Getting a car isn’t just a purchase; it’s a choice that affects every element of your life. obtaining a car can be hard, whether you’re replacing an old banger that won’t start, obtaining your first set of wheels, or attempting to avoid long bus rides. I have been down that road. I have also slipped on the rocks a few times. This essay isn’t about offering financial advise from a high horse; it’s about what it’s truly like to try to purchase a car when you don’t have perfect credit or a lot of money.
I worked in retail with hours that weren’t always the same when I first realized I wanted a car. I couldn’t rely on public transportation any longer. The buses never fit with my work schedule, and taxis were too pricey for my already tight budget. I knew I didn’t have the money, but I felt I could figure something out. At the time, I didn’t know how much my past financial blunders would effect me. A few years back, I got hit with a County Court Judgment (CCJ) after a loan spiralled out of control. It was settled now, but still sitting on my credit report. That’s when I started exploring my options and came across resources about financing a car with a CCJ today — something I hadn’t even realised was possible.
Why Saving for a Car Isn’t Always Straightforward
Let’s get something out of the way: saving for a car sounds simple, but it isn’t always realistic. If you’re paying rent, bills, maybe even helping out family or raising a kid — saving thousands of pounds can feel like climbing a mountain with no gear. I tried the “set aside £200 a month” method, but something always came up. One month it was an emergency vet bill. Another time it was a broken boiler. Life happens.
In the end, I stopped being hard on myself for not being able to save the whole amount. Instead, I focused on two things:
- Utilized an app — to keep track of my spending by putting each expense into a category.
- Setting a realistic goal — instead of buying outright, I looked into low-deposit or no-deposit car finance plans.
What No One Tells You About Financing with Bad Credit
Here’s the awkward bit: applying for car finance when you’ve had a rough credit history is a bit like applying for a job after being fired. You’ll face judgement. Some lenders won’t even reply. Others will offer terrible terms — sky-high interest rates, huge upfront payments, or ridiculous conditions. But there are decent companies out there who look beyond your credit score and actually assess your current situation.
I learned to avoid any lender that asked for upfront fees or made big promises too quickly. I also found it super helpful to have some paperwork ready: payslips, proof of address, and a clear explanation of the CCJ on my file. Transparency worked in my favour.
Alternatives I Considered Along the Way
Buying a car isn’t just a one-path deal. Here are some of the other options I explored before settling on my decision:
- Leasing instead of buying — This sounds appealing at first (lower monthly costs, new car), but most leases come with strict mileage limits and require a decent credit rating.
- Buying a cheaper second-hand car outright — Less risk, but also a gamble. Cheap often means unreliable, and I wasn’t keen on spending my last £2,000 only to face £800 in repairs two months later.
- Car subscription services — A modern solution that includes tax, insurance, and maintenance, but still too expensive for my budget.
- Borrowing from family — Not an option for everyone (it wasn’t for me), but worth considering if you have supportive relatives.
The Car I Chose and Why
After weighing everything up, I went with a modest 5-year-old hatchback through a bad credit finance plan. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was reliable. I paid a small deposit and spread the cost over 36 months. Yes, the interest was higher than someone with a clean credit file, but it was manageable, and — more importantly — it gave me my independence back.
I chose a model known for fuel efficiency and low insurance group to keep monthly costs in check. I also made sure I got a warranty — that one decision saved me when the starter motor failed six months later.
What I’d Do Differently (and What I’d Absolutely Repeat)
If I could rewind, I would:
- Check my credit report before applying.
- Ask more questions about total repayment amounts — not just the monthly instalments.
- Avoid applying to multiple lenders at once (too many hard checks hurt your score).
What I’d do again:
- Use comparison websites that specialise in bad credit finance.
- Focus on my budget, not just the car I “dreamed” of.
- Stay calm and be patient — the process can be slower, but that’s okay.
You’re Not Alone If It Feels Hard
The truth is, buying a car when your finances aren’t perfect is stressful — but it’s not impossible. And you’re not a failure because you can’t walk into a dealership and drop cash on the table. Life happens. Credit scores dip. Jobs get lost. Bills pile up. What matters is being smart about your next step.
If you’re navigating this world of CCJs, tight budgets, and tough decisions — I’ve been there. And I can say from experience, with the right mindset and a bit of research, you can still get the car you need and move forward.
Sometimes, progress is a 2017 hatchback that starts every time.