Shopping for a used car can be stressful enough—but add bad credit to the equation, and the process becomes even more overwhelming. At Auto Works in Greer, SC, we help buyers from Spartanburg, Greenville, Simpsonville, and beyond get approved every day, no matter their credit situation.
If you're worried that bad credit might stand in your way, you're not alone. This post answers the top 10 most frequently asked questions we get from Spartanburg-area drivers who are shopping for a dependable car while working through credit challenges.
1. Can I Buy a Car with Bad Credit?
Yes, absolutely. At Auto Works, we specialize in working with buyers who have:
Low credit scores
No credit history
Repossessions
Bankruptcies
Late payments
We offer Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) and in-house financing that’s built around your real financial situation—not your credit score alone.
Start with our Pre-Qualification Form to see what you're eligible for.
2. Will I Need a Big Down Payment?
Not necessarily. Our goal is to get you driving with a reasonable down payment, which can be lowered even further if you have a trade-in. We also offer:
Layaway options to reserve vehicles
Down payment flexibility based on income
Credit-building plans to help improve your score
We make the approval process possible—even if you’re short on cash today.
3. Will You Report My Payments to Credit Bureaus?
Yes. Unlike many BHPH dealers, Auto Works reports your on-time payments to major credit bureaus. That means every payment you make helps rebuild your credit and move you toward better financial options in the future.
Your car should do more than just get you around—it should help move your credit score forward.
4. Can I Trade in My Current Vehicle?
Yes. We accept trade-ins of all types, including vehicles that:
Use our Trade-In Tool to get started, or bring your vehicle to our lot for an appraisal.
5. What Kind of Vehicles Do You Sell?
We offer a wide variety of quality used vehicles in our Inventory, including:
Sedans
SUVs
Pickup trucks
Crossovers
Family-friendly options
All vehicles go through a thorough inspection process, and we only sell vehicles we’d confidently drive ourselves.
6. Do I Need a Co-Signer?
No. Most buyers qualify on their own based on their income and current stability. If you're employed and can show steady income, you're likely eligible—no co-signer required.
Complete our Full Credit App to get the process moving.
7. How Fast Can I Get Approved?
Many buyers are approved within the same day they apply. If you bring the right documents, you could even drive home the same day.
What to bring:
Need more info? Visit our Store Info page for directions and contact details.
8. Will I Be Treated Differently Because of My Credit?
Absolutely not. Our team is trained to provide friendly, respectful service to everyone. We understand that credit challenges happen, and we’re here to help—not judge.
Check out our customer reviews and see what others have to say about their experience with Auto Works.
9. Can I Choose My Payment Schedule?
Yes. We offer flexible payment terms based on your preferences, including:
Our Loan Calculator helps you estimate what your payments might look like based on your vehicle and down payment.
10. Can Buying a Car Help Improve My Credit?
Yes. Our credit-reporting program means that on-time payments lead to credit improvement, and over time, this can help you qualify for:
Credit cards
Lower interest loans
Better insurance rates
New auto loans
FAQs
1. Is Buy Here Pay Here only for people with bad credit?
No—BHPH is for anyone who wants flexible, fast in-house financing. It’s especially helpful for credit-challenged buyers.
2. What if I had a repossession recently?
You may still qualify. We’ve helped many buyers recover from repossessions with flexible approval terms.
3. Do I need a job to get approved?
Yes, income is important—but it doesn’t have to be from a traditional job. We accept SSI, disability, self-employment, and more.
4. What if I’m a first-time buyer with no credit?
That’s fine. We work with first-time buyers regularly and help them start their credit journey.
5. Can I upgrade my car later once my credit improves?
Yes. Many buyers return to trade up once their credit improves—often at better rates and terms.
Let Auto Works Help You Move Forward
If you’re in Spartanburg or the surrounding area and worried that bad credit will hold you back, we’re here to show you it won’t.
Visit us at 816 W. Wade Hampton Blvd, Greer, SC or get started online:
Bad credit doesn’t define you—and it won’t stop you at Auto Works.
