Subprime car loans and bad credit finance explained

If you have a poor credit history, the idea of driving a brand new car may seem like little more than a fantasy. However, a number of credit lenders offer car finance plans that are specifically tailored to prospective car buyers with a low credit score.

Any issues surfaced by a credit check can make it difficult to qualify for the zero per cent APR offers that make some car finance deals so tempting. But fear not, because if this is the case for you there are still ways of getting great finance deals for a new car. Read on to find out more…

What is a subprime or bad credit car loan?

Subprime loans are intended for those who may struggle to meet a steady repayment schedule. When it comes to car finance, there’s no distinct cut-off point where a loan is classified as ‘subprime’, and while there are lenders who specialise in 'subprime car finance', these loans can also be offered by mainstream companies.

There are a number of reasons why a borrower could be classified as ‘subprime’ by a finance company. A lack of credit history, big debts, bankruptcy and many other factors can all contribute to a bad credit score. Any of these - or a combination - could be used to refuse a finance deal on a car, at which point buyers can be directed towards subprime lenders.

In order to compensate for the risk that subprime borrowers pose, lenders usually hike up interest rates. Lenders have been known to charge rates of over 40 per cent APR, which is in huge contrast to the zero per cent deals that are regularly offered by manufacturers.

Subprime car loans may also come with other additional fees, while some will have adjustable interest rates, meaning that the interest you pay on the loan isn’t fixed, but varies according to the market. This kind of deal can become very costly in the long run.

In either case, a subprime car loan will mean that as a buyer you are very likely to end up paying more over the course of the loan period to make up for the greater risk the lender is taking on.

What's the danger with subprime loans?

The risk with bad credit car loans is twofold. First it’s with the car buyers: if they’ve been sold finance which they either do not understand or cannot afford in the long run, they may risk defaulting on the loan. Falling behind on payments could lead to the car being repossessed, will hurt your credit score further and could lead to you being declined finance altogether.

The second risk is to the car market in general. If a large economic shock were to take place where borrowers suddenly find themselves unable to pay their loans, car manufacturers and dealers could see major falls in revenue. Forecourts could fill with more used cars, driving down prices and damaging the car market as a whole.

The Bank of England has previously raised concerns about the growing reliance on finance. A blog by an economist at the Bank of England said: “The industry’s growing reliance on PCP has made it more vulnerable to macroeconomic downturns.”

Should you avoid subprime car finance?

Not necessarily. If your credit score isn’t very high for any particular reason, but you have the finances to pay back the loan, then there is nothing wrong with a subprime car loan. All it means is that you’re probably going to pay more in interest and fees than a borrower able to buy from a dealer or lender offering standard car finance deals.

However, there are major pitfalls that one can easily fall into in the rush to get the keys to a new car. It’s imperative you understand all of the terms and conditions of the agreement, and more importantly are able to adhere to them before you even consider signing along the dotted line. Never take out a finance deal that you can’t afford to pay back, and that means understanding exactly what the agreement is going to cost you over its entire term.

If your budget is limited, don’t worry because there are plenty of great new car bargains to be found. Check out our list of the cheapest cars on sale.