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Car Loans for Bad Credit

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  • Borrow £1,000 to £8,000
  • Repay over 12 to 60 months
  • Check eligibility with no impact on your credit score
Check my eligibility nowThis won't affect your credit score

Representative example: Amount of credit £2,000 for 24 months. Interest rate: 41.2% pa (fixed). 24 scheduled monthly payments of £123.64. Total amount payable: £2,967.43. Representative 49.9% APR.

Could a personal loan help with car costs if you have bad credit?

If you are searching for car loans for bad credit, you may be trying to work out whether there is a realistic way to cover the cost of a used car, essential repairs or other driving-related bills without perfect credit. While 118 118 Money does not offer secured car finance, a personal loan may be an option worth considering if you need to spread the cost and the repayments are affordable for you.

Having a less than perfect credit history does not always mean borrowing is out of reach. Some lenders look beyond a single score and also consider your current circumstances, your income and whether the monthly repayments would be manageable.

With 118 118 Money, you can check your eligibility before making a full application, and it will not affect your credit score. If accepted, you could borrow from £1,000 to £8,000 and repay over 12 to 60 months with fixed monthly repayments.

Check whether this option could be right for you
Use the eligibility checker to see whether you are likely to be accepted before you apply.
Check my eligibilityThis won't affect your credit score
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Why people look for car loans for bad credit

For many people, a car is not a luxury. It is how they get to work, manage family life and keep daily routines moving. When money is tight and credit is less than perfect, the search is usually about finding a practical way forward.

A practical way to cover car-related costs. People often search for car loans for bad credit when they need help buying a used car, paying for urgent repairs, replacing a failed MOT item or covering insurance and road costs.

Bad credit does not always tell the full story. A missed payment or lower score does not automatically mean you will be declined. Lenders may also look at your income, current commitments and whether the repayments are affordable.

No guarantor needed. 118 118 Money offers unsecured loans, so you do not need to ask someone else to support your application in order to check your eligibility.

Check first with no impact on your credit score. If you are worried about applying, the eligibility checker helps you see whether you are likely to be accepted before making a full application.

Fixed monthly repayments. Knowing what you will repay each month can make it easier to work out whether borrowing for car costs fits your budget over the full term.

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3 simple steps to check your eligibility

  • Check your eligibility with no impact to your credit score
  • Review your offer, set up your Direct Debit and sign
  • Receive funds in 15 minutes*
Check my eligibilityThis won't affect your credit score. *This can vary from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on your bank.
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What to consider before applying

Before borrowing for car-related costs, think carefully about what the money is for and how quickly you need it. If the borrowing is for repairs that keep you on the road for work or family commitments, a loan may feel like the most practical option. If it is for a car purchase, make sure the monthly repayments fit comfortably alongside fuel, insurance, tax and maintenance.

It is also worth comparing the total cost, not just the amount you want to borrow. A lower monthly payment over a longer term may feel easier in the short term, but it can increase the total amount repaid overall because interest is added across the full loan term.

Using an eligibility check before a full application can be a sensible first step if you have bad credit. It helps you understand whether you are likely to be accepted without affecting your credit score, so you can decide with more confidence before moving ahead.

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Car Loans for Bad Credit FAQs

Possibly. If accepted, a personal loan can be used for car-related costs such as buying a used car, repairs or insurance, as long as the repayments are affordable for you.

No. With 118 118 Money, checking your eligibility will not affect your credit score.

No. 118 118 Money offers unsecured loans and you do not need a guarantor to check your eligibility.

If accepted, you could borrow from £1,000 to £8,000 and repay over 12 to 60 months, depending on your circumstances and affordability.

Once approved and set up, funds could be received in as little as 15 minutes, although this can vary from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on your bank.

Check whether a loan for car costs could work for you

Use the 118 118 Money eligibility checker to see whether you are likely to be accepted before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Check my eligibility
118 118 money helpers illustration
118 118 money helpers illustration

Credit is subject to status, affordability and credit checks. Credit is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Terms and conditions apply.