auto repair · mechanic financing · bad credit

Car Repair Loans for Bad Credit

When your car is how you get to work, a repair can’t always wait for payday.

Get a written estimate, decide what has to be fixed now, then compare financing before you sign.

Separate option – personal loan rates

Check personal loan rates for a car repair without affecting your credit score¹.

On the Upstart platform, you could receive offers from lenders.

Affiliate link. LendMail may earn a commission if you apply and are approved. Not all applicants approved. Upstart Network, Inc. (NMLS #936133) is not a lender. All loans on its marketplace are made by regulated financial institutions.

¹ When you check your rate, we check your credit report. This initial (soft) inquiry will not affect your credit score. If you accept your rate and proceed with your application, we do another (hard) credit inquiry that will impact your credit score. If you take out a loan, repayment information may be reported to the credit bureaus.

Ways to pay for a car repair

Shop financing or payment plans: some repair shops offer financing through a partner. Ask who the lender is and what the APR is.
Personal loan: fixed payments and usable at any shop, which lets you choose the mechanic on price and quality.
Credit card: can work for small repairs you can pay off quickly.

Be careful with “no credit check” offers

Financing advertised as “no credit check” can cost more, so compare the APR and total repayment.

Avoid payday and car title loans if you can. The CFPB says a typical two-week payday loan with a $15-per-$100 fee equals an APR of almost 400%. A title loan uses your car as collateral, so missed payments could cost you the car you just repaired.

Keep the repair bill down

Get a written estimate and ask the shop to call before doing extra work.
Ask which repairs are safety-critical now and which can be scheduled later.
Get a second quote on large jobs.

Know the cost before you accept

APR: the yearly cost of borrowing, including interest and some fees.
Fees: origination, late and other fees.
Repayment: monthly payment, number of payments and total repaid.
Pre-approval or prequalification is not a guarantee of final approval or of the rate shown.

FAQ

Can I get a car repair loan with bad credit?

Possibly, but approval isn’t guaranteed and rates for bad credit can be high. Compare the APR, fees and total repayment before you accept.

Is a title loan a good way to pay for car repairs?

Title loans use your car as collateral, so missing payments can put the car at risk. Compare other options first.

Is LendMail the lender?

No. LendMail is an independent guide and does not make loans or approval decisions.

Related loan guides

Sources

LendMail is an independent guide, not a lender. We don't make loans or approval decisions.