How Do Buy Here Pay Here Car Lots Work?

Chances are you’ve passed by an auto lot that says “buy here, pay here.” Most people don’t give this phrase a second thought, because the most widely discussed car purchase choices are cars purchased from a dealership and cars purchased used from the owner. Used car dealerships get a bad rap, which is why so many flock to dealerships or commence with their own used car research. There is a problem with being limited to only these two options. Dealership pricing is dependent upon credit history, and many in search of a new car have past credit issues. This makes finding an independent loan for a down payment on a car from a dealership nearly impossible.

On the other hand, it is hard to ensure that buying a used car from an independent seller will be fruitful. Even if the seller is trustworthy, they often don’t know very much about the makeup of cars and therefore might sell you a car that is not in top shape. Most people who buy cars from a person on a site like Craigslist don’t have that car for a very long time, because most pre-owned cars on sites like that have been through a lot and even with the best attention have limited futures. Even for a second car or a car for a teenager, it is essential to have a vehicle that functions and will be reliable for a long time to get your money’s worth. If you’re a person with a credit history that might prevent them from taking out a loan, it might also mean that you settle for a junker car based on what you can afford from your savings.

Luckily, an option exists other than buying from a dealer or buying from a third party. Buy here pay here car lots offer competitive financing for potential car buyers regardless of credit history and their cars must follow state and local regulations to be sold. Curious about what a buy here pay car lot works? Read on.

Discussing Your Options With a Dealer

So, you’ve decided you need a new car and have shown up at a buy here pay here lot to get this car. The first step to buying a car at a buy here pay here dealership usually involves discussing your purchase options with the dealer. Buy here pay here lots have a variety of options, but the chances that they will have the exact car that you are looking for are relatively slim. Therefore, speaking with a dealer can help you understand not only what their selection looks like on the lot, but what is in your price and preference range.

Applying for Financing at a Lot

Once you discuss your options with the dealer at your local buy here pay here car lot, you’ll be able to look at your selections. Be sure to ask questions about the cars you are shown and the cars that catch your eye. Each vehicle will have a buyer’s slip on it – something that cars must legally have if they are certified resellers like buy here pay here auto lots. Once you pick your car, you will start the financing process.

The financing process for a certified pre-owned car from a car lot is reasonably straightforward. Most buy here pay here lots, including Auto Now, will not determine your ability to afford car payments based on your credit. Instead, they will work with you to estimate how much you can provide on monthly payments. It’s recommended that you work with the dealership to find a payment that you can comfortably put money toward while also spending the least amount of time paying off the loan. Doing this will ultimately help you pay less over time and will let you own your car sooner. However, if more substantial payments over a shorter period of time aren’t something that you can swing, the car dealership will work with you on a different plan, as well.

Paying Toward Ownership

One of the best parts of buy here pay here dealerships is that they allow you to browse, finance, and leave with a car usually on the same day. When you go, be sure to bring copies of your latest pay stubs or invoices, as well as reference information should it be asked for. Having this information will speed up the application for financing and will allow you to get the best deal for you, personally.

Paying toward ownership on a car that is purchased from a buy here pay here lot is as simple as paying toward a loan acquired from the bank or from a car being financed from the dealership. You will make monthly or bi-monthly payments based on the terms set during the time of your visit. Often, payment terms are for a much shorter length of time than at traditional dealerships, which not only means that you pay less in interest over time, but it also means that you ultimately retain ownership of your car sooner.

Why Work With a Buy Here Pay Here Dealership?

Ultimately, the choice is yours when it comes to determining where you want to buy for your next car. However, buy here pay here dealerships are optimal for those who:

• Need a vehicle quickly and might not have the resources to wait on a traditional loan or work with dealership financing
• Might have children and are looking for quality, affordable cars for them to drive and take care of
• Might be looking for alternate ways to build up their credit through on-time, monthly payments that they can afford
• Might need an affordable backup vehicle who don’t want to pay dealership prices
• Are looking to spend less over a shorter period of time

Auto Now is one of the leading buy here pay here car lots in Kansas and Missouri. With sites all over both states, Auto Now is committed to providing the best options for used cars at prices that everyone can afford. Auto Now Wichita is located on 1660 South Seneca Street in Wichita. Browse our available vehicles and sign up for a test drive today. We look forward to helping you find your next car.