10 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Return

Make The Most Of Your Extra Cash This Tax Season

For many people, their yearly tax refund is something they look forward to for many months. There are a plethora of uses for that timely cash that comes your way each tax season. People who are expecting a refund may have already started getting their information together so they can be ready to file their tax returns as soon as they can. But what should people do with the money once they get their return?

How to use this extra pocket change in the best way depends on each individuals’ current economic circumstance. Careful thought and planning are even more important in these times of economic uncertainty. Most financial advisers will caution refund recipients to not splurge on unnecessary luxury items and to consider dividing the refund among several practical things.

How To Spend Your Tax Return

Again, depending on the economic situation and needs of the individual, the way a tax return can and should be spent will vary.

One good consideration for most taxpayers of average means is allocating part of the refund to a “rainy day” fund. Setting up a cash reserve for the unexpected expenses that always seem to arise is a solid option that will take some stress and worry away just knowing that reserve is available.

Another use to consider is making some home improvements. Most of us have a honey-do list a mile long, and many home improvement projects – such as painting or landscaping – also help to increase the long-term value of your property.

Other improvements can be made as well, such as installing more energy-efficient windows or a programmable thermostat. Both of these options can help you save money on heating and cooling expenses in the long run.

For even more long-term money-saving goodness, consider replacing older appliances with new, energy-efficient models.

All of these improvements are relatively cost-effective, and may not even use up your entire tax refund.

Another smart choice – why not use part of the refund to either set up or fund your IRA? This not only ensures financial stability in the future, but it can also save you tax dollars when you file the next year’s return.

Investing some money in mutual funds or stocks is also something to consider, if that’s something you’re comfortable with. These are also investments that can be made through an IRA and can be beneficial to your future economic stability.

More Practical Uses For Your Tax Refund

For many people, using their tax refund for more reliable transportation is a necessary consideration. There are ways you can maximize your refund to put the most money towards a down payment on a new-to-you vehicle. Even if you’re challenged in the credit department, there are financing options available to you.

In North Carolina, the leader in putting people into excellent quality reliable used cars is AutoMax. We have two convenient locations to serve you, AutoMax Youngsville and AutoMax Henderson. No matter where you live, you’ll be only a short drive away from finding a quality used car that will make your life easier.

You may find yourself wondering, So how do I maximize my tax return? We have good news – you only need to use a portion of your refund as a down payment on a vehicle of your choosing, and let our professionals at AutoMax finance the remaining balance for you. You can drive away today with our deferred seasonal payment program, Tax Max. Put your tax refund to work!

Tax Max: Our Deferred Seasonal Payment Program

Every year, we offer to pay for your tax prep (up to a value of $300) when you participate in our Tax Max deferred seasonal payment program. We can use software provided by Tax Refund Services (TRS) to estimate how much tax refund you will receive. If your estimated refund adequately covers the cost of a down payment, you qualify to participate in our one-time deferred seasonal payment program.  The deferred seasonal payment is not due until you get your tax refund. Yup, you heard us – drive off the lot today with our low-down payment plan offered through our Tax Max program!

Since AutoMax is a buy here pay here dealership, financing your new vehicle purchase is a breeze. You don’t need a bank or third-party lender to approve a car loan for you since all our financing is done in-house. All that’s required is the completion of a simple application, which you can even do online so you can be pre-approved before even visiting the dealership. After that, to close the deal, all you need to do is show proof of income, a valid current driver’s license, and get ready to drive that new-to-you used car home! We don’t need to check your credit score – we only need to know that you have the income to repay the loan. Plus, we’ll report your timely payments to the credit rating agencies to get you on the way to repairing your credit score.

For over thirty years, AutoMax has been helping people all over North Carolina easily purchase quality used vehicles from our expansive inventory. Purchasing a solid, reliable vehicle is a smart choice for this year’s tax return. Learn more about our Tax Max program, and then shop our online inventory. See something you like? Come see us today at either of our locations in Youngsville or Henderson.

Are Some Vehicles More Difficult to Finance?

Navigating Used Car Vehicle Financing Roadblocks In North Carolina

Buying a new or used vehicle can be a challenging process. Visiting used car lots is simultaneously fun and stressful. Whether you need a practical vehicle to get you from point A to point B, or you’re searching for your dream car, getting financing for your purchase can be difficult. At AutoMax, we want to be your go-to buy here pay here car lot.

Understanding both the financing roadblocks and ways to overcome those roadblocks will make the car buying process easier. Below, our team of in-house car financing experts share a few tips.

Financing Roadblocks

Some general rules about auto financing have been in place for many years. Vehicles over 10 years old or with mileage over 150,000 miles have been common cutoff points for getting financing.

However, some people have unique car buying requirements, including a desire for particular vehicle power and style choices, and these traditional cutoff points are not relevant. Perhaps your dream car was manufactured over 10 years ago and you don’t want to compromise once you find that vehicle. Typically, a bank will not finance a vehicle that’s over 10 years old. However, credit unions and other lenders may be more flexible with vehicle age.

This vehicle age roadblock may need to change in the future. According to Car & Driver, at the end of 2020, the average age of a used vehicle on the road was close to 12 years. There are several reasons for the increase in used vehicles, including the 2008 recession, the 2020 pandemic, and the increased cost of new cars. Another reason for this increase is the higher quality of cars and trucks manufactured in recent years.

High mileage vehicles are becoming more acceptable, and the 150,000-mile barrier may change. Because they manufacture cars and trucks with higher quality, increased mileage does not mean the car is not usable.

The price of your chosen vehicle also defines whether you can get financing for its purchase. A Lamborghini might be your dream car, but can you afford it? In 2019, manufacturers produced over 91 million vehicles worldwide. With that enormous choice, you can find a vehicle you can afford.

Consider A Larger Down Payment

If you cannot find low down payment cars, increasing the amount of your down payment can make the difference in qualifying. You may find that waiting a bit and saving money will make a difference when applying for car financing.

This is often easier said than done, but AutoMax offers a Tax Max deferred seasonal payment program that allows you to defer most of your down payment until you’ve received your tax refund. This allows you to have a larger down payment but only pay $89 today. When your tax refund comes in, you pay the rest of your down payment.

Find A Cosigner

When your credit history is less than stellar, or you have no credit history, a cosigner can make the difference between obtaining a car loan or not. If you can qualify for the loan but at higher interest rates, a cosigner with good credit can lower the interest rate. Although finding a cosigner can be a risky proposition, especially if they are a relative, it may be the best option.

Improve Your Credit Score

Every consumer in the United States is entitled to a free credit report each year from one of the three major credit reporting agencies.

According to Experian, five critical factors make up your credit score. Payment history is the largest component at 35%. Consistently paying your bills on time improves this component. The credit utilization ratio shows how much of your available credit you are using and makes up 30% of the score. How long you have had a credit history makes up 15% of your credit score. Usually, the longer your credit history, the higher the credit score. Your credit mix makes up 10% of your credit score and shows what type of credit you use. The new credit score accounts for 10% of the score. This new credit category shows the number of requests the credit reporting agencies receive for your credit score.

Be aware that allowing companies to pull your credit score negatively affects this number.

Pre-Approval Vs. Pre-Qualification

Some car buyers who worry about qualifying for a car loan and want the best interest rates may try to get preapproval from a lender before car shopping. Pre-approval for a car loan means the lender has reviewed your credit and asked the credit agency for your credit report. Pre-qualifying means the lender has reviewed your financial history but has not formally requested your credit report. Since every request for your credit score affects that score, be aware of the tradeoff for pre-approval.

Used Car Financing At AutoMax

Buying your vehicle from a trusted dealer is critical when financing an auto. Many companies have used cars for sale, but AutoMax has a long and stellar reputation in the used car financing world. We want to be your buy here pay here auto dealership and will work hard to meet and exceed your auto-buying needs. Shop our online inventory, and then come see us at our Youngsville dealership or our Henderson dealership.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Used Vehicle in North Carolina

Tips For Buying Your Next Used Car

Buying a used car isn’t as difficult as it’s often made out to be. In the past, used car lots were places to be feared by buyers, worried they’re going to get a raw deal. But buying used cars for sale these days is pretty straightforward. We’ve put together a few tips here for getting the most out of your used car purchase. For even more guidance, contact our experts at AutoMax directly if you’re interested in a used car in Youngsville or used cars for sale in Durham.

Consider The Financing First

It’s a rare person who has the cash lying around to purchase a used vehicle outright. The rest of us turn to vehicle financing. Traditional dealerships consider your credit score when deciding whether to lend you money for a vehicle. Your credit score gives them a rough estimate of how well you’ve been able to handle credit in the past. Most dealerships use third-party lenders that have strict rules on who they’ll allow lending to. The dealership doesn’t have much incentive to get you a great deal and could be more likely to forward your financing application to lenders that offer them the highest commission.

Buy here pay here dealerships are the exception. As the name suggests, buy here pay here dealerships offer financing in-house so they don’t have to bow to the rules of third-party companies. These car lots are therefore much more likely to be flexible on financing, so if you have relatively poor credit, you’ll do better at a buy here pay here dealership.

Down Payments

The next consideration is the amount you’ll need to pay immediately before you can drive the car off the lot. Again, traditional used car dealerships are behind the curve here, as they typically require a higher down payment than if you were buying a new car. Buy here pay here dealerships are more likely to be flexible. Consider the Tax Max program from AutoMax. Here, you pay just $89 immediately and pay the rest of your down payment after you’ve received your tax refund. The dealership even offers to pay for your tax preparation up to the value of $300, so you can be sure you receive the highest amount of refund on your tax.

Even outside of the Tax Max deferred seasonal payment program, buy here pay here dealerships excel at offering low down payments, since we’re more interested in your ability to repay the loan from your salary or other income.

Typical Financing Requirements

Simplify any financing application by having a few things on hand. Your current driver’s license, proof of income, and proof of address are all useful documents that your lender will want to see.

Narrow Down Your Search Before You Visit The Dealership

Remove many of the decisions you need to make at the dealership by making them before you visit. You can save yourself and your salesperson a great deal of time by knowing what you want before you visit and sticking to your guns. Start by doing some basic research on the vehicle(s) you’re interested in. What can you afford? What are the most important features to you? If you can, check that the dealership carries the type of vehicle you want. Most times, you can narrow down your selections to individual vehicles online so you can specifically point out the vehicle you want to test drive when you walk through the dealership doors.

Evaluating A Vehicle

If you’ve chosen a reputable dealership, you’re unlikely to run into significant mechanical issues on any vehicle you purchase. Dealerships thrive on their reputation, so the vast majority of dealerships only sell roadworthy vehicles. If you’re not the most mechanically minded person, bring along a friend who knows the ins-and-outs of cars so they give your prospective purchase the once over.

The vehicle history report can give you some excellent information on how the car has been treated in the past. It will include details such as the maintenance history and whether there has been any manufacturer recalls on the model.

Another consideration is the mileage of any vehicle you purchase. It can be a false economy to buy an older vehicle with poor mileage instead of choosing a newer model that’ll save you money time and again at the gas pumps.

Buying A Used Vehicle Has Never Been Easier

With buy here pay here dealerships like AutoMax, there’s never been an easier time to get a quality used vehicle at a great price. Shop our online inventory today. Once you find some cars you like, be sure to visit us in-person at our Youngsville, NC or Henderson, NC dealership.

Why Large Car Down Payments Don’t Actually Matter

Big Used Car Financing Down Payments Are A Thing Of The Past

When it comes to buying a used car, some people assume you need to drop a boatload of money up-front to finance a car. They wrongly think that when buying used, you have to either pay full-price for the car or pay a large down payment. Of course, this puts the most quality used cars out of reach for many consumers, who then end up settling for subpar vehicles that become money pits because of the constant need to repair them.

On the contrary, though, the size of your down payment makes little difference to the range of vehicles you’re able to finance. Most used car dealerships instead focus on your income. As monthly car payments can be between $200 and $500, an initial $500 down payment doesn’t make much of a difference to the dealership.

Easier Financing Options

Most shoppers aren’t aware that buy here pay here dealerships exist, or they have a bad misconception about them. However, these types of dealerships are unique because we work with your budget and help you find a vehicle that you can afford. When you visit a buy here pay here car lot, we go over your financials and find out what you can afford with your current salary and bill responsibilities. The salesperson will then point you toward vehicle options that meet your needs, rather than allow you to fall in love with a car that you cannot afford. They set you up for success by showing you cars that are within your budget.

That’s our philosophy at AutoMax in North Carolina. When you visit our lot, you’ll see attractive and reliable cars to fit every budget and taste. We fully stand behind all the cars we sell, and we’re changing the used car selling game by making large down payments a thing of the past.

Drive Away In A Newer Car With Just $89 Down

AutoMax offers a popular program that allows you to defer your down payment until after your tax refund has come in. Pay only $89 today, and you can drive away in your new vehicle. When your tax refund comes through, you pay the rest of the down payment. We even offer free tax preparation up to the value of $300 if you take part in our deferred seasonal payment program.

You Don’t Need Perfect Credit To Get Financing

People also assume that you need impeccable credit to get behind the wheel of a quality used car. These people are probably used to visiting dealerships and being turned down for used car financing. Banks have more stringent rules because they’re in the money business and not in the auto business.

We at AutoMax are in the auto business, and our goal is to put everyone that walks through our doors into a high-caliber used car. Since our business personally finances all the vehicles we sell, we can treat each customer as a unique individual and reach a mutually beneficial financing package. This package will include a low car down payment, a dependable automobile, and a variety of convenient ways to pay the balance, including by debit, mail, and in person. Those with less than perfect credit can visit our buy here pay here car lot with confidence, knowing that they’ll leave with a reliable car that will give them years of service.

Not only will we come through for you with a financing package, but we’ll also help you repair your credit so you can qualify for upgraded or later model cars in the future. Unlike many buy here pay here dealerships, we report to the credit agencies when you make your monthly payments on time. Gradually, this will improve your credit and benefit you in the future as you apply for additional lines of credit.

Those With Flawed Credit No Longer Have To Settle For A Lemon

Another common misconception is that cheap used cars aren’t worth it because they’ll cost you a fortune in repairs and maintenance over your years of ownership. While this is potentially the case when you buy from a traditional used car lot or a private seller, this is not the case with our vehicle inventory. Our vehicles are in excellent working order and we know the history of each automobile we sell.

We are so confident in our cars that we go over the vehicle history report with our customers before we sell them the car. We also make them aware of any manufacturer’s recalls that need to be fixed. Most of our vehicles are models from the mid-to-late 2000s and onward. Aesthetically, our cars don’t have unsightly cosmetic flaws – no junkers here. You can drive off our lot with pride, no matter which car you choose.

Because we’re so selective in which cars we will sell to our customers, we offer a 15,000-mile/12-month warranty on every vehicle that drives off our lot. We even throw in free oil changes until you pay your loan off.

AutoMax in North Carolina is changing people’s misconceptions about the used car industry. Let us change your mind too. Visit either our Henderson or Youngsville location and let us turn you into another satisfied customer. Shop our inventory online and start finding your new ride!

Tips for Financing a New-to-You Vehicle in North Carolina

Used Vehicle Financing At Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships

Consumers are bombarded every day with commercials of excited shoppers experiencing the thrill of purchasing a brand-new car. Those who sensibly buy pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs are often left to feel that they’re settling for something less than the best. However, we here at AutoMax believe that used car buyers should be treated with the same fanfare as those purchasing new vehicles. After all, even if the car is pre-owned, it is new to you! The quality of our vehicles, combined with our customizable financing options, you’ll get years of service out of your investment.

As a buy here pay here dealership, we offer in-house financing options to suit every budget and taste. Below are some helpful tips to get the most out of your buying experience.

Secure Used Car Financing

The first step in purchasing your gently used vehicle is to get a car loan to help your money stretch further. Unlike the typical no-credit-check car lots, you don’t have to worry about getting a car that runs poorly and will cost an arm and a leg in repairs and maintenance. We offer quality cars at our buy here pay here lot.

While we do run credit checks during our financing process, rest assured that we don’t focus on credit score alone. We do this not to deny those with imperfect credit, but to assess their finances to see how much they can afford to spend each month. We offer one hundred percent financing on our vehicles and are experts at getting every customer into a ride that suits his or her needs.

To get started with us, you’ll fill out a short application, either in-store or online, to help determine your eligibility. We’ll need a few simple things like your name, address and living situation, social security number, bankruptcy information (if any), current job, and any other sources of income. One of our sales representatives will let you know if you’re approved for our in-house financing. We currently approve the majority of our applicants.

Finding A Vehicle To Finance

Once you’re approved, the salesperson will be able to give you concrete details on which cars are within your budget range. They’ll further chat with you to find out what type of car will suit your tastes and lifestyle needs. From there, they’ll show you which cars meet both your finances and your preferences so you can make the best choice. This is a large shift from the way things are done at traditional dealerships, which show you the vehicles first and allow you to become attached to one, and then hit you with the fact that you cannot afford that car.

At AutoMax, you can shop with confidence, knowing that you’re already approved for the cars you’re considering. You can also shop knowing that we don’t sell any lemons here. We review the vehicle history report of the automobile with the consumer and inform them of any manufacturer recalls that have to be brought to a dealership for free repairs. We also advise you to register your car’s information with the manufacturer so that you’ll be notified of any future recalls that might affect you.

Keeping Up With Your Payments

Another benefit of purchasing from a buy here pay here dealership is credit repair. Besides getting you behind the wheel of a quality vehicle, we also want you to be able to rebuild your credit to expand future financing options. If you’re considering purchasing a new vehicle in the future or buying a home, you’ll need a solid credit profile. AutoMax makes it easy to do this.

We allow you to make your payments in the most convenient way for you, which helps avoid late payments and defaults. The most hassle-free option is to set up a direct debit card charge or an automatic ACH withdrawal from your bank account. These options allow you to go about your daily life without having to remember the date of payment or worry about mailed-in checks not arriving on time. As long as you maintain your bank account above a certain balance, this process will continue smoothly. We recommend scheduling these payments to be processed after each pay date to avoid any costly overdraft fees.

For those who prefer more control over their payments, we also offer more traditional methods of payment, such as in-store, call-in, and mail-in payments. We also have a secure and convenient online payment portal that you can use to make your payments. As you make your on-time payments consistently, we report this to the major credit bureaus and over time, you will see an improvement in your credit score.

Get The Best Vehicle At A Buy Here Pay Here Dealership

As you can see, we have gone above and beyond to make purchasing your new-to-you vehicle a rewarding milestone in your life. To get started on this journey, visit us at one of our two convenient locations: 519 North Garnett St. in Henderson, NC, and 512 US Highway 1 in Youngsville, NC. You can also choose to start the process by filling out our simple online credit application, and a sales representative will contact you with further information. We hope to add your name to our long list of satisfied customers.

Save Money on Gas: The Most Fuel Efficient Used Vehicles

Cars With The Best Gas Mileage From AutoMax In North Carolina

Trying to purchase a vehicle that’ll give you fuel economy while presenting an economical purchase can be achieved with the purchase of the right used vehicle. Electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles will generally provide you with the best fuel economy and finding a used car for sale with these options is becoming easier.

Hybrids are some of the most reliable used cars with the best gas mileage. They achieve this by combining a gasoline engine with an engine that can convert the gasoline power into electric energy, allowing the vehicle to achieve a fuel economy of around 50 miles per gallon. This is a worthy investment for long-term savings on gas.

An alternative to hybrid vehicles is the diesel engine. While diesel fuel generally costs more per gallon, the increased miles per gallon of diesel engines more than make up for the difference in the cost per gallon.

While all-electric vehicles certainly provide the most economical fuel usage in a vehicle, they can be hard to find, especially if you have a limited budget to work with. At AutoMax, we have some of the best selection of vehicles at our buy here pay here car lots. Below are a few of our favorite fuel-efficient vehicles you should look out for on our lots.

Searching For An Efficient Used Car

Finding the best used cars for sale doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We have a wide variety of vehicles in our inventory that will fit your needs and budget. We make it easy to purchase the economical vehicle you want by making financing available to everybody with our buy here pay here approach to used car selling.

A buy here pay here dealership makes purchasing a car easy for everyone, as the buyer only has to have a job to be approved for financing. On-the-lot financing at AutoMax in Henderson and Youngsville, NC means you can get a car loan straight from us, regardless of your financial history.

Different Vehicle Options

Of course, the needs of each purchaser vary based on the usage expected for the vehicle. Hybrids, as previously mentioned, will be the alternative that is best suited for most people because they provide the highest mileage on a single tank of gas.

Some leading hybrid vehicles on the market are the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, the Honda Accord and Honda Insight Hybrids, the Toyota Camry and Prius Hybrids, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid.

Non-hybrid vehicles that will give you the best fuel efficiency are compacts, coupes, and sedans. Many of the vehicles in this class can give you very respectable fuel efficiencies and can be bought used for under $20,000. Using a traditional gasoline engine with modern technology will allow these vehicles to achieve a fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon, and sometimes up to 40 miles per gallon.

Near the top of the list for this vehicle class is the Toyota Prius, the Volkswagen Golf TDI, the Honda Civic, the Mazda 3, the Toyota Corolla, and the Hyundai Elantra.

Trucks And SUVs To Consider

Many people need larger vehicles because of their work or family requirements, and there are ways to purchase trucks and SUVs which can achieve better fuel mileage if you shop around. Many truck models can be found with diesel engines, which can give enhanced fuel economy; however, there are gasoline-powered trucks and SUVs which can achieve some very acceptable mileage as well.

Leading the way in used trucks are the Nissan Titan (2017), the GMC Sierra 1500 (2015), the Chevy Silverado 1500 (2014), the Nissan Frontier (2016), the Ford Ranger (2011), the Dodge Ram (2017), the Toyota Tacoma (2017), and the Honda Ridgeline (2017).

SUVs making the top list for fuel economy are the Nissan Juke (2015), the Lexus RX (2015), the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2015), the Hyundai Tucson (2015), and the Ford Escape Hybrid (2012).

Getting The Best Used Vehicle At AutoMax In Henderson And Youngsville

The aforementioned vehicles represent some of the top choices in fuel economy in the various vehicle classes, as rated by various sources. There are others you can find by visiting your local AutoMax used car lots, where our professionals will guide you through purchasing a used vehicle which will fit your needs. Visit one of our AutoMax locations in North Carolina or get started by filling out our online credit application.

How to Identify a True Buy Here Pay Here Dealership

AutoMax Is The Premier Buy Here Pay Here Car Lot In North Carolina

Are you in the market for a car, but know you’ll need financing? Are you concerned about getting fair financing options because of your credit, or other past financial missteps? If you answered yes, then AutoMax is the place for you. At AutoMax, we provide in-house financing, where you can buy and pay right here in North Carolina. If you have low or damaged credit, or have been rejected for traditional car loans at other dealerships, no need to worry. Our in-house financing experts will work with you to help you determine the best price range for your budget, and to also come up with a feasible payment plan.

Buy here pay here dealerships offer some other advantages, too. With in-house financing, there’s typically much less paperwork to complete. You’re more likely to get financing through a buy here pay here dealership, thanks to the elimination of banks and other third-party lenders. The process is quicker, and making payments is easier since you’re given more flexible options than traditional lending.

So, what do we offer at AutoMax that makes us different? We’re not like other buy here pay here car lots, where a lot is promised but never delivered. Our mission is exactly as stated – we’re confident you’ll find the best vehicle for your needs and budget, along with tip-top service.

In-House Financing: Is It Really A Thing?

One of the problems plaguing used car dealerships is false advertising. Some dealerships will specify they offer in-house financing, but really, they’re outsourcing the financing to a third party. They get commission on financing, so there’s a strong incentive for the dealership to use providers that don’t necessarily offer the best deal to the consumer.

When you visit us at AutoMax, one of our team members will get you started on a credit approval application and will be there to answer any questions you may have. This application isn’t forwarded to any banks or lending institutions for approval; rather, the entire financing process is done in-house where we, AutoMax, are the lender. Our staff does all the credit checks and processing of the loan from start to finish.

Once the loan is completed and payments are calculated, you can make your way to our lot to choose from a wide selection of vehicles that fall within your budget. Once you’ve chosen your ideal vehicle, you can make your car payments at the same dealership where you purchased your vehicle. Your personal information is safe with us.

AutoMax: A True Buy Here Pay Here Dealership

So, you may wonder, how do I determine if this is a true buy here pay here dealership? One answer is in the way our dealership accepts car payments. We allow our customers to set up automatic payment directly from their bank account, as well as in-store, via our online payment portal, and by phone. No need to call a bank or other lending institution – you’ll be doing business right in the same spot where you purchased your vehicle.

Below you’ll find a few other ways to ensure you’re truly doing business with a genuine buy here pay here car lot that offers in-house financing:

  • Car purchased at the dealership
  • Lender is the dealership
  • Payments are made to the dealership
  • No other lender is involved
  • More customers receive financing than with traditional lenders

We can work with customers whose car loan applications have been rejected by the traditional banks. At our buy here pay here car lots, we work with all our customers to meet their needs. If for some reason we cannot finance a vehicle for you, we won’t send your credit information to a bank or another car dealer.

At AutoMax, we make purchasing a vehicle a one-stop experience, and we’re happy to have you stop by and see what we offer in North Carolina. Call us or drive by and talk to one of our team members, who’ll be readily available to help you make your next vehicle buying experience a dream come true.

Credit 101: How to Improve Your Credit Score

Get Access To Better In-House Car Financing With An Improved Credit Score

Improving our credit score is something we can all benefit from. You typically need a certain level of credit to purchase a used vehicle at a traditional dealership. But this begs the basic question: How do I improve my credit score?

How To Improve Your Credit Score

First, you must understand how you can improve your credit score to help you purchase a new vehicle. It can be intimidating for some borrowers to buy a used vehicle, but these tips and techniques can be used to improve your credit score so that you can get the used vehicle you need for work, activities, and leisure.

Pay down your loans.

The first step is to pay down the balance of your current loans over time. By paying down the balance, the credit utilization that you have will be reduced, and this can lead to a higher credit score. It is critical to make sure that the balance on any auto loans or other loans is consistently paid over time. When you maintain a history of paying your auto loans over time, you will see a benefit when your credit history is run and this can lead to better loan opportunities in the future.

Build up a long credit history.

The next tip is to establish a long credit history. If you have a consistent track record that also spans a long period, this can enhance your credit score. You should attempt to purchase multiple used vehicles over long periods to see your credit scores rise over time. Consistency and a long track record are huge when a credit score is being determined.

Avoid penalties.

Third, it is important to know that paying a vehicle off too early can lead to penalties that negatively affect a person’s credit score. You must read the terms of the loan agreement to see if paying a vehicle off too early will lead to penalties. If penalties can be accumulated, it can sometimes be better to simply pay the loan off over a longer period and to continue making consistent and on-time payments.

Negotiate

Fourth, a key tip is to negotiate the price of the vehicle you want to purchase. AutoMax is one of the top dealerships in North Carolina, and it’s vital to have good-faith negotiations with dealerships like us for a driver to get a reduced price for their vehicle. Negotiating a lower price can decrease the monthly payments of a vehicle, which will make it easier for you to make the payments and improve your credit score over time. This can allow you to get the vehicle that you need at a price that can enable you to significantly improve your credit score.

Many dealerships, like AutoMax in North Carolina, want to work with people so that they can get great deals on vehicles and improve their credit scores over time.

Reduce the number of credit checks performed.

Last, if you don’t choose a Buy Here Pay Here dealership, get financing before you visit the dealership. This will prevent them from running a credit check, which can lower your credit score. Simply knowing what you can and cannot be approved for can enhance the likelihood of no credit check being needed, which can lead to a higher credit score.

What Is A Buy Here Pay Here Dealership?

Buy Here Pay Here dealerships, like AutoMax in North Carolina, are dealerships that can help people who have bad credit purchase a vehicle. This can act as a saving grace for people in college, people who had bad luck in the past, and people who do not have a long enough credit history to get financing from traditional lending sources, such as a bank.

The dealership is not just in the business of selling the vehicle. It also wants to help you succeed financially and offers in-house financing options. This reduces the need to seek a loan from an external source, such as a bank.

Dealerships like AutoMax want to build strong and positive relationships with customers so that the relationship can be long-standing and based on mutual trust. Even people with bad credit can get loans from Buy Here Pay Here dealerships like AutoMax.

Benefits Of Buy Here Pay Here Car Lots

There are many benefits of getting a car from a Buy Here Pay Here dealership. The first benefit is that people with bad credit can get approved for a loan, which will enable them to make payments and improve their credit score in the future.

A Buy Here Pay Here dealership might be the only way for some people to receive a loan so that they can build up their credit over time. Dealerships like AutoMax allow people to receive a loan when they need it and build their credit history.

The second benefit is that the process is much simpler and everything is done at the dealership. Car loans from a traditional bank can take a long time to settle, but Buy Here Pay Here dealerships offer the financing you need at a faster pace.

Last, these dealerships are likely to treat you better than a bank because they want to build a personal relationship so that more cars are sold from their lot in the future. That these dealerships also do in-house financing might reduce their need to perform an advanced credit check, which can lead to the borrower not being forced to have their credit score lowered just for having it checked. If a Buy Here Pay Here dealership sounds like the right fit, visit us at AutoMax in Henderson, NC or AutoMax in Youngsville, NC. Or, get started right away by valuing your trade or filling out our online loan application.

How to Find a Reputable Buy Here Pay Here Dealership

Choosing The Right Buy Here Pay Here Dealership For Used Cars In North Carolina

Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a reliable Buy Here Pay Here car dealership. Buy Here Pay Here dealerships are some of the best dealerships in the industry, but it always helps to choose the best option in your area.

In this article, we outline a few things of importance that should be used to find and evaluate honest, trustworthy, and high-quality Buy Here Pay Here dealerships. As a veteran of the industry, we can advise what to look for and what to look out for.

AutoMax in North Carolina has a long and trusted reputation as one of the best places to come in North Carolina and are interested in checking out Buy Here Pay Here dealerships to find the perfect new used vehicle.

Customer Service

One of the first things to focus on when you are looking for a trusted Buy Here Pay Here dealer is whether they deliver excellent customer service or not. We aim to offer great customer service because we are building a closer and more meaningful relationship with the car seller than most traditional dealerships would.

At a Buy Here Pay Here dealership, the dealer is not just selling the vehicle to the buyer, but we are also financing the transaction for the buyer as well. This should build a policy of trust and the dealer should be more eager to deliver excellent service because we work with the customer in the long-term.

If you are looking for used cars in North Carolina, AutoMax is one of the top places to come because of the excellent customer service we offer. AutoMax will go out of our way to make sure that we know your likes, dislikes, what you are looking for, and how to point you to the right vehicle. We do not just want to sell you a car; we want to build a policy of trust and caring relationship with its customers.

AutoMax offers a warranty on our vehicles, which shows that we care about taking care of our customers, and we are also confident that they are not pushing bad and defective automobiles onto our clients. This is a sign that the company cares about delivering great value back.

Honesty

Another factor that you should consider when looking for a Buy Here Pay Here dealership is whether they are honest. There are tales of tricks that dealerships employ, but you can easily see through them. People know AutoMax for its reputation as an honest company. From the time we started until today, AutoMax has engaged in honest business and truly cares about the car owners who buy vehicles from us.

AutoMax isn’t just interested in selling vehicles. Sometimes the company will tell people when they cannot afford a vehicle, which is a rare and honest step. AutoMax is open and frank about things, which enables us to deliver more value to our customers than any dealership around us in North Carolina.

It is important to find a Buy Here Pay Here dealership that is not only interested in profits. If the company is willing to lose out on financial gain to help vulnerable consumers, that is the kind of dealership you should do business with, and this is how AutoMax operates.

Details

It is important to pay attention to the details when you talk to a car dealer. It would be possible to sign up for a deal that makes little sense for you. However, AutoMax in North Carolina makes sure we go over every aspect of the deal, the payment schedule, and we will even work with you if there are unusual circumstances.

If you cannot get details from a dealership, then it is not the right dealership for you. AutoMax prides itself in taking every measure to ensure that the borrower knows each detail of their agreement. AutoMax is even willing to help customers make budgeting plans and ensure that they can make the payments on time, given their situation.

If a dealership doesn’t feel comfortable with this level of transparency, the customer needs to look for other options.

Used Cars In North Carolina At AutoMax

AutoMax embodies every aspect of a successful Buy Here Pay Here dealership that cares about delivering positive outcomes for its clients. AutoMax has a proven record of delivering excellent customer service, being honest and transparent with customers, and sharing each detail with the customers they respect. Visit us at one of our used car dealerships in Youngsville, NC or Henderson, NC, or get started today with our online credit application.

Your Guide to Buying a Car with Bad Credit

Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships Offer Alternative Lending Options For Used Cars In North Carolina

Having bad credit doesn’t stop you from needing a car. Many people who want to buy a vehicle worry about their ability to purchase because they have poor credit. They stress that they won’t be able to get a loan from a bank, a credit agency, or another traditional lender. They believe lenders will reject them because of their low credit score and poor history.

Some tools can help people with bad credit focused on buying a car. There are plenty of used cars for sale at Buy Here Pay Here dealerships. These dealerships can be a saving grace for anyone who has experienced serious credit issues in the past. They specialize in offering a bad credit car loan to you who needs a car.

Buy Here Pay Here dealerships, such as AutoMax, have a proven history of enabling people with bad credit to get the vehicles that they so desperately need.

What Is A Buy Here Pay Here Dealership?

Many people with bad credit wonder what a Buy Here Pay Here dealership is. Buy Here Pay Here dealerships have been around for a long time, and AutoMax has some of the nicest used cars in North Carolina at our Buy Here Pay Here dealership.

At a Buy Here Pay Here dealership, the dealership handles vehicle financing, instead of a third-party. Traditionally, you would see a third-party like a bank or lending firm extend credit to a driver. However, a Buy Here Pay Here dealership can alter the process by not only selling you a vehicle but also financing the purchase.

People who buy from such a dealership tend to have lower credit and struggle with getting loans from a traditional institution. Buy Here Pay Here dealerships may need to charge a higher interest rate than traditional lenders because of the poor credit quality of the borrower and the higher risk involved.

This industry was formed in the 1970s in the United States during the savings and loan crisis when interest rates were significantly higher. The industry has been around ever since and has served as a niche market for those who do not have good credit. Buy Here Pay Here dealerships reduce their risk by also selling people the vehicle and making a profit from that. This is how they can assume the risk of financing a vehicle for someone with low credit quality.

Six Advantages Of Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships

There are many advantages to buying a vehicle from a Buy Here Pay Here dealership:

  1. If you cannot get a loan from traditional lending sources you can get a loan from Buy Here Pay Here dealerships. You might have to pay a marginally higher interest rate, but you can still have access to a vehicle that you ordinarily would not have access to. Buy Here Pay Here dealerships can enable you to build up your credit score as long as you make your payments on time and make them regularly
  2. You can usually get a car faster. When dealing with a traditional lender, you might not be able to finalize the deal for days or weeks, but you can leave in your new used vehicle the same day you decide to make the purchase at AutoMax. This is a critical advantage for people who need a car quickly and want to get moving fast.
  3. There is less paperwork. You do not have to face the daunting credit checks that might occur at a normal institution. The lack of paperwork is a huge stress reliever if you simply want to buy a vehicle and leave the dealership that day.
  4. Your credit score will not drop. Buy Here Pay Here dealerships do not perform extensive credit checks. Extensive credit checks lead to your credit score dropping, but that negative consequence is completely taken care of by buying through a Buy Here Pay Here dealership.
  5. The borrower can build a close relationship with the entity selling them the vehicle, since the same entity is also financing the deal. There are many advantages to building a closer relationship with the financer, which is usually not the case when you get financing via a traditional lending source.
  6. You typically don’t need to put down a large down payment. AutoMax is the top Buy Here Pay Here dealership in North Carolina, and we pride ourselves on building closer and deeper relationships with you. Our most popular sales event is held during the middle of November through the middle of January. AutoMax offers a $89-down deferred seasonal payment program. This Tax Max program means you can drive away in a vehicle today and only pay an $89 down payment. The rest of the down payment will be paid when you receive your tax return for the year. Please refer to our website for more details about this deferred seasonal payment program.

Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships In North Carolina

As you can see, there are many unique features and benefits to purchasing a vehicle from a Buy Here Pay Here dealership. Whether it is the ease of getting credit, the speed at which you can make a transaction, or the lack of required paperwork, you can solve your car issues by financing your next car purchase through a Buy Here Pay Here dealership like AutoMax in North Carolina. Visit us at one of our used car dealerships in Henderson and Youngsville, or get started right away with our online credit application.