If given the choice of a new car, borrowers with tarnished credit should choose the model with the better record of reliability.

May is National Military Appreciation Month and military personnel on active duty, even those with credit issues, can sometimes take advantage of special military discounts, offered by many car manufacturers, which can make a new car more affordable.

The Castrol Protection Plus program can give used car buyers additional peace of mind. Buyers with credit issues, however, should keep in mind that it's not available at all dealerships, oil changes will be more expensive, and it doesn't take the place of a certified used car warranty or used car service contract.

The 2017 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study reveals that, for the second year in a row, Korean automaker Kia, which makes some of the most affordable vehicles sold here, is the top brand in new-vehicle initial quality.

Saving money on coverage is great, but it’s just as important that consumers with less than perfect credit be satisfied with their car insurance provider.

Consumers with problem credit that need a car loan should always be looking for any way they can reduce the overall expenses inherent in these types of loans.

Even drivers with credit issues should ask their car insurance provider about low mileage, marriage, occupational, good student, and defensive driver discounts. Although they must be self-reported (by the driver), taking advantage of even a few of them could save the policyholder a substantial amount of money – but only if they inform the insurance company.

Car buyers - particularly those with bad credit who are often on a tight budget - should take care when picking out a used car and keep in mind the recent flooding in South Carolina. Remember: If the price of a used car looks too good to be true, it probably is.

How the latest online security vulnerability could even affect consumers with less than perfect credit

The expanded Military Discount Program from General Motors that runs through June 30th offers an opportunity for even more active, reserve, retired and veteran military with credit issues to save even more money on a new car while reducing the overall interest expenses of a subprime car loan. But in order to take advantage of the program, these borrowers must first qualify for a new car at a participating GM dealer that also specializes in problem credit car loans.