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If you have bad credit, it can be challenging to find a loan, at least one with good rates. The good news is that you can get a competitive loan even if you have bad credit. You just need to know how to avoid mistakes, like settling for the first lender you find or signing documents without reading the fine print.

Don’t underestimate the importance of avoiding these mistakes. After all, just a small percentage difference in your rate can lead to paying several extra hundred or thousand dollars throughout your auto loan.

Mistake #1: Not Shopping Around for the Best Deal

One of the biggest mistakes people with bad credit make is not shopping around for the best deal. Try to talk to at least three lenders so you can get an idea of the rates to expect. This is crucial because some lenders offer excessively high interest rates.

Pay close attention to interest rates and fees as well as loan terms. Think about your financial situation as well as the requirements of each lender.

Mistake #2: Underestimating the True Cost of Ownership

Another common mistake is to underestimate how much it really costs to own a car. Most people just focus on the down payment or monthly payment. But you need to think about expenses like gas and insurance. You also need to consider slightly more irregular costs, such as maintenance and as-needed repairs.

Before you start applying for financing, calculate how much you can expect to spend on each of these things each month. Then, include that in your monthly budget for car payments.

Mistake #3: Not Being Realistic About What You Can Afford

If you underestimate how much it costs to own a car, you are likely to be unrealistic about what you can afford. That is why it is so important to calculate those costs before you set a budget. But being realistic about what you can afford goes beyond those extra costs.

Even if you calculate everything correctly, you need to realistically consider your overall budget. What other monthly expenses do you have? Are you saving for something? Will you be prepared for unexpected expenses or emergencies?

Mistake #4: Not Reading Loan Documents Carefully

Any time you sign a loan, you should always read the document carefully. This is especially important for auto financing for people with bad credit. It is unfortunately common for unscrupulous lenders to gloss over or “forget to mention” additional fees and penalties. In many cases, they are counting on the fact that people don’t always read documents before signing. Some may also hope that you feel pressured to accept any terms because of your credit score.

Avoid this issue by reading the entire document and knowing what to look for. Make sure that the information about the loan terms, including the length of the loan and interest rate, is accurate. Look out for hidden fees, such as prepayment penalties.

Mistake #5: Falling for Predatory Lending Practices

Unfortunately, some lenders take advantage of people with bad credit. They know that you have fewer options and hope that you will agree to anything you can get, even if the terms are unfavorable or include high interest rates.

The best way to avoid predatory lending practices is to always be on your guard. If you always compare auto loans and read the documents thoroughly, you will be able to spot when lenders are trying to take advantage of your financial situation.

Conclusion

Make sure you are realistic about your budget for a car, including what you can reasonably afford to pay between your auto loan, insurance, gas, and other car-related expenses. You also need to be on the alert for predatory practices or hidden fees, so compare financing options and read your documents carefully. Seeking out reputable lenders will make it significantly easier to avoid mistakes when looking for bad credit car financing.