I’m curious to hear from anyone who has recently obtained a car loan while having a credit score around 600. What was your experience like? Were you able to secure a loan easily, and what interest rates or terms did you encounter? Any tips or insights would be appreciated.
Hey Quinn38,
I haven’t gotten a car loan myself with a 600 credit score, but I’ve been following the trends around subprime auto lending. Banks and credit unions have been cautious lately, particularly with interest rates ticking upward. A 600 credit score might mean you’ll encounter higher rates—sometimes upwards of 10-15%—but it’s not impossible to secure a loan. Some lenders are still open to taking calculated risks if they foresee stable employment or other positive financial indicators. It’s also worth considering that buy-here-pay-here dealerships might offer more flexible terms. However, it’s essential to read the fine print and ensure the terms don’t end up being predatory. 
There’s been a bit of a shift in how lenders are assessing risk these days, focusing more on the broader financial picture rather than just the credit score. Good luck navigating it all!
Hey, I was in a similar situation not too long ago. My credit score was around 620, so not exactly 600, but pretty close. I found it helped to go to a couple of credit unions to discuss options before making any decisions. They seemed to be a bit more flexible and their interest rates weren’t as high compared to what you’d see from bigger banks or those in-house dealership loans. I ended up with a rate around 8%, which I thought was decent given my credit score. Another approach that I considered was finding a co-signer or even putting down a larger down payment to get better terms. It feels like there’s quite a bit of luck involved depending on where you go and who you talk to, though. Best of luck finding something that works for you!"}
Having been in a similar spot, I can tell you it’s all about preparation and negotiation. Right off the bat, knowing your credit score lets you anticipate lenders’ reactions. Some local banks and credit unions may surprise you with competitive offers even below the conventional brackets. Interestingly, you might get lucky with special programs for people with less-than-perfect credit. One thing that worked for me: maintaining a steady income and demonstrating stability made a difference. Also, bringing all necessary documentation upfront—like pay stubs or a strong employment letter—helped expedite the process and sometimes snag slightly better terms. Be prepared to shop around and, if possible, boost that score slightly before applying. Every point helps. Stay patient, keep your options open, and good luck with it.