If you're a shopper in Greenville, Greer, Spartanburg, or Simpsonville and you're exploring Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) car lots, you may be asking one critical question: “Do I need a down payment to get approved?” At Auto Works in Greer, SC, we hear this question every day—and the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.
The truth is, BHPH financing is built to be flexible, and down payments often depend on your unique financial situation. In this post, we'll explain everything you need to know about down payments at a BHPH dealership like Auto Works—including how much you might need, what it covers, and how to make it more affordable.
What Is a Down Payment and Why Is It Important?
A down payment is the amount of money you pay upfront when purchasing a vehicle. It's applied directly to the cost of the car and typically reduces your overall loan amount. In a traditional lending situation, banks often require 10% to 20% down—but that's not the case with Auto Works.
Because we offer in-house financing, we have more control and more flexibility than banks or credit unions. That means our down payments can be:
Lower than traditional lenders
Negotiable based on your situation
Offset by trade-ins
Structured to help you succeed
Does Every Customer Need a Down Payment?
Not always. Some customers with steady income, verifiable job history, or a trade-in vehicle may qualify for low or even zero-down financing options. It depends on factors like:
At Auto Works, we look at your entire financial picture, not just your credit score. Start with our Pre-Qualification form to see where you stand.
Why a Down Payment Might Help You in the Long Run
Even though we work to keep down payments low, putting some money down can be a smart move if you're trying to:
Lower your monthly payments
Qualify for a better vehicle
Pay off your car faster
Reduce interest charges
Show financial commitment (which helps with approval)
Use our Loan Calculator to see how even a small down payment can impact your monthly cost.
Trade-Ins Can Count Toward Your Down Payment
If you have an older car—running or not—it may still have value. At Auto Works, we accept trade-ins and apply their value directly to your down payment.
This helps many buyers in Greenville and beyond reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs on day one. Use our Trade-In Tool to get started.
No Credit or Bad Credit? You’re Still Eligible
One of the biggest misconceptions about down payments is that bad credit requires big cash upfront. At Auto Works, we specialize in helping buyers with:
We approve people daily who thought they had no chance. See how easy it is to get started with our Full Credit Application.
Flexible Payment Options That Work for You
Worried about saving a down payment and affording monthly payments? At Auto Works, you don’t have to choose. We offer:
Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payments
Flexible loan terms
Credit reporting to help you rebuild
We’ll help structure your financing plan to fit your budget, not break it.
What If I Can’t Afford a Down Payment Right Now?
Good news—Auto Works offers layaway options and short-term holds that allow you to reserve a vehicle while saving up for your down payment. Once approved, you can make small, scheduled payments toward your down payment over a short period of time.
This helps our customers secure the car they want without risking it being sold, while staying in control of their finances. Contact us for details via our Store Info page.
FAQs
1. What’s the average down payment at Auto Works?
Down payments vary depending on the vehicle and your unique situation. Many buyers qualify with as little as a few hundred dollars down.
2. Can I get a car with zero down?
Possibly. Depending on your job history, income, and trade-in, some buyers qualify for zero-down offers. It’s case-by-case.
3. Will a bigger down payment improve my approval chances?
Yes. While not required, a larger down payment can increase your loan approval options and lower your payments.
4. Can I trade in a car that I still owe money on?
Yes. We’ll evaluate the trade-in and help coordinate with your current lender, even if you still have a balance.
5. Do you offer any programs for people who need help saving for a down payment?
Yes. Our short-term layaway program allows you to reserve a vehicle and make scheduled payments toward your down payment before finalizing the deal.
Get Started Today
Whether you have cash in hand or need help structuring your down payment, Auto Works is here to help. Our team makes car buying simple, affordable, and pressure-free—no matter your credit background.
Visit us at 816 W. Wade Hampton Blvd, Greer, SC, or start online now:
We say yes—even when others won’t.
