How to Lease a Vehicle with a Weak Credit Score

Can I Lease a Car or Truck Without a Great Credit Score?

Curious to know if you can lease a car with bad credit? Well, you’ll be relieved to be told that yes is the answer. But, it’s not always easy. With a little research, however, some intelligent shopping, and knowing where you and your credit stand, it can be done. The following are some ideas and concepts brought to you by automotive professionals that can help evolve the distressed buyer into a keen-eyed consumer.

Come to Grips With Your Credit Profile

Your official credit score is an indicative summary of your standing as someone who takes care of their credit payments. It is a glimpse of your precise standing at the instant of research. Your credit report, on the other hand, is a full summary of your history as a debtor and consumer. Plus, be aware that each time you run a credit check can negatively affect this rating. It certainly can’t hurt to get a copy of your report and bring it to the dealer when you visit.

Credit scores start at 300 and go up to 850. Anything below 620 is classified as a “subprime score”. The minimum credit score required for leasing most cars or trucks is 700, typically.

What One Can Expect

Even if you’ve got ugly credit, or may have to lease a car without any credit, rationally you most likely will not be getting your dream car. However, with ugly credit, cheaper vehicles should be less challenging to qualify for. Some leasing agents specifically only work with applicants with ugly credit. Indeed, there are car dealers that work with all types of credit scores.

Target a Car Model that Dealers May Be More Eager to Lease

If you are struggling to find somewhere to get a car with bad credit, then it’s just like anything else – you may broaden your search. Car manufacturers generally release new models towards the end of each year. As a result, dealerships will probably not want outdated models using up room on their lots. Rather than continue to lose money, they’ll most likely be interested to unload. This can be a good time for those with a poor credit rating.

Verify Your Regular Income

What about low credit without a co-signer? You simply won’t be approved for a car lease without income. All is not lost, however – there is such a thing as bad credit car leasing. Produce actual proof of your steady income, copies of pay stubs and evidence of an income that is more than sufficient to take care of your monthly debts. Demonstrate that you are working to improve your bad credit profile, and even include personal/professional references. Verification of prior leases you have had with perfect payment history. If not a car lease, a mortgage may impress as well.

Put Money Away for a Greater Down-Payment

Down-payments are a significant reason for leasing companies when they determine your options. Generally speaking, those with excellent credit will qualify for a zero money down car lease. However, for those with less than perfect credit, the option for handing over a large down-payment will significantly improve your chances of an ideal car lease.

How to Lease a Vehicle with Weak Credit | Bob Howard Acura
 

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I initially looked at a 2010 Ford Edge, but decided not to purchase. Looked elsewhere for SUV’s, but ended up going back here and left with a 2013 Acura TL. JT was extremely helpful, but not pushy. He asked about everything I wanted regarding vehicle type and payments etc, he was great! I worked with Tyler in the finance department, and he was great as well, attentive and informative. I’ve only had the car a few hours haha but it was the best buying experience I’ve ever had. I look forward to hitting the highway with my new ride! ...

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