Buy Here Pay Here?

[livingonaprayer]

We just converted our Ch 13 to a Ch 7. We are having to surrender both cars. We were in the 13 for over 3 1/2 years and we can't pay them - they were in our Ch 13 and the amount owed is quite high.

From what I understand they'll be gone soon after our 341. We won't have a car and we have no money to buy something outright. We need transportation.
Has anyone had success getting a car while in Ch 7 before discharge? After discharge?

If you've had success in the Metro Atlanta area - where?

And does anyone have any advice about Buy here Pay here places?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[AngelinaCatHub]

Well the buy here pay here places are OK, for awhile, but the interest is high and the cars are usually rejects from other lots. Look close at a cheap car, and when you get up some extra, purchase a car from an individual is a good idea. They usually are distressed themselves and want unload. I have made some good deals. Try auctions at charities too. 'Hub

[Cali]

What is wrong with using public transportation until you are able to purchase something? I know Atlanta area and public transportation goes pretty much everywhere.

[livingonaprayer]

We live outside of the perimeter (no where near Marta, if that's what you mean) and are not even close to one of the Gwinnett County Transit Bus stops(It would take 15 minutes of DRIVE time just to get to one of their stops from where we live). The places I need to go are not even on a bus route. So public transportation is not an option. I mainly need to get to my children's school as needed (they do ride the bus to and from school), sometimes kids just get hurt or sick and need to be picked up. I had to go to the school 3 times in the last week to pick up my children because they were sick. Then of course I had to take them to the doctor and go to the pharmacy for their prescriptions. The only other places I'll need to go are the grocery store, church, drs. office, pharmacy and to visit family which is a couple of counties away. Oh and I'll be starting a new job in the evenings very soon.

I wish it were that easy.

[BassBoy]

Buy here, pay here places will not usually extend credit to anyone in active BK. A friend of mine tried this because his vehicle was repo'd before his discharge and they would not finance him.

For the most part, it can be difficult to get financed during an active BK. It's always best to wait until your discharge. I know that may seem difficult when your vehicles are gone before then, but it's best to hold off.

After your discharge, it's possible to obtain financing, but be prepared for a rude awakening as far as the terms. The interest rates can be quite high. Anyways, there are many delears that have Fresh Start programs these days, so call around and talk with the special finance managers at different deleaerships and they will be able to give you a lot of good information. Not to mention, they have good relationships with many lenders and they can help you get into a quality car with a loan that has favorable terms. Of course you may not get the 0.0%, 1.9%, 2.9% and etc. interest rates, but it won't be as high as, let's say, the Buy Here, Pay Here places.

Good luck to you!