Your debt to income ratio is important when you're considering taking out a car loan. It's one of many calculations lenders do to ensure you can afford to repay an auto loan. Find out how to calculate yours, and why knowing this is important for your next car.

Unless they report all of their income, credit-challenged consumers who get paid under the table will find it very difficult getting approved by a subprime lender. But there are acceptable alternatives including paying cash as well as getting financed with a BHPH dealer that reports to the credit bureaus.

Subprime lenders—those willing to approve applicants with poor credit—emphasize many other factors beyond your credit when making loan decisions. Your income is one of the biggest determining factors in whether or not you qualify.

If you have two jobs, you can combine the income from each provided the lender allows it. Keep in mind that a second job may only be considered depending on how long you've had it. Other lenders want you to meet the minimum income requirement with the income from one job.

Consumers responsible for making child support payments as well as those who depend on this type of income should know how these situations, especially if they have poor credit, could impact their chances of an auto loan approval.

Its difficult enough getting approved for a regular car loan if all or some your income comes from disability or SSI payments and it's even harder if you're trying to get approved for a bad credit auto loan.

When you're financing a vehicle, lenders don't just take your word when it comes to income amount, they need proof – typically in the form of documents used to make various calculations about your auto loan and your ability to repay it.

You can get into an auto loan without traditional W-2 income, but it might be a little more difficult. You usually need some sort of verifiable income to get a car loan, and you may also need to apply with the right type of lender for your situation.

Not everyone works a regular nine-to-five job. For those who are self-employed or freelancers and need an auto loan, here's what to expect when you apply.

The length of time you've been employed is a factor when it comes to getting approved for an auto loan. Here are the employment requirements to be aware of.