there limitations on the types of cars available at BHPH lots when you’ve had a repo?

There may be some limitations on the vehicles available to you at a BHPH lot after a repossession. This might mean you’re limited to more affordable models, but most good BHPH dealerships still offer a large variety to customers who have undergone a repo.