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Taking out a car loan post bankruptcy- which is better option?

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Anonymous
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Taking out a car loan post bankruptcy- which is better option?

I am 6 mos post bankruptcy. My credit score is an abysmal 572. I am working on improving it, and thankfully, maintained a good relationship with my credit union through the bankruptcy. I finished paying off the small vehicle loan I had left, and they are willing to work with me again. I will be getting an insuramce settlement in a few months, approximately $10,000. I need to purchase a new, used car- looking at about the $10,000 range.  Which option will benefit my score the most?

 

Option A) I put $5000.00 down on car, finance remaining $5,000 and make regular payments for the loan term, keeping the remaining $5000.00 as an emergency fubnd.

 

Option B) I put $5000.00 down, finance the remaining $5000 and then make periodic "extra" payments to pay off the remaining balance in half the time?

 

I appreciate any advice, thank you!

Message 1 of 4
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pizzadude
Credit Mentor

Re: Taking out a car loan post bankruptcy- which is better option?


@Anonymous wrote:

I am 6 mos post bankruptcy. My credit score is an abysmal 572. I am working on improving it, and thankfully, maintained a good relationship with my credit union through the bankruptcy. I finished paying off the small vehicle loan I had left, and they are willing to work with me again. I will be getting an insuramce settlement in a few months, approximately $10,000. I need to purchase a new, used car- looking at about the $10,000 range.  Which option will benefit my score the most?

 

Option A) I put $5000.00 down on car, finance remaining $5,000 and make regular payments for the loan term, keeping the remaining $5000.00 as an emergency fubnd.

 

Option B) I put $5000.00 down, finance the remaining $5000 and then make periodic "extra" payments to pay off the remaining balance in half the time?

 

I appreciate any advice, thank you!


Do you have any auto loans or installment loans currently showing on your credit reports ?    I don't think that either option will necessarily give you a FICO score boost ~ but it would likely help to have a positive tradeline like this on your reports to help counter the negatives/BKs.

March2010 FICO® ~ 695 TU, 653 EQ, 697 EX
Message 2 of 4
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Taking out a car loan post bankruptcy- which is better option?

Yes, I have several car loans and other small loans, all through the credit union, over the last 10 years. All were current, never a late payment and paid off in full. I had the last loan at the time of filing and while the judge would not allow a reaffirmation agreement, I continued to pay on it and just paid it off last week. The only negative credit items are for medical bills, which was the reason for the bankruptcy.

Message 3 of 4
pizzadude
Credit Mentor

Re: Taking out a car loan post bankruptcy- which is better option?

 

What interest rate are they going to be offering you ?   Honestly I don't think adding a new installment loan will really do anything much for your FICO score ~ have you considered just paying cash for the car and not having a car payment for a while ?

March2010 FICO® ~ 695 TU, 653 EQ, 697 EX
Message 4 of 4
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