Can I Buy a Car After Being Denied an Auto Loan?

a key on top of a car loan application that shows you can get approved to buy a car after being denied an auto loan

The Steps Needed to Buy A Car After Being Denied an Auto Loan


For many people, a car is an essential part of daily life. It provides reliable transportation to work, school, and other important activities. However, you may have been rejected by one dealership or another. This has left you wondering if you’ll ever be able to buy a car after being denied an auto loan.

The good news is that there are options available! Even if you’ve been denied an auto loan, there are steps you can take to turn it into an easy approval.

Here are some tips to help you buy a car after being denied an auto loan.


Buy a Car After Being Denied an Auto Loan
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Review Your Credit Report to Buy A Car After Being Denied an Auto Loan


Reviewing your credit report is an important step to take if you’ve been denied an auto loan. Your credit report contains information about your credit history, including your payment history, outstanding debts, and any accounts that have been sent to collections. It’s important to review your credit report for errors or inaccuracies because they can negatively impact your credit score and make it harder to get approved for a loan.

When reviewing your credit report, you should check for the following:

  1. Accuracy of personal information: Check that your name, address, Social Security number, and other personal information is correct.
  2. Credit accounts: Make sure that all of your credit accounts are accurate and up-to-date. Check that your payment history is correct, and that the balances and credit limits are accurate.
  3. Negative items: Look for any negative items, such as late payments, collections, or charge-offs. These items can stay on your credit report for up to seven years and can have a significant impact on your credit score.
  4. Inquiries: Check for any inquiries on your credit report. Too many inquiries can hurt your credit score and make it harder to get approved for a loan.

If you find errors or inaccuracies on your credit report, you can dispute them with the credit bureau that provided the report. They are required by law to investigate your dispute and make any necessary corrections. Once the corrections have been made, your credit score may improve, which can help you get approved for a loan.


Improve Your Credit Score in Order to Buy A Car After Being Denied an Auto Loan


Improving your credit score is a crucial step to take if you’ve been denied a car loan.

A good credit score can help you get approved for a loan and may even result in a lower interest rate. Here are some tips on how to improve your credit score:

  1. Pay your bills on time: Payment history is the most important factor in determining your credit score. Late payments can have a significant negative impact on your score, so make sure you pay your bills on time.
  2. Pay down your debts: The amount of debt you have compared to your credit limit, also known as your credit utilization ratio, is another important factor in your credit score. Try to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30% and pay down your debts as much as possible.
  3. Don’t close old accounts: The length of your credit history is also a factor in your credit score. Closing old accounts can shorten your credit history and potentially lower your score. Instead, keep old accounts open and use them occasionally to keep them active.
  4. Limit credit inquiries: Applying for too many loans or credit cards can result in multiple inquiries on your credit report, which can lower your score. Limit your credit inquiries and only apply for credit when you really need it.
  5. Dispute errors on your credit report: As mentioned before, errors or inaccuracies on your credit report can hurt your credit score. Dispute any errors or inaccuracies with the credit bureau that provided the report.
  6. Use credit responsibly: Finally, use credit responsibly and don’t take on more debt than you can handle. Make sure to only borrow what you can afford to pay back and avoid maxing out your credit cards.

Consider a Co-Signer to Buy a Car After Being Denied an Auto Loan Easier!


A co-signer is someone who agrees to take responsibility for the loan if the primary borrower fails to make payments. This makes lenders feel more at ease with your application and willing to let you borrow the money necessary to buy a car after being denied an auto loan.

Having a co-signer with good credit can increase your chances of getting approved, make it easier, and may result in a lower interest rate!

When considering a co-signer, here are some important factors to keep in mind:

  1. Choose someone with good credit: Your co-signer should have good credit history and a solid credit score. Lenders will look at their creditworthiness when deciding whether to approve the loan.
  2. Choose someone you trust: The co-signer will be responsible for the loan if you are unable to make payments. Make sure to choose someone you trust and have a good relationship with.
  3. Understand the risks: A co-signer is taking on a significant risk by agreeing to be responsible for the loan. If you are unable to make payments, it could negatively impact their credit score and financial situation.
  4. Communicate clearly: Make sure to communicate clearly with your co-signer about the terms of the loan and their responsibilities. Discuss payment plans and make sure they understand the risks involved.
  5. Keep your payments up to date: Even with a co-signer, it’s important to make your loan payments on time. Late payments can negatively impact both your credit score and the co-signer’s credit score.

Overall, having a co-signer can be a helpful option if you’ve been denied an auto loan due to poor credit history. You can follow our steps to help you find a cosigner here.


Look for alternative lenders like buy here pay here


a group of black umbrellas with a single yellow umbrella depicting the alternate methods used to buy a car after being denied an auto loan

If you’ve been denied a car loan, looking for alternative lenders is another option to consider. Alternative lenders are financial institutions that offer loans to people who may not qualify for traditional loans from banks or credit unions. Here are some tips on how to find alternative lenders:

  1. Research online: There are many alternative lenders that operate online. You can search for lenders using keywords like “bad credit auto loans” or “alternative auto loans”. Make sure to read reviews and compare rates before applying.
  2. Check with credit unions: Credit unions are non-profit financial institutions that often offer more flexible loan terms than banks. They may be willing to work with borrowers who have less-than-perfect credit history.
  3. Consider peer-to-peer lending: Peer-to-peer lending is a platform that connects borrowers with investors who are willing to lend money. This can be a good option for borrowers who don’t qualify for traditional loans.
  4. Look for buy-here-pay-here dealerships: Buy-here-pay-here dealerships are car dealerships that offer financing to people with poor credit history.
  5. Ask for recommendations: Ask friends or family members if they have any recommendations for alternative lenders. They may know of lenders who have helped them in the past.

When looking for alternative lenders, it’s important to keep in mind that they may charge higher interest rates and fees than traditional lenders.


Save up for a good down payment to Increase your chances of getting approved!


 If you can’t get approved for a car loan, you may need to save up for a down payment on a car. This can help you qualify for an auto loan, reduce your payments, and may also help you get a better interest rate.

A down payment is a lump sum of money paid upfront that reduces the amount you need to borrow.

Saving for a down payment may seem hard, but it is an important step to take when preparing to purchase a car. It’s also very easy once you learn the best way to save up a good down payment for a car!

Tips on Saving up a Good Down Payment

Here are some tips on how to save for a down payment:

  1. Determine how much you need to save: The down payment amount typically ranges from 10-20% of the car’s purchase price. Determine how much you need to save based on the car you want to purchase and your budget.
  2. Create a budget: Review your monthly expenses and income to create a budget. Look for areas where you can reduce expenses to save more money. Consider a side hustle or selling items you no longer need to earn extra cash.
  3. Open a dedicated savings account: Open a savings account specifically for your down payment. This can help you track your progress and resist the temptation to spend the money on other things.
  4. Set a savings goal and timeline: Set a realistic savings goal and timeline based on your budget and income. Use a savings calculator to determine how much you need to save each month to reach your goal.
  5. Automate your savings: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account each month. This can help you save consistently and avoid the temptation to spend the money.
  6. Consider a windfall: If you receive a bonus or tax refund, consider putting it towards your down payment. This can help you reach your goal faster.
  7. Be patient: Saving for a down payment can take time, but it’s worth it in the long run. Be patient and stay motivated by tracking your progress and celebrating small milestones along the way.

Saving for a down payment is an important step to take when preparing to purchase a car. By creating a budget, setting a savings goal and timeline, and automating your savings, you can save consistently and reach your goal faster.


Used Cars are the best to buy after being denied an auto loan


Buying a used car can be a smart financial decision, as it can save you money on the purchase price and potentially on insurance and registration costs. There are tons of benefits that make buying a used car a more financially savvy choice.

Here are some tips on how to buy a used car:

  1. Determine your budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on a used car. Consider the purchase price, insurance costs, registration fees, and maintenance expenses.
  2. Research the car: Research the make and model of the car you’re interested in. Look for reviews, reliability ratings, and common issues to be aware of. This can help you avoid buying a car that will require costly repairs down the line.
  3. Check the car’s history: Check the car’s history using a service like Carfax or AutoCheck. This can help you identify any accidents or major repairs the car has undergone.
  4. Have the car inspected: Make sure to inspect the used car yourself and by a trusted mechanic before purchasing. This can help you identify any hidden issues or potential maintenance needs.
  5. Test drive the car: Test drive the car to get a feel for how it handles and to check for any unusual noises or issues.
  6. Negotiate the price: Negotiate the car price with the seller based on the car’s condition, history, and any maintenance needs identified during the inspection.
  7. Complete the paperwork: Complete the necessary paperwork, including the title transfer, registration, and insurance.
  8. Maintain the car: Once you’ve purchased the car, maintain it regularly to keep it running smoothly and to avoid costly repairs down the line.

By following these tips, you can find a reliable used car that fits your budget and meets your needs.


Now Go buy a car after being denied an auto loan!


a used car dealership that lets you buy a car after being denied an auto loan

Being denied an auto loan doesn’t mean you can’t buy a car. There are many options available, including improving your credit score, finding a co-signer, looking for alternative lenders, saving up for a down payment, and considering a used car.

Credit problems can make getting approved for an auto loan more difficult, but Westland Auto Sales is here to help! If you’re in the Fresno area, come pay us a visit and we’ll have you driving out in no time!

If you’re a little further out, no worries! We’ve got plenty y of content you can use to find the best dealership for bad credit near you.


FAQs – 


Q: Can I still buy a car after being denied an auto loan?

Yes, you can! There are options available to improve your chances of getting approved, such as reviewing your credit report, improving your credit score, and considering a co-signer.

Q: How can I improve my credit score to qualify for an auto loan?

Improving your credit score involves paying bills on time, reducing debts, keeping old accounts open, limiting credit inquiries, and disputing errors on your credit report.

Q: What are alternative lenders, and how can they help me get a car loan?

Alternative lenders are financial institutions that offer loans to individuals with poor credit history. They may provide more flexible loan terms than traditional banks or credit unions.

Q: How can saving up for a down payment increase my chances of approval?

A good down payment reduces the amount you need to borrow, making it easier for lenders to approve your loan application. It may also lead to lower monthly payments and better interest rates.

Q: Is buying a used car a smart decision after being denied an auto loan?

Yes, buying a used car can be a financially savvy choice as it can save you money on the purchase price, insurance, and registration costs. Explore reliable used car options to fit your budget and needs.

Shameless Plug –
Contact Us Today to Get Approved For Your Pre Owned Vehicle

If you’re in the market for a used car, truck, SUV, or van, and you’re worried about your credit score, we are here to help. 

Our team will help you get the pre-owned vehicle you need. With timely payments, it can improve your credit as well.

Thousands of other happy customers of the Fresno area just like you have already been approved and are on their path to a better future. With low down payments starting at only $500, great premiums for your trade-in, and a free warranty, you’ll be set up to succeed from the start.

Contact us today! Learn all about our selection of pre-owned vehicles and bad credit car financing options.


Extra Resources To Help On Your Journey


We love to share the wealth! Here are some resources and trusted vendors that we personally use. They can help you take care of your vehicle as well as keep your credit and finances in tip-top shape:

Car Parts

High Quality and Affordable Car Parts: Advance Auto Parts

High Quality Dash Cams and Car Accessories: Rexing USA or VanTrue or Nextbase

Car Audio & Sound Systems: Eonon 

Premium Wiper Blades & Accessories: Clix Auto

Easy Key Replacement & Programming DIY: Car Keys Express

High-Quality Orignal and Custom Car Lighting: LASFIT

Quality Car Parts/Accessories (mats, covers, assemblies): Oedro

Premium Car Detailing Supplies: Chemical Guys

High-Performance Car Parts & Air Filters: KN Filters 

High-Performance Parts: Max Speeding Rods

Speed and Performance Parts: Spectre Performance

Air Intakes: Airaid

Original & Aftermarket Wheels: OE Wheels LLC

Battery Tenders: Deltran Battery

High-Quality Tires Of All Types: Priority Tire or Discount Tire

DIY Car Extras

In the event your dealer doesn’t provide you a history report: VinAudit

To learn to recondition your old car battery: EZ Battery Reconditioning

For DIY Ford vehicle repair: Ford Shop

To learn to take some knicks out of your car’s paint: High Quality Car Spray

If you find yourself in need of a car rental: Discover Cars or Airport Rental Cars or Holiday Autos

If you’d like to see what public car auctions are like: Gov Auctions or Gov Seized Auction

Personal Finance & Credit

To help you improve your credit: Axion Credit Repair or Coast Tradelines

For a DIY credit repair course: DIY Credit Repair

To help you get free of debt and increase your credit: What Lies In Your Debt?

If you’re in a bind and need cash quickly: Bad Credit Loans or Cash Advance

For personal loans of higher quantities: Fortuna Credit or Personal Loans

For a high cash-back credit card (make sure you only use it as if it’s a debit card!): Laurelroad 

We will keep sharing all our vendors that we have a great experience with. Only the ones we see align with our values as time goes on, both locally and nationwide.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.


Our Vision


Empower those in need with the freedom of transportation and the tools to obtain financial stability.

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Dealership Information:


Westland Auto Sales – Fresno's Buy Here Pay Here Car Dealer

Sales:
(559) 444-0123
Service Department
(559) 981-2535
Accounts Success Department
(559) 233-0107

Business Hours:


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Sun :
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