Trying to get a car loan after bankruptcy can be a very challenging task. Most people understand that when they file bankruptcy, they are going to have a poor credit score and have trouble with future borrowing. For those of you who are considering buying a vehicle after your bankruptcy, you need to think carefully about this decision and weigh all your options.
Once a bankruptcy is on your personal records it is there for ten years and can make it difficult to borrow money. The bankrupt status on your record tells lenders that you are not a good risk or dependable.
The good news is that once your bankruptcy is discharged you get a do-over with your finances. You get to do things right this time. You don't have to ever go through that feeling of being overwhelmed with debt and bills you can't pay. Many people have come back from a bankruptcy and gone on to buy a car, a new home and have credit cards again.
Now, let's move on to getting you your car loan and getting your finances back on track. Here's your opportunity to start over fresh again.
What lenders are looking for:
Credit History: Lenders want to see what you are doing with your new credit. They look for late pays or any negatives on your report. Lenders want to see that you are making your payments on time now. They also look at the number of inquiries on your report to see if you are abusing your credit.
Down Payment: Lenders typically like to see at least a 10% down payment of the car you are going to buy. If the car sells for $10,000 then 10% of that would be $1,000 for the down payment. It is possible to get a loan with a smaller down payment. However, you may end up paying more in a higher interest rate which could leave you owing more on the car than what it is worth.
Monthly Income and Employment: Lenders will look at your monthly income and how much you are paying out on your living expenses and other debt. The longer you are on a job reflects more stability and that you are responsible to pay back the loan.
If you have had a good working relationship with your bank or credit union before the bankruptcy, there is a good chance that you can go back to them for another car loan. However, if you burned them in the bankruptcy, they probably won't want to give you another loan.
When you get a car loan after bankruptcy be sure and make the payments on time. This can be the first step in re-establishing your credit and getting back to a strong financial picture.
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