can i buy a car with 600 credit score

[DelClara]

Yes, you can buy a car with a 600 credit score, but you should be prepared for significantly higher financing costs and fewer lender options. A 600 score is considered "subprime" by most lenders, meaning you represent a higher risk. This will result in a much higher Annual Percentage Rate (APR) compared to borrowers with good credit. The key is to be strategic: get pre-approved from a credit union or online lender before visiting the dealership, focus on your overall budget rather than just the monthly payment, and consider a less expensive or used car to keep the loan amount manageable.

Your success will depend heavily on your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and the size of your down payment. A higher down payment reduces the lender's risk and can help you secure a better rate. It's also crucial to shop around aggressively. Subprime lenders specialize in this market, but their rates vary widely. Avoid "buy-here, pay-here" lots if possible, as their financing terms are often the most expensive. The goal is to get the car you need while making on-time payments to rebuild your credit over the loan's term.

Lender Type	Typical APR for a 600 Credit Score	Example: $20,000 Loan, 60-month term	Key Consideration
Credit Union	9.5% - 13.99%	Total Interest: ~$2,600 - $4,700	Often the best rates for members; requires membership.
Bank (Prime)	11.5% - 18.99%	Total Interest: ~$3,200 - $6,400	May have stricter requirements than credit unions.
Subprime Auto Lender	15.0% - 24.99%	Total Interest: ~$4,200 - $8,800	Specializes in lower scores; higher rates offset risk.
Dealership "Captive" Finance	Varies Widely	Total Interest: Varies	Convenient but may push you into the highest-rate option.
Buy-Here, Pay-Here Lot	20.0%+ (effectively)	Total Interest: Can exceed loan principal	High risk; often no credit check but very expensive.

[ElleFitz]

Absolutely, but it's not going to be cheap. My score was right around 600 when I got my last car. The dealerships I went to found me a loan, but the interest rate was brutal. My advice? Go in with a big down payment if you can. It shows the bank you're serious and lowers the amount you have to borrow. I put down $3,000, and I'm pretty sure that's the only reason I got approved. Just be ready for that monthly payment to sting a bit more than you'd like.

[Carson]

You can, but you have to be careful. I learned the hard way that a low score locks you into high-interest loans. I was so focused on just getting a car that I didn't think about the long-term cost. That high APR added thousands to my loan. If I had to do it again, I'd get a pre-approval from my credit union first. It gives you a baseline so a dealer can't take advantage of your situation. Shop for the loan itself, not just the car.

[GeorgeFitz]

Financially speaking, the answer is yes, but the total cost of ownership will be substantially higher. A 600 credit score places you in a risk category that commands a premium. Instead of focusing on the monthly payment, calculate the total interest you'll pay over the life of the loan. This perspective often makes a strong case for choosing a less expensive vehicle or increasing your down payment. The goal is to minimize the debt burden while using the loan as a tool to systematically improve your credit score with consistent, on-time payments.

[Tom]

Step one: check your exact score from all three bureaus. Step two: calculate your budget, including insurance. Step three: get pre-approved from a credit union—their rates are usually better. Step four: only then start looking at cars within your pre-approved amount. A 600 score means you can't be picky; prioritize reliability over features. A solid used car from a reputable brand is a smarter move than a flashy new one with a massive loan. This method keeps you in control and prevents you from getting talked into a bad deal at the dealership.