What Credit Score Do Car Dealers Want You To Have?

When you submit an application for a car loan, one of the most important pieces of information that the dealer will consider is your credit score. If you’ve experienced a credit score drop and are concerned about paying for credit repair, understanding what credit score car dealers want you to have becomes even more crucial. Let’s explore the credit score range preferred by car dealers and how you can recover from a credit score drop to secure a better deal on your next car purchase.

The preferred credit score range

Car dealers typically prefer buyers with good to excellent credit scores. Specific approval requirements will depend on the dealer, but you should generally aim for a credit score of 700 or higher.  When you have a good credit score, you are signaling to car dealers that you are a responsible borrower, capable of making timely payments, and less likely to default on the loan. This means you will likely qualify for lower interest rates, more flexible loan terms, and even special financing offers from manufacturers.

If your credit score has dropped recently, you’re not alone. If you want to increase the chances that you get approved for a good loan with solid terms, you should work on improving your score before you apply.

Recovering from a credit score drop and paying for credit repair

Recovering from a credit score drop requires dedication, patience, and discipline. First, you’re going to want to review your credit report from all three credit bureaus; Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Look over them thoroughly to check for errors or inaccuracies, as they can negatively impact your score. If you spot any discrepancies, report them to the respective credit bureaus to have them corrected.

Next, create a budget and financial plan to pay down existing debts. Reducing your credit card balances and making timely payments will gradually improve your credit score over time. Additionally, avoid opening new lines of credit unless absolutely necessary, as multiple credit inquiries can negatively affect your score.

If you find it challenging to manage credit repair independently, you may seek assistance from reputable credit counseling agencies or companies. While some agencies charge fees for their services, others may offer free counseling sessions to help you understand your credit situation and develop a personalized plan for improvement.

Building a positive credit history

Building a positive credit history is the key to pleasing car dealers and lenders. If you don’t have a long credit history or have a limited credit mix, consider diversifying your credit portfolio. This can be achieved by responsibly using a mix of credit types, such as credit cards, installment loans, and retail accounts.

To improve your credit score, strive to make all payments on time, as payment history significantly influences your credit score. Setting up automatic payments or reminders can help ensure you never miss a due date.

You could also become authorized user on a friend or family member’s credit card with a strong credit history to help make a good impact on your credit score. You just want to make sure you select a primary cardholder has a good payment history and a low credit utilization rate.

Bottom line

While car dealers generally prefer buyers with credit scores of 700 or higher, those who have experienced a credit score drop should not feel disheartened. Remember, patience and persistence are key, and with time, your improved credit score will pave the way for a more seamless and affordable car buying experience.