Using the latest JD Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study we pick those cars that should work for most auto loans for car buyers with damaged credit
Top Affordable Cars with Poor Credit
What we know

A good rule for borrowers with problem credit to follow is that they should place the most dependable cars they're considering at the top of their shopping lists.

Here at Auto Credit Express we've come to this conclusion after spending over twenty years helping consumers with bad credit that are searching for online auto loans find the new car dealers that can give them their best chances at arranging auto loan approvals.

Reliable transportation

The fact is that with the significant interest rates charged by high-risk lenders, the overall dependability of a vehicle plays an important role in the successful completion of many of these loans.

The good news is that according to a recent automotive report the latest models are more dependable than ever.

According to David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates, "The continuous improvement in long-term dependability means consumers should have more confidence in three-year-old vehicles, whether they are keeping their current vehicle or shopping for a used car, truck, crossover or SUV. This means there are a lot of dependable off-lease vehicles in the used-vehicle market. It also means that owners who keep their vehicle beyond the manufacturer's warranty period are able to have greater peace of mind that vehicles are becoming increasingly more dependable. That said, it is virtually certain that new vehicles being sold today will be even more reliable in three years."

2013 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study

The Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) measures problems experienced by the original owners of three-year-old vehicles (in this case 2010 models) during the past twelve months. The report measures overall dependability by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100). This year, the study was "based on responses from more than 37,000 original owners of 2010 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership" and was conducted between October and December of 2012.

To put their results in perspective, the 2013 study showed overall vehicle model dependability averaged 126 problems per 100 vehicles (or 126 PP100 in Power jargon). This marks a five percent improvement over last year and the lowest since the study's inception in 1989.

Choices for buyers with credit issues

For borrowers with less than perfect credit scores, we've listed the winners and top finishers in the three most affordable vehicle categories - subcompact and compact cars and compact multi-purpose vehicles:

Dependable vehicles

Top Three Models per Segment
Car Segments

Sub-Compact Car

Highest Ranked: Scion xD
Toyota Yaris
Hyundai Accent

Compact Car

Although the highest ranked compact vehicle in the J.D. Power VDS was the Toyota Prius, both new and used examples of this car are usually too pricey for less than credit-worthy borrowers. Fortunately, the next two finishers are typically more affordable:

Ford Focus
Mazda MAZDA3

Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle

Highest Ranked: Scion xB
Chevrolet HHR
Kia Soul

The report also came to three other conclusions:

The perception that all-new or redesigned models can't be as dependable as those that have been on the market for a year or more is not accurate. Just because a model is new to the market or has been recently redesigned doesn't necessarily mean it won't be as reliable. In fact, dependability of all-new and redesigned models is at a record high, according to 2013 VDS data.

Dependability of three-year-old models is at an all-time high. If you can't afford a new vehicle, or simply don't want one, you should feel confident when buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle. Whether buying a CPO vehicle or not, be sure to check quality, appeal and dependability ratings

Improvements in vehicle dependability have been made by both domestic and import brands, and the gap between the two is narrowing. Perceptions of dependability should not be based purely on vehicle origin—consumers should research a variety of sources in order to make a decision consistent with the current reality of the market.

As we see it

One of the keys to successfully completing a subprime car loans is financing a dependable vehicle. The latest study from J.D. Powers and Associates should help guide these car buyers in selecting the right model.

Another good tip: Auto Credit Express we match people that have experienced credit difficulties with new car dealers that can offer them their best opportunities for approved auto loans.

So if you're ready to reestablish your car credit, you can begin now by filling out our online auto loan application.