Posted 1 month ago
Buying a car with bad credit can feel like trying to win a game where the rules are stacked against you. Lenders see a low credit score—typically under 580—and think, “Hmm, this person might not pay us back.” That means higher interest rates—sometimes a brutal 25% or more—while someone with good credit might get a rate around 5% (NerdWallet). Plus, you’ll probably need a bigger down payment ($1,000 or more) and might have fewer car options (Experian).
But here’s the good news: you’re not stuck. With a little strategy and some smart moves, you can still drive away in a solid, reliable car without losing sleep over it.
Jane, a 37-year-old mom from Billings, Montana, is juggling kids, work, and bills. Her car is barely hanging on, and she’s dreading the process of buying a new one. What if she gets ripped off? What if she can’t afford the payments? Every dealership she visits makes her feel like she’s asking for the impossible.
Then she finds Deals On Wheels. Instead of judgment, she’s met with understanding. They walk her through her options, find a gently used SUV with a warranty, and set up payments she can actually afford. Now, she has a safe, reliable vehicle to take her kids to school and get to work without stress.
Mark, 27, from Missoula, works in a warehouse, and his unreliable car has been pushing him to the brink. One too many breakdowns have made him late for shifts, and his job is on the line. His credit isn’t great, and most dealerships either turn him away or offer him clunkers.
Then he walks into Deals On Wheels. They understand his situation and work with him to find a fuel-efficient sedan with low miles and a solid warranty. Now, he no longer worries about missing work due to car trouble. Even better, his on-time car payments help him start rebuilding his credit.
It’s easy to look at the sticker price and think, “I can afford that.” But there’s more:
Insurance costs more if you have bad credit—up to $3,000 a year (The Zebra).
Repairs add up—expect to spend $900 to $1,500 a year keeping your car running (Bankrate).
Montana’s taxes hit immediately, so don’t forget about registration fees and title costs.
A good rule: keep your car payment under 15% of your monthly income. If you make $3,500 a month, aim for a payment under $525. This leaves room for gas, insurance, and, well, life.
Most dealerships treat bad-credit buyers like a hassle. They push hard sales, tack on secret fees, and make you feel like you’re lucky to get whatever they offer.
Look for one that:
Offers in-house financing (so they’re not just middlemen passing you off to a bank).
Has a return policy, like Deals On Wheels’ 48-hour/200-mile “Love It or Exchange It” guarantee.
Shows you loan terms upfront—no hidden nonsense.
You don’t need a perfect credit score to get a car, but you can make lenders more comfortable giving you a good deal.
Check your credit score before shopping (TransUnion).
Bring proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns).
Save a down payment—even $500 helps (NerdWallet).
Find a co-signer with good credit if possible.
Mileage under 150,000 miles.
A history of regular maintenance (ask for service records).
Brands known for lasting, like Toyota Corollas and Honda CR-Vs (U.S. News).
Sure, a $3,000 car sounds tempting. But if it needs $2,000 in repairs right away, you’re back at square one (Bumper). It’s often better to pay a little more for something that won’t leave you stranded.
Any weird noises when you turn, brake, or accelerate?
Does it feel comfortable and give you good visibility?
How does it handle highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic?
If anything feels off, don’t ignore it—ask questions or try another car.
Before sealing the deal, double-check:
Loan terms (interest rate, length, monthly payment).
Warranty details.
Return policy.
Deals On Wheels lets you return a car within 48 hours or 200 miles if it’s not the right fit—no pressure.
Check out the inventory at Deals On Wheels.
Get pre-approved fast with their easy financing options.
Test drive without pressure—find a car that feels right.
Stop by in Missoula, MT—talk to folks who actually get your situation.
Bad credit doesn’t mean you’re stuck. With smart planning and the right dealership, you can get a solid car and a fair deal—without the stress.
Deals On Wheels Used Cars (Helena, East Helena, Marysville, Winston, Lewis & Clark County, 59601, 59604, 59623, 59625, 59626)
Deals On Wheels Of Helena is a used car dealership serving local area residents of Helena, East Helena, Marysville, Winston and Lewis & Clark County. At Deals On Wheels in Helena, we carry a great selection of used cars for sale, as well as used, used vans, used SUVs, used sedans and used family crossover vehicles. Do you need auto financing? As a subprime credit/buy here pay here dealer we can get you approved and, on the road, today. Bad credit? No credit? NO Problem! Let our friendly in-house auto finance staff help you find the car that fits your style and fits your budget. We strive for low down payments, easy financing, and easy used car loan terms! Call today or apply online for quick and easy car financing, and we can get you approved and on the road in no time! At Deals On Wheels in Helena, we feel that we have the best used cars that Helena, East Helena, Marysville, Winston and Lewis & Clark County have to offer. If you are looking for a slightly used, Pre-Owned automobile then you have come to the right place. Here at Deals On Wheels Of Helena we offer "Buy Here Pay Here" auto financing to consumers in Helena, East Helena, Marysville, Winston and Lewis & Clark County with bruised, damaged or just plain bad credit we don’t worry about repossession, bankruptcy, divorce, or debt. Bad credit? No credit? Bankruptcy? Divorce? Repossession? NO problem! Traditionally the type of used vehicles that other companies offer for "Buy Here Pay Here" consumers are high mileage late model inventory, but we offer high quality used cars, used trucks, used vans, used SUVs & used sedans in Helena, East Helena, Marysville, Winston and Lewis & Clark County. At Deals On Wheels in Helena we understand your situation and we can get you approved for the used car, used truck, used van, used SUV or used sedan of your dreams today! We are the home of the easy car loan! We have easy car financing, low down payments, and easy payment plans. If you need an auto loan in Helena, then you have found the right place, whether you are a first time Car buyer in Helena, East Helena, Marysville, Winston and Lewis & Clark County with bad credit, no credit or have things on your credit report that are holding you back from your automotive dreams such as repossessions, bankruptcy, debt, defaults, and delinquencies then come on down to Deals On Wheels in Helena today. We feel that we are the best Buy Here Pay Here used car Dealership in all of Montana, and we want you to be the judge! Come make your used car buying dreams a reality today with easy car financing, low down payments, low car payments and easy terms! We are eager to get you easy approval for a car loan for the used car, used truck, used SUV, used crossover, or used sedan of your dreams. Come see us and you could be driving away in a new car today! We are willing to work with any situation and we are willing to help you! We are ok with bad credit, no credit, bankruptcy, divorce, and debt. We are eager to approve you for financing so that you can start building your credit or rebuilding your credit as soon as possible! We offer second chance auto financing. You can build your credit back up while driving a great used car, used truck, used van, used SUV, or used crossover! We are here to help you get into a great used vehicle and get your credit back on track. We can’t wait to put you in an affordable vehicle that fits your lifestyle! If you are in the Helena area and are looking for a used car, used truck, used SUV, used van, or any other used vehicle you only have to stop at one place, Deals On Wheels Of Helena and we will put you in a car no time at all! Come in for our low-down payments and easy financing and stay for our great customer service Come see us today!
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