: Borrowers with credit scores near 500 can expect APRs between 15% and 25% or higher.

: Lenders may limit your choice to reliable, lower-priced used cars—often those under 10 years old with fewer than 100,000 miles.

: To keep monthly payments affordable, you might see terms ranging from 60 to 70 months , though shorter terms (30–48 months) are better for rebuilding credit without overpaying in interest.

Buying a car with bad credit and only $500 down is achievable, primarily through specialized subprime lenders and "Buy Here Pay Here" (BHPH) dealerships. While $500 is below the typical 10%–20% recommendation, it can serve as a "good faith" deposit to secure a reliable used vehicle. Where to Shop with $500 Down