No. Our Fresh Start Financing program has no minimum credit score requirement. We work with buyers across the full credit spectrum, including scores in the 500s and below. Income, employment stability, and down payment can offset a lower score with many of our lending partners.

Our initial pre-application uses a soft inquiry, which has no impact on your credit score. A hard pull only occurs when you formally choose to proceed with a specific loan. Multiple auto loan inquiries within a short window (typically 14 to 45 days depending on the scoring model) are generally counted as a single inquiry, minimizing any impact.

Yes. Many buyers are approved after a discharged bankruptcy. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filers can qualify depending on the discharge date, current income, and other factors. Some lenders in our network specialize in post-bankruptcy auto financing. Apply now and we will tell you exactly what is available for your situation.

A repossession is a significant credit event, but it does not permanently close the door on financing. Time since the repo, current income, and down payment size all factor into how lenders evaluate your application. We have partners who work specifically with repossession history. Apply and let us tell you what is possible -- we will not waste your time.

Collections and charge-offs are common in our applicant pool and do not automatically prevent approval. The type of account, how long ago it occurred, and whether it is paid or open all affect how lenders view it. Our team will review your report with you and be honest about what your options look like before you commit to anything.

Not necessarily. Many buyers with challenged credit are approved without a co-signer. That said, a co-signer with stronger credit can expand your options and potentially lower your interest rate. Our finance team will advise you on whether a co-signer would meaningfully improve your terms based on your specific application.

Down payment requirements vary by lender and credit profile. In general, a larger down payment reduces the loan amount and signals stability to lenders -- which is especially helpful with challenged credit. Some buyers qualify with little to no down payment. Trade-in value also counts toward your down payment. We will give you an honest number when you apply.

An auto loan is an installment account -- one of the most positively weighted account types in credit scoring models. On-time monthly payments are one of the fastest, most reliable ways to improve your score. Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO score. Many of our buyers see meaningful score improvements within 12 to 24 months of consistent on-time payments. We walk you through all of this before you sign anything.

Yes. We accept trade-ins even with negative equity. Depending on your situation, the remaining balance can sometimes be rolled into the new loan. Our team will give you a fair valuation and be upfront about how any negative equity affects your deal. Get your trade value estimate here.

All three locations participate in our Fresh Start Financing program. Whether you are shopping new Chevrolet models at Tom Tepe in Milan, pre-owned vehicles at Car Country in Aurora, or used inventory at Car Country in Harrison, Ohio -- our finance team serves every lot. Apply once online and we will match you with the right vehicle regardless of which location it sits at.