Category: Car Purchase Tips

Car dealerships rely on credit scores to determine if customers are eligible to receive a car loan. But what credit score do they use? What is your likelihood of approval? And what happens if you have no/bad credit? Our team at Car-N-Credit is here to answer all those questions and more!

When purchasing a car, most car dealerships run your credit score to determine if you are eligible for a loan. These scores come from a variety of different credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) that collect data from creditors. Based on the length of your loan, the remaining balance, the payment history, and the monthly payment, you are given a credit score. This credit score is a measure of how “risky” it is to offer you a loan. Most car dealerships use the FICO Score 8 scale to determine your eligibility for a loan.  

Winter climates can be strenuous on any vehicle, even newer models, making it crucial for owners to prepare them for the cold season ahead. In addition to regular vehicle maintenance, there are a few steps you should take before winter to make sure your vehicle is safe and ready for the road.

The following basic tips from Car-N-Credit can save you a lot of headaches in the winter when your vehicle’s components get a lot of strain from weather and cold air:

1. Check Your Battery

Winter cold and summer heat put a lot of wear and tear on your battery, so it’s not uncommon for older batteries to not work their best during these seasons. Use an at-home battery tester or bring your car to a nearby auto parts store. Many of them will test your battery for free to indicate whether you [...]

College is a time for you to be getting out into the world and exploring it on your own, but it is hard to do that when you don’t have your own set of wheels. Getting those wheels while in college can be a bit of a challenge, however.

The average new car bought in the US costs a hefty $32,000 and a mid-range sedan will set you back $22,000, even without all the bells and whistles.

This means that, for most students, getting a new car is out of the question and buying a used car is more practical. Unless you are getting a lot of help from your family, you can also probably discount getting a shiny new sports car or SUV as well.

So, if you are setting out into higher education and you want a car to broaden your horizons, without breaking the bank, what are your options?

The [...]

Walking into a car dealership can be an overwhelming and anxiety-provoking experience if you’re not prepared for everything that’s about to happen. Purchasing a vehicle – whether new or used – is a big expense and a significant responsibility and one to take seriously.

Although our dealership is stocked with professionals who are here to help you instead of confusing you with tricky sales tactics, we still want you to feel comfortable and educated when you step into our lot. Here’s what you can do before you visit us to make sure you get exactly what you want, understand your rights as a purchaser, and feel at ease with the car buying process:

Taking some time to research cars online before you head to the dealership is one of the best things you can do to make sure you come prepared. Check out manufacturer websites or car review sites to learn more [...]

Car buyers often walk into a car lot with their sights set on the shiny new car they’ve been dreaming of. But what if a brand-new car isn’t necessarily the right choice for you? There are plenty of advantages to owning a new vehicle, but it’s not your only option (and it might not be the best one right now, either). There are a lot of factors to consider before jumping into this investment, so it’s crucial to know how used and new cars compare to one another.

The first – and most important – question to ask yourself is, “What can I afford?” You don’t want to end up having years of payments with a monthly amount that’s out of your budget. New cars sometimes come with fantastic manufacturer rebates and incentives that can keep your monthly payment down, but they’re still usually higher than their used versions. Insurance companies also charge [...]

The thought of purchasing a used car can be worrisome, especially if that car has high mileage. What many people don’t know, though, is that buying a high mileage used vehicle can have some perks over purchasing a brand-new vehicle.

High mileage used cars often have several benefits for prospective car owners, including:

As long as its owners took good care of a vehicle before offering it for sale, then a high odometer reading shouldn’t scare you away. Manufacturers design cars to handle a lot of driving.

In fact, cars need you to drive them to stay healthy, similar to how the human body needs routine exercise to stay in its best shape and healthy form. With routine maintenance, tending to necessary repairs, and regular driving, a high mileage 5-year-old car can be in better shape than [...]

Since any car, even a used one, is a reasonably sized investment, you need to make sure that you are certain about your purchase before buying the car. If you find yourself considering purchasing a used car, then ask yourself the following questions. You will notice that most questions tend to lead to numerous related questions. You want the answers to everything listed below, as this information will help you make an informed decision.

Start by asking yourself if you really want a used car instead of a new one. New cars will have a full warranty, be in great shape, and have no mileage on them so far, but cost more. Used cars offer significant savings, let you avoid investment losses from depreciation, and let you get more features for your money. Used cars tend to be a better choice for those on a budget [...]