Finance Roll

Classic cars give their owners a feeling that is hard to get from a car that just rolled off of the production line last week. The interior finish, the lines, the exterior paint colors, even the smell - makes classic car ownership something that is sought after by collectors and investors alike. What's more, for many men and women of a certain age, classic cars remind them of earlier days in their lives when life was a bit simpler.

The Dream Of Classic Car Ownership

For many people, the dream of owning a classic car does not set in right away. Rather, for them the desire to buy one starts bubbling to the surface around the age of 30, 40 or older. It is during this time of life when many start getting nostalgic for the "good old days." The irony is that thinking of the "old days" actually reminds them of feeling young.

Why Buy A Classic Car?

Some who invest in a classic car want to choose the same or similar model to the one they had when they were a teenager, "back in the day." Others are looking for a model that they always wished they could own but never could afford or had the opportunity to buy. Still others are in the market for an older car for the purposes of investing for profit down the road.

Aside from professional investors or people who have put away tens of thousands of dollars in the bank over time, most people interested in buying a classic car know that they will need to finance their purchase through a loan. Getting a loan can be a straightforward process if you have a good credit score. But, the story is sometimes different for people with bad credit.

What If You Have Bad Credit?

For people who have a fair or poor credit score, classic car financing may not be such a breeze. Even if they can get approved for a loan, the interest rate is usually not what they were hoping for. And, an increase in just a few points of interest can result in thousands of additional dollars in interest payments over the course of the loan.

Classic Car Financing With Bad Credit

If you have bad credit, do not let that get in the way of your dream of getting the car you have been hoping for. Here are 3 tips that can help:

1. Consider putting up additional assets as collateral: It is important to keep in mind that having a bad credit score makes a lender think that you will may not be responsible in paying back any money they may lend you. One solution: put up some collateral on another valuable asset that you have. This can calm the lender's fears and increase your chances of getting a loan.

2. Demonstrate that you are a responsible investor: You will need to show your lender that you know what you are doing. You need to prove that you are investing in a car that is really worth the asking price (since the car itself will serve as partial collateral for the loan) and that you understand the car you are investing in.

3. Compare multiple offers: In order to get the very best possible interest rate on your new loan, it is important for you to get offers from multiple lenders. That way, you can compare loan terms (such as interest rate) and get the very best deal for you.

Buying a vintage car can be a lot of fun - and can be a wise investment, too. If you have bad credit, follow these tips to increase your chances of getting the finance you need.