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How to Get a Good Car with Bad Credit—Without Freaking Out

by Trevor Riggs - Posted 1 month ago


How to Get a Good Car with Bad Credit—Without Freaking Out

Why Bad Credit Makes Car Buying Tough

How Credit Scores Mess Things Up

Buying a car with bad credit isn’t easy. Banks think low scores—under 580—mean you’re a risk. That bumps interest rates way up, like 15% or more, when good credit folks pay just 5% (NerdWallet). You might need a big down payment, maybe $1,000 or $2,000, and you’re stuck picking from older cars (Experian). But don’t worry—you can still make it work with some smart moves.

The Stress Hits Hard

Think about Jane, a 37-year-old mom from Billings, MT. She’s got kids, a job, and bills, and she’s scared of getting a junk car or ripped off. Then there’s Mark, 27, from Missoula, MT. He fixes stuff at a warehouse but his car keeps breaking down, stressing him out about work. They need help. Deals On Wheels steps in with honest deals and no judging.

Figure Out Your Money Plan

Extra Costs Sneak In

The car’s price isn’t all you pay. Insurance costs more with bad credit—sometimes $3,000 a year (The Zebra). Fixing it up can take $900 to $1,500 every year (Bankrate). Plus, taxes in Montana hit you right away. If you forget these, you’re in trouble.

What You Can Pay

Here’s an easy trick: your car payment should be less than 15% of what you make each month. If you get $3,500, keep it under $525. That way, you’ve got cash for other stuff.

Pick a Dealership That’s Cool with Bad Credit

Regular Places Can Be Annoying

Lots of car lots push you hard to buy and add secret fees. With bad credit, they act like you’re a problem. It’s no fun at all.

What Makes a Good Dealership

Find one that gives you a loan right there, doesn’t care about your credit mess, and has stuff like warranties or a way to return the car (CarsDirect). Deals On Wheels is awesome at this. They’ve got a 48-hour or 200-mile “Love It or Exchange It” promise, loans that work for you, and no hidden costs. It’s like a friend helping you out.

Make It Easier to Get the Car

Ways to Look Better to Lenders

You don’t need perfect credit to get a car. Check your score to see what’s up (TransUnion). Bring paycheck stubs to show you’ve got a job. Even a little down payment, like $500, helps (NerdWallet). If your buddy’s got good credit, ask them to co-sign—it could lower your payments.

Watch Out for Tricks

Some places offer crazy-high rates or won’t show you the deal upfront. Sneaky fees? Bad news. Deals On Wheels tells you everything straight up, no funny business.

Get a Car That Won’t Break Down

What Makes a Car Trustworthy

Look for one with 100,000 to 150,000 miles, proof it’s been fixed up right, and names like Toyota Corolla or Honda CR-V—they last (U.S. News). These won’t let you down.

Cheap Isn’t Always Smart

A $3,000 car might need $2,000 in fixes soon (Bumper). Spend a little more on something good, and you’ll save cash later. Deals On Wheels checks every car, gives warranties, 

Try It Out and Buy It Easy

What to Check When You Drive

Take the car for a ride. Hear weird noises from steering or brakes? Nope. Feel comfy and see okay? Good. Does it speed up and shift smooth? It should (Edmunds). Drive around town and on big roads to be sure.

Finishing Without Worries

Ask for papers with all the details. Know your loan before you sign. Deals On Wheels lets you bring it back in 48 hours or 200 miles if it’s not right. That’s chill.

Real Stories from Real People

Jane’s Happy Ending

Jane’s old car was trash, and bad credit made her nervous. Deals On Wheels got her a safe SUV with easy payments—perfect for her Billings family.



Mark’s Fix

Mark’s car kept dying, messing with his Missoula job. He got a cool, gas-saving car with a warranty from Deals On Wheels. Now he’s set.

Start Driving Your Way Today

Why Deals On Wheels Rocks for Bad Credit

  • Loans that work, even with bad credit.

  • No surprise fees—just clear prices.

  •  Cars you can trust with warranties and returns.

  • They treat you nice, no mean looks.

How to Do It:

 Look at cars on Deals On Wheels Inventory

Get okayed fast with Financing Options

Test drive without stress.

Stop by in Billings, MT—they’re local and get you.


Bad credit doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Jane and Mark got great cars with Deals On Wheels, and you can too. Get rolling now!