With income tax season just around the corner there are a couple of reasons car shoppers with less than perfect credit have an advantage this time of year.

For borrowers with bad credit, a very large down payment can often offset a number of other negatives, including income that cannot be garnished. But in addition to exceeding the down payment requirements, many subprime lenders will also look at a borrower's stability, income and past credit habits before approving the application.

You certainly can use your trade-in as a down payment. In fact, it’s highly recommended you do so if you’re looking to save money on a new car loan and have equity in your trade-in.

Finding the ideal car loan down payment can be a challenge. How much you’ll need to put down depends on the lender’s requirements as well as your own finances.

If you have strong credit and make a qualifying income, you may not be required to make a down payment when purchasing a car. With bad credit, however, you can expect the lender to ask for a down payment.

When you get a car loan, the only individual who can tell you what your required down payment amount will be is the lender. Down payments are based on a buyer’s specific situation, and vary by credit score and lender. While the minimum may be enough to satisfy the down payment requirement, it’s in your best interest to use the largest down payment possible.

The benefits of having a down payment outweigh the disadvantages. Saving up for a down payment can take time, so can you use a personal loan?

Car buyers with bad credit often look for a way to get a car loan without a down payment. With all the advantages that come with putting money down on a car, you'll be better off with a take-charge approach.

For consumers with less than perfect credit, a down payment can be one of the best tools to begin a successful auto loan. There are a number of reasons this is a best practice, and statistics have shown that consumers who contribute large down payments have a higher rate of successfully completing their auto loans.

Lenders have found that people who initially invested their own money in a vehicle have a higher rate for successfully completing an auto loan. But time and time again, people with bad credit looking for auto financing hear the words “down payment” and run for the hills. However, no matter how you look at it, a down payment can only benefit almost all car buyers.