What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Car?
If you’re thinking about buying a car, one of the most important questions to ask yourself is:
“What kind of credit score do I need to qualify for a car loan?”
The short answer: it depends on the lender, the loan terms, the vehicle, and your personal financial situation.
At Clement Supercenter, we work with customers in all credit situations to help them get approved and drive away confidently, whether you have excellent credit or you're rebuilding from scratch. Here's what you need to know.
Credit Score Ranges for Auto Loans
Credit scores typically fall into the following ranges:
According to Experian’s State of the Automotive Finance Market Report, the average credit score for a new car loan is around 730, while used car buyers average closer to 675.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need perfect credit to buy a car. Many lenders offer loans for customers in the subprime and near-prime ranges, especially if you have a steady income and a down payment.
To learn more about what makes up your score and how it’s calculated, MyFICO's education center is a great resource backed by the creators of the FICO® Score used by most lenders.
Can You Get a Car Loan with Bad Credit?
Yes, you can still finance a vehicle with bad credit, but there are a few things to consider:
- You may pay a higher interest rate
- A larger down payment may help offset your credit score
- Choosing a reliable used car over a brand-new one can keep monthly payments affordable
- Working with a dealership that offers in-house financing (like Clement!) can increase your approval chances
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) also recommends that customers shop around for the best financing terms—even with poor credit.
How Lenders Evaluate More Than Just Your Score
Besides your credit score, lenders may also look at:
- Income & employment history
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
- Loan amount & vehicle value
- Down payment
- Previous loan history
So even if your score isn’t perfect, having steady income or a co-signer can help strengthen your application.
Clement Auto Group Financing Options
At Clement Supercenter, we partner with dozens of lenders including credit unions, local banks, and national financing institutions to help you get approved at competitive rates.
- First-time buyer? We can help.
- Rebuilding your credit? We’ve got options.
- Looking for the lowest rate possible? Let us shop around for you.
We also offer online pre-approval, so you can know where you stand before stepping foot on the lot.
Start your finance application here
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying
If you’re planning ahead and want to boost your score before applying, here are a few tips:
- Pay all bills on time
- Keep credit card balances low
- Don’t open or close too many accounts at once
- Check your credit reports for errors (FreeAnnualCreditReport.com)
- Avoid applying for other large loans in the months before buying
Even a 20-30 point bump in your credit score can improve your loan terms significantly.
Credit & Confidence
While a higher credit score may unlock lower rates, Clement Supercenter works with buyers at every level because we believe everyone deserves reliable transportation and fair financing options.
If you’re unsure where you stand or have questions about your options, our team is here to help. No pressure, just support.
