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About CarsDirect
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CarsDirect is a car buying site that helps you find vehicles and auto loans in one place. The company itself does not sell cars or lend to buyers, but it can connect you with sellers in your area and lenders that meet your needs. CarsDirect can potentially help even if you have a low credit score or no credit score at all. The website is free to use while you shop or apply for a loan.
Pros & Cons
- Find new and used cars
- Free to use
- Lender network accepts poor credit
- Little published loan information
- Not a direct lender
What is CarsDirect?
CarsDirect is an online platform where you can shop for a car or apply for an auto loan. However, CarsDirect is not actually a lender or dealer. It’s a hub that helps connect you with lenders or dealerships that meet your needs.
When you visit CarsDirect online, you can find listings for used vehicles, build and price a new vehicle or submit a loan request. It doesn’t cost anything for you to use the site, and CarsDirect can potentially help find a lender even if you have a low credit score.
CarsDirect also provides tools and resources to help you find the right car, including deals on new and used vehicles. It has a guide to different manufacturers’ certified pre-owned programs, too.
How does CarsDirect work?
Since CarsDirect is not a lender or seller, you can’t buy a vehicle or secure a loan from CarsDirect itself. That said, finding your perfect car or connecting with a lender through CarsDirect is a relatively simple process.
To buy a new or used car, simply set your desired criteria, such as make, model and price range. CarsDirect shows you results that match your search. However, CarsDirect provides different results for new and used cars.
- New car results include information on the vehicle in question and the opportunity to get a custom price quote.
- Used car results are actual listings from local dealerships. Most listings include a photo, price, mileage and distance to your location. You can connect to the dealer through the listing and arrange to purchase the vehicle.
To apply for a loan through CarsDirect, start with the company’s 60-second auto loan request. This involves providing basic information, such as your name, age and residential info.
Once you submit your form, a CarsDirect partner should respond within 24 hours to discuss your financing options. The company can help you even if you have bad credit, no credit or a previous bankruptcy. CarsDirect also offers refinancing.
CarsDirect pricing
It costs nothing to use CarsDirect, but the cost of the services it connects you with are unique to your situation.
Vehicle pricing depends on your location, the make and model you choose, whether the vehicle is new or used and many other factors. The overall cost of your loan depends on your loan term and annual percentage rate (APR). To make sure you’re getting a good deal on your vehicle and financing, shop around and compare options from different sources.
CarsDirect FAQ
What kind of credit score do you need to buy a car from CarsDirect?
CarsDirect can work with bad or nonexistent credit scores, even if you have a bankruptcy in your past.
Can you lease a car with no money down from CarsDirect?
Yes, it’s possible to qualify for a lease with no money down, but it takes good credit. However, you’ll likely still have to pay a security deposit. The upside is that you can potentially get this money back at the end of your lease.
How long does it take to get a car on CarsDirect?
The speed of your transaction depends on a number of factors, including the lender you connect with, whether you’re buying a new or used car and the seller you’re working with.
Does CarsDirect offer auto refinancing?
CarsDirect can help you refinance your auto loan, but, like with its other financing options, the loan is provided by a third party.
Is CarsDirect legit?
CarsDirect is a good way to shop for a new or used car, especially if you have poor credit. It’s a convenient hub that connects you to lenders and dealers. However, it’s up to you to research the lender and seller you’re working with before you commit. Also, remember to always compare prices and loan terms from multiple sources to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
CarsDirect Reviews
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- 4,568,520 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
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- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
CarsDirect Company Information
- Company Name:
- CarsDirect
- Year Founded:
- 1998
- Address:
- 909 North Sepulveda Blvd. 11th Floor
- City:
- El Segundo,
- State/Province:
- CA
- Postal Code:
- 90245
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.carsdirect.com