Credit Help

Rebuilding Credit with a Car Loan

Having bad credit can make it incredibly difficult to get approved for loans, credit cards, or even secure housing. But did you know that a car loan can actually be one of the best ways to rebuild your credit?

At Summit GM, we specialize in helping Canadians with bad credit or no credit history get approved for affordable auto financing. By making on-time payments on a car loan, you can start to improve your credit score and open up more financial opportunities in the future.

How a Car Loan Can Rebuild Your Credit

There are a few key reasons why a car loan is so effective for rebuilding credit:

1. Secured Loan: Auto loans are considered "secured" loans because the vehicle acts as collateral. This makes lenders more willing to approve applicants with poor credit history.
2. Consistent Payments: Unlike credit cards with fluctuating balances, a car loan has a fixed monthly payment. Making these payments on time every month will steadily improve your payment history.
3. Diversified Credit Mix: Creditors like to see that you can responsibly manage different types of loans. An auto loan adds valuable diversity to your credit profile.
4. Reporting to Credit Bureaus: Your on-time car loan payments will be reported to the major credit bureaus, directly boosting your credit score over time.

Financing Your First Car

One of the most important big purchases you'll make is buying a car. And your first car is a big deal! Owning a car gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. Whether your vehicle is new or used, most people need to borrow from a lender to buy a car, truck or SUV.

Comparing Car Loans and Leases

When you buy a new or used vehicle, you might want to take out a car loan, or even sign a lease. This decision is an important one, and which you choose depends on how you'll use your vehicle, and what you are able to afford.

Budgeting for a New Vehicle

There are two ways of thinking about affordability. Some people spend a little extra and get a new car to avoid maintenance costs, and others get used vehicles, which will save on upfront costs. It's clear that "affordability" isn't as clear cut as one might initially think, and a pay now or pay later strategy might not be nuanced enough to provide a complete answer on affordability.

What to Consider When Budgeting

Whether you're buying new or used, from a financial perspective, a vehicle's affordability is based on a few factors:

1. Credit Score: Your credit score is a measure of financial health that can determine the amount of a potential car loan.
2. Down Payment: Paying more money up front will help decrease the overall size of the loan you need to finance your vehicle.
3. Loan Term: How quickly do you want to pay off your vehicle, and what interest rate do you qualify for?
4. The 20% Rule: Your monthly automotive expenses shouldn't exceed 20% of your income, including gas, insurance, and maintenance.

Get Pre-Approved Today

If you're ready to take the first step towards better credit, a new vehicle, and improved financial security, let's get you pre-approved for an affordable auto loan. Our team will work with you one-on-one to understand your unique situation and connect you with lenders that can get you approved - even with bad credit.

Apply Now and let us help you rebuild your credit, finance your first car, and stay within your budget!