Affiliate disclosure: ApprovalForAll earns a commission when you apply or buy through some of our links — at no extra cost to you. We are not a lender. Approval, terms, and rates are determined by the financing company.
Major auto repairs hit at the worst times. When you cannot pay cash for a $1,500 transmission repair or $800 brake job, here are the bad-credit financing options.
Explore an option
If you are reading this, you likely want a clear next step. Here is one worth knowing about.
Top bad-credit auto repair financing options
1. CarCareOne / Synchrony Car Care
Specifically designed for auto repair financing. Accepted at 25,000+ shops nationwide. 6-month 0% APR on $199+.
2. Snap Finance at independent shops
Available at thousands of independent repair shops. No hard pull.
3. Goodyear Credit Card
Use at Goodyear Auto Service centers (oil changes, brakes, tires, more).
4. Affirm at participating mechanic chains
Available at some Pep Boys, Midas, and Meineke locations.
5. Personal loan options
For larger repairs ($2,500+), a personal loan from Avant, Upgrade, or LendingClub may have lower total cost than store financing if you can qualify.
Common repair cost reality
- Brake pads + rotors (full): $400-$800
- Timing belt replacement: $500-$1,200
- Transmission repair: $1,500-$4,000
- Engine rebuild: $3,000-$7,000+
- Catalytic converter: $500-$2,500
- Air conditioning repair: $200-$1,500
When repair vs replace
If repair cost exceeds 50% of car value, consider replacement. A $4,000 transmission repair on a $5,000 car is poor financial logic.
Verdict
For most bad-credit auto repair financing, CarCareOne or Snap Finance at the repair shop is the smart pathway. For repairs over $2,500, compare against personal loan rates from Avant or Upgrade.
Reminder: Approval and terms vary by lender. Verify rates and fees before applying.
One more worth bookmarking
Whatever you choose above, this is a useful, no-cost companion tool for anyone working on their credit.