Navigating Your First Buy Here Pay Here Car Purchase

If you live in the Hawthorne, CA area, it’s important to have a reliable vehicle to help you get around. However, trying to buy a car with bad credit or no credit history is challenging. Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealerships like Hawthorne Auto Square offer an alternative financing option for people with limited credit. Here’s how to navigate your first buy here pay here car purchase, including how the process works and what it means for you.

What is a Buy Here Pay Here Dealership?

A buy here pay here dealership is different from a traditional dealership because it offers financing in-house. Traditional dealerships typically offer financing through a loan institution, while these dealerships use an in-house financing model. This means that the BHPH dealership acts as both the seller and the lender for the vehicles they carry.

How Does Buy Here Pay Here Financing Work?

Now, let’s go over how buy here pay here financing, also called low or no credit car financing works. Here’s a simple step-by-step explanation of the financing process:

• Step one: Choose the car that you want based on your unique needs and your budget.
• Step two: Apply for financing on-site at the buy here pay here dealership.
• Step three: Set up a payment schedule that works for you. We have many flexible payment options available at Hawthorne Auto Square.

You won’t need to provide a ton of paperwork to apply for this type of financing. All you need is a valid form of identification (such as a driver’s license, ID, or passport), proof of income, and a down payment if you have one. 

If you already own a vehicle, you can sell or trade it in to help with the down payment. As for proof of income, a pay stub works well. However, Hawthorne Auto Square also accepts VA benefits, SSI, retirement benefits, and other forms of government benefits as proof of income, and we even have finance programs in place for buyers who get paid in cash. 

Pros and Cons of Buying from a Buy Here Pay Here Dealership

As with most types of financing, there are some pros and cons when you’re buying a vehicle using no or bad credit car loans from a buy here pay here dealership.

Pros:

• It’s easier to get approved if you have no credit history or bad credit.
• The simplified financing process is quick, easy, and requires less paperwork.
• There’s no need for third-party lenders such as major banks or credit unions. 

Cons:

• BHPH financing options tend to have higher interest rates.
• There may be a limited selection of vehicles, and most BHPH dealerships only sell used vehicles. 
• Some dealerships participate in predatory lending practices. 

How to Choose the Right Buy Here Pay Here Dealership

Here’s how to choose the right BHPH dealership, red flags to avoid, and some affordable car-buying tips. 

Tips for finding a reputable dealership:

• Take the time to research authentic customer reviews from dealerships in your area.
• Make sure the dealership has transparent pricing and terms that are simple and easy to understand.
• Ask the dealership about warranties and return policies and find out if they report your timely payments to the credit bureaus, which helps to build and improve credit over time. 
• Buy a vehicle from a dealership that offers reasonable, affordable prices on cars in good condition with low mileage. 

Red flags to avoid

• Avoid dealerships with lots of hidden fees that you can only find buried deep in the fine print.
• Stay away from dealerships that use overly pushy sales tactics or that try to convince you to buy a vehicle out of your price range.
• Don’t buy a vehicle from a dealership unless you know they’re reputable and honest. 

What to Expect During Your First Buy Here Pay Here Purchase

Here’s what you can expect during your first buy here pay here car purchase:

• You’ll either go online or come to the lot and select a car that you’re interested in buying.
• Complete the necessary paperwork and set up your payments.
• When the paperwork goes through, you can drive your vehicle home.

Before you buy a car, it’s important to budget for the monthly payments. Look at your current income and how much money you spend on other things like rent or mortgage, insurance, food, and utilities. After you determine how much you can afford for your monthly car payments, it’s crucial to have a “cushion” of cash left over to cover emergency expenses or unexpected bills.

Tips for Making Your BHPH Purchase a Success

Keep these tips in mind to make sure that your BHPH purchase is a success:

• Prepare all of the necessary documents like proof of income, ID, and references in advance.
• Inspect the car thoroughly before you purchase it. Dealerships that allow you to take a test drive are better since you’ll get a chance to drive the car before you buy it.
• Negotiate the terms (like the total cost and interest rate) of your car financing if possible. 
• Plan your budget to ensure that you’ll be able to make timely payments.

Alternatives to Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships

While buy here pay here car dealerships are great for some buyers, there are a few alternatives. Here are some other financing options to explore if you have no or bad credit:

• Credit unions: If you’re a member of a credit union, they often offer their customers car loans and personal loans with a decent interest rate.
• Get a co-signer: Low-credit buyers may need help getting financed. If you have someone you trust who’s willing to co-sign on a loan, it can help you get approved. 
• Trade-ins or government programs: Trading in your current vehicle gives you more leverage and a bit of money you can use as a down payment. The government also offers a few programs like grants for low-income individuals designed to help them get a vehicle.

Contact Hawthorne Auto Square Today!

Hawthorne Auto Square is proud to serve our customers in Southgate, Hawthorne, and the surrounding areas. Our in-house financing and excellent selection of quality used vehicles make us one of the best BHPH dealerships in the area. If you’re ready to buy a car, come visit our lot or contact us today to find out more!