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📅 Last Updated: November 16, 2023
✏️ Written By Corrina Murdoch
🕵️ Fact-Checked by Caitlin Wood

If you’re living in Kingston, having a car is one of the easiest ways to get around. With bad credit, however, it can be difficult to get a car loan. A low credit score can make you ineligible for a car loan from most traditional lenders. Whether it’s due to lack of financial planning or an unforeseen expense, many end up with bad credit — and still need a car loan. The good news is that there is still a way to get a car loan if you really need access to a vehicle. By researching your options, you can use this as an opportunity to improve your credit, and your financial future.

What is a Bad Credit Car Loan

A bad credit car loan is a way to finance a vehicle when the consumer has bad credit. In Canada, a bad credit score is considered anything below 640 on a scale of 900. It’s important to note that bad credit is different from no credit, but those with a lack of established credit history may still need a bad credit car loan. Other reasons for damaged credit scores include high amounts of debt and defaulted payments. Whenever you miss a payment, don’t pay one in full, or put too much on your credit card, your score goes down. Defaulted payments can arise after lost jobs, family emergencies, and a whole host of other situations.

Many Kingston drivers seek out bad credit car loans because it is one of the only options remaining. Especially if you can’t afford to get a pre-owned vehicle outright, it can be the only way to get reliable transportation. While there is public transit in Kingston, some locations are much easier to access by car.

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How Does a Bad Credit Loan Work in Kingston Ontario?

A bad credit car loan is just like a regular car loan, though the terms will be impacted by the credit score. Your credit can impact things like:

Down Payment

If you have a low credit score, it is likely that the Kingston bad credit car loan lender will require you to make a more sizable downpayment. It results in you taking out a smaller loan overall and reduces the risk to the lender.

Interest

With bad credit car loans, you can expect to pay a higher interest rate. Since you are seen as a riskier investment, the Kingston car loans company will need to compensate. As a result, the lender charges you more for the service in the form of a higher interest rate. To avoid overspending, consult with a loan comparison platform before you settle on a provider.

Term-Length

Bad credit can impact your car loan term in diverse ways. It all depends on the lender’s policies.

  • Some lenders only offer short-term loans to those with bad credit. This results in more costly payments, though it means that you will have the car paid off sooner.
  • Other lenders stick to long-term loans as a way to incentivize buyers. Ultimately, the company profits off of your loan payments and wants your business. By identifying these lenders, you can reduce your monthly payments by stretching the loan term (some go as high as 84 months). Bear in mind that this results in your paying a higher price for the loan over the long term.

Find out if your monthly car payments are too expensive.

Ways to Get a Bad Credit Car Loan

There are a few approaches to getting a bad credit car loan in Kingston. Depending on your financial situation, each option has unique benefits and disadvantages. Possible routes to the car loan include:

Credit Union

This type of lender offers services that include car loans and personal loans. You can use the funds from both to purchase a vehicle. Often, you can access competitive terms on these services, too. However, many credit unions are location-based, meaning there are some geographical limitations. Since many also require membership, you need to find a credit union in Kingston and join it to access their products and rates.

Dealership

You can find Kingston dealerships that offer in-house financing on their vehicles. Because you are dealing directly with the business from which you’re getting the vehicle, it can be a good opportunity to negotiate terms. However, depending on the dealership and your credit situation, there can be some significant downsides. A key disadvantage is the fact that many dealerships don’t report the payments to the credit bureau. On top of higher interest rates, you won’t be able to improve your credit.

Alternative Lenders

Many alternative lenders do work with those that have bad credit. You can get a bad credit car loan in Kingston through alternative lenders since they base approval on other criteria. Key advantages include a simple and efficient approval process and increased accessibility. Keep in mind that, in order to offer these terms, alternative lenders do charge higher interest rates and can require a shorter loan term.

Things to Know Before You Apply For a Bad Credit Car Loan

There are a few things to be aware of before you start the application process. By considering all of these matters, you can improve your finances long-term.

  • Household Budget: Consider what you are able to afford to spend on a vehicle every month. Set yourself a budget after taking into account things like vehicle insurance, fuel, and maintenance.
  • Understand the Cost: Your loan will come with specific terms that include things like fees for defaulting on payments, so be sure to understand what your responsibilities are. Figure out exactly what you’ll be paying in interest and make sure it works with your budget.
  • Loan Term: Sure, a longer loan term can seem really appealing because of the lower monthly payments. But there is a downside to this arrangement. Not only do you stay in debt for a lengthier period, but you end up paying more interest in the long run. This means that you are paying more for the vehicle altogether.
  • Lender Reputation: Check online for any red flags related to the lenders you are considering. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The best way to preserve your financial well being is to be prudent. Consult a reliable loan comparison platform to get quotes you can trust.
  • Personal Credit Score: Finally, you’ll want to know what your exact credit score says. There are some free online services that you can use to assess your credit file. This is always a good practice since it enables you to check that there is no false data on your account.

Qualifying For a Bad Credit Loan in Kingston

You can get approval for a bad credit loan in Kingston quite quickly. Once you’ve researched lenders, go through the online application process. You will be required to provide personal financial details, to verify your identity, and possibly bank records or proof of income. The specific requirements vary based on the lender, so be sure to have everything you could need. Include proof of identity, income, credit, and residence.

Check out what bad credit lenders look for in an applicant.

Improve Your Chances of Being Approved For a Bad Credit Car Loan

There are a few steps you can take to increase your odds of getting approval for a bad credit car loan. These include:

  • Increase your down payment: By paying more upfront, you won’t need to take out as much of a loan amount. It makes you less of a risk and will make lenders more inclined to offer you the loan.
  • Trade-in your car: Depending on whether you are seeking out a second vehicle, trading in your current vehicle can be a great option. The value of your car applies to the purchase price, resulting in a smaller loan and more likely approval.
  • Opt for a lower-priced car: Still struggling to get a loan? Consider reducing your budget overall. Try to find a simpler model without all the bells and whistles. Conversely, you can purchase a pre-owned vehicle. Provided it is in good condition and won’t result in extra maintenance expenses, it can drastically reduce your expenses.
  • Get pre-approved: You can save yourself a lot of time and stress by getting pre-approved for loans. Many companies offer a quick online pre-approval process. So long as you know your credit score and income situation, the forms are quick to complete. With enough quotes, you can find the most competitive rates throughout the Kingston area.

Bad Credit Card Loan FAQs

Which banks are best for car loans in Kingston?

Major banks tend to have more strict terms, though there are some online companies that offer competitive car loan terms. There is the Kingston Community Credit Union with four locations, along with multiple spots for the major five Canadian banks. Consult with loan comparison platforms online to get an idea of what to expect in terms of interest and loan limits.

Can you shop around for car loans?

Not only can you shop around for Kingston car loans, but it’s also a super important part of the process. By doing your research ahead of time, getting quotes on loans, and finding a vehicle that balances quality with affordability, you can optimize your financial situation for the whole loan term.

Is it better to finance a car through a bank or dealership?

If you have the time and ability to build your credit before getting a car loan, then a bank is a better way to go. However, if you need to get a bad credit car loan, Kingston dealerships are more likely to approve the loan. While the interest might be higher, it can enable you to get the car right away.

Final Thoughts

The most important step in sourcing a bad credit car loan in Kingston is to do your research ahead of time. By properly planning and taking your time, you can easily find the best possible terms for your individual financial situation. If you’re currently struggling with bad credit and are looking to purchase a new car, Loans Canada can help match you with the right lender based on your unique needs.


Glossary

TERMDEFINITION
Appraisal An appraisal involves assessing the value of a property based on current market values and is conducted by an appraiser that is typically assigned by a lender. The appraisal is then used by the lender to determine whether or not to extend a mortgage to a borrower.
Bridge Loan A bridge loan is a type of short-term loan that may be used to “bridge” the gap between carrying a mortgage on an existing home and covering the mortgage for a new home. These are usually obtained when the closing dates of a home sale and purchase overlap, requiring the seller to continue paying the mortgage on the existing home before it closes while paying the mortgage on a new home.
Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation (CMHC) A governing body in Canada that oversees and executes several federal housing projects in relation to the National Housing Act.
Cash-Back Mortgage A cash-back mortgage allows borrowers to obtain the mortgage principal and a percentage of the loan amount in cash, which can come in handy to cover the cost of certain expenses, such as making home improvements or paying for car repairs. Rates on these types of mortgages tend to be higher compared to other home loans.
Closed Mortgage A closed mortgage allows borrowers to prepay only a certain amount of the principal without being charged a prepayment penalty fee. Fixed-rate closed mortgage prepayment penalties are usually 3-months’ worth of interest or the interest rate differential, whichever of the two is greater.
Closing Costs Before a real estate transaction closes, certain closing costs will need to be paid, which can include real estate commissions, lawyer fees, land transfer taxes, appraisal fees, home inspection fees, adjustments, and others.
Conditional Offer A conditional offer is not yet final and means that there are certain conditions that must be fulfilled by the buyer, seller, or both before the sale is considered “firm.” For instance, an offer could be conditional on the home being inspected, which the buyer must be satisfied with.
Construction Mortgage A construction mortgage allows borrowers to finance the cost of construction of a new home or major renovations.
Debt Ratio Your debt ratio determines your ability to pay off a mortgage by measuring your debt relative to your income. Lenders look at debt ratios to assess a borrower’s ability to make mortgage payments. A high debt ratio means your debt load is too high relative to your income. Gross debt service ratio refers to your debt that does not include a mortgage payment, and total debt service ratio refers to your total debt including mortgage payments.
Deed A deed is a document signed by the seller that transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.
Down Payment A down payment is the money that is put toward the purchase price of a home. The required down payment will depend on a number of things, such as the type of mortgage being taken out and the cost of the house.
TERMDEFINITION
Firm Offer An offer goes “firm” after all conditions have been satisfied and signed off by all parties. A sale can also be immediately firm if no conditions are included.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage A fixed-rate mortgage means that the interest rate does not change throughout the entire mortgage term. Even if posted interest rates go up or down during the term, your rate will be locked in and stay the same until the term ends.
Foreclosure Foreclosure is an unfortunate situation in which a homeowner loses possession of the title of their home as a result of mortgage payment defaults. When mortgage payments are missed, the foreclosure process may begin after a certain number of days have passed. In this case, the lender can take over the home under a “power of sale,” after which the homeowner may still have a chance to make good on their mortgage payments and bring their debt up to par. Otherwise, the lender may make efforts to sell the property to recover any money they are owed.
Gross Debt Service Ratio A gross debt service ratio is the measure of housing-related debt relative to a borrower’s income. GDSR is a factor that lenders consider when determining whether or not to approve a mortgage application.
High-Ratio Mortgage A high-ratio mortgage refers to a mortgage in which the principal is greater than 80% of the property’s value. That means more than 80% of the home’s value must be borrowed in order to buy a home, while the down payment is less than 20% of the property value. High-ratio mortgages require mortgage default insurance to be paid.
Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) The First-Time Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) is a government incentive program that allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw up to $25,000 from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) – or $50,000 in total for first-time home buyers and their partner – to buy or build a home. The full amount withdrawn must be repaid within 15 years.
Home Equity The equity in a home represents the value of the property, less total outstanding debt, that the owner actually owns outright. It is calculated by subtracting the total mortgage loan amount still owed by the property’s value.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Using the equity in your home, you can secure a line of credit that uses the equity as collateral. The credit limit is usually equivalent to a particular percentage of your home’s value and there is a set date when the loan must be repaid. If you default on this kind of loan, the lender can repossess your home and sell it to cover the owed debt. Since there is a high risk with this type of financing, it is typically used to finance big purchases such as home improvements, education, or medical expenses.
Home Inspection Many conditions can be inserted into a purchase agreement, including a home inspection. The home inspection allows buyers some time to have the property assessed by a professional to uncover any potential issues with the home before the buyer is obligated to complete the purchase.
TERMDEFINITION
Interest Interest is added to the principal amount of the mortgage and is paid to the lender in exchange for access to the funds needed to complete a real estate purchase. Interest is charged from the moment the money is received to the moment the term expires.
Land Transfer Tax Land transfer taxes are charged by the province in which the property is being purchased, as well as in certain municipalities. It is a type of tax that is based on the purchase price of the property, though these taxes vary by province. First-time homebuyers are sometimes exempt from paying the entire land transfer tax amount and may be eligible for a rebate.
TERMDEFINITION
Maturity Date The maturity date is the date when the mortgage term ends. It is at this point that the mortgage must either be paid in full, refinanced, or renewed for a new term.
Mortgage A mortgage is a loan that is provided by a lender to help a homebuyer complete a home purchase. Lenders provide a certain amount of money required to cover the cost of a home’s purchase price while charging interest on the principal amount. The loan is collateralized by the property itself. The mortgage must be repaid according to the terms of the contract. If the loan amount cannot be repaid according to the terms, the lender has the right to repossess the property and sell it to recoup any losses.
Mortgage Broker A mortgage broker is a professional who works on behalf of the borrower and finds the best mortgage product and lender among their network of lenders.
Mortgage Default Insurance Mortgage default insurance is designed to protect the lenders when a borrower is unable or unwilling to repay their mortgage. This is applicable to high-ratio mortgages where the down payment amount is less than 20% of the purchase price of the property and does not apply to conventional mortgages. Borrowers are responsible for this payment.
Mortgage Discharge A mortgage discharge is issued by the lender when the mortgage is paid off in full by the borrower. When the mortgage is fully repaid, it is discharged from the title to the property and certifies that the property is completely free from the mortgage debt
Mortgage Life Insurance Mortgage life insurance is an optional policy that borrowers may take out. It is designed to reduce or pay off the mortgage amount (up to a certain amount) in the event of the borrower’s death.
Mortgage Payment A mortgage payment is the regular payment borrowers are required to make to pay off their home loan. These payments can be made monthly, semi-monthly, biweekly, or weekly, and include both principal and interest.
Mortgage Pre-Approval A mortgage pre-approval involves having your credit and finances checked out before you formally apply for a mortgage once you agree to purchase a particular home. It allows you to find out how much can be afforded, how much the lender is willing to lend, and the interest rate that may be charged. Pre-approvals expire within 90 to 120 days after they are issued and are not a guarantee of final mortgage approval.
Mortgage Principal The mortgage principal represents the amount of money borrowed from a lender and does not include the interest portion.
Mortgage Statement Lenders typically submit a mortgage statement to borrowers on a yearly basis that details the status of the mortgage, including how much has been paid and the principal on the mortgage that still remains.
Mortgagee The mortgagee is a mortgage lender.
Mortgagor The mortgagor is the borrower.
Multiple Listing Service (MLS) The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database of listings where real estate professionals market properties they have for sale and search for properties for sale for their clients.
Offer The offer represents the purchase agreement that the buyer submits to the seller and that the seller can either accept, reject, or negotiate with the buyer. The offer includes the offer price, deposit amount, closing date, conditions, and other items pertinent to the transaction.
Open Mortgage An open mortgage allows borrowers to repay their loan amount in part or in full without incurring any prepayment penalty fees. Open mortgages tend to have higher interest rates compared to closed mortgages but are more flexible.
Posted Rate The posted rate is the lender’s benchmark advertised interest rate for mortgage products offered. These are not necessarily set in stone, but may be negotiated with the lender.
Prepayment Prepayment is made when some or all of the loan amount is paid off before the end of the mortgage term. Most open mortgages can be paid off early without any prepayment penalty charges, but prepaying a closed mortgage typically comes with a prepayment charge. However, most closed mortgages allow an annual prepayment of anywhere between 10% to 20% without any penalty.
Prepayment Charge When all or part of a closed mortgage is paid off before the end of the mortgage term, a prepayment charge may have to be paid to the lender.
Prime Rate The prime rate advertised by a lender is typically based on the Bank of Canada’s interest rate that is set each night, which may change at any time.
Property Insurance Property insurance must be paid on a home throughout the mortgage term. Lenders require a policy to be held on a property before they agree to extend a mortgage, and the lender must be named on the policy. This type of insurance covers the cost of any repair or replacement as a result of damage to the home from fire or other disasters.
Property Tax Property taxes are paid by homeowners to their respective municipalities to cover the cost of things such as police, garbage collection, policing, schools, and fire protection. The property tax amount paid is based on the property’s value and the rate charged by the municipality.
TERMDEFINITION
Qualifying Rate A qualifying rate is the interest rate that a lender uses to assess a borrower’s eligibility for a mortgage and to calculate your debt-service ratio.
Renewal When the term of a mortgage expires, another term may be negotiated with the lender. If the mortgage is not renewed, it must be paid off in full.
Reverse Mortgage Homeowners over the age of 55 can use a reverse mortgage to borrow as much as 50% of the home’s value to be used to pay for other expenses. Payments are not made on a reverse mortgage, but interest can accrue on the loan amount until the property is sold or until the homeowner passes away.
Second Mortgage A second mortgage may be taken out on a home that already has a mortgage on it. The funds accessed through a second mortgage from the home’s growing equity may be used to cover other expenses, such as home renovations, but they carry more risk than first mortgages.
Statement of Adjustments The statement of adjustments outlines the purchase price, deposit, and any financial adjustments that are required for taxes, utilities, or condo fees that have been prepaid by the seller and payable by the buyer to compensate the seller for fees already covered on the home.
Survey A survey is a plan of the property’s lot that shows the lot size and where the property boundaries and building structures lie. It will also show where any easements, right-of-ways, or overhanging structures from adjacent properties that could impact the value of the home.
Term The mortgage term is the period of time that you are committed to your mortgage with your lender, including the interest rate. When the term expires, the mortgage either needs to be paid off in full, refinanced, or renewed, either with the same lender or a new one. The average term is 5 years, though it can range anywhere from 1 to 10 years.
Title Title is the ownership provided to a homeowner when a property is purchased. A clear title is required by lenders before a mortgage is extended. If there are any issues with the property’s title, they must be resolved before the transaction closes.
Title Insurance Title insurance is meant to protect lenders and buyers from issues on the title that are discovered after the transaction closes. Title issues can include title fraud, encroachments, municipal work orders, or zoning violations. If title insurance is purchased, it will be added to the closing costs.
Total Debt Service Ratio The total debt service ratio refers to the percentage of gross annual income needed to cover all debts in addition to the mortgage payments (including principal, interest, taxes, utilities, and more).
TERMDEFINITION
Variable-Rate Mortgage With a variable-rate mortgage, the interest rate will fluctuate based on a financial index. Monthly payments could remain the same, but the amount paid toward interest versus principal could change. If rates increase, more money is paid toward interest, but if rates decrease, more money goes toward the principal.

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