We all need some type of transportation, and for most Americans that means a car or similar vehicle. However, most of us don't have thousands of dollars in the bank to pay cash for a new car, so we finance it with an auto loan. And even folks with a bad credit history and low credit scores can get an auto loan. Here's how:

BE PREPARED:

Any car loan lender is going to want to see some paperwork. Be prepared by bringing copies of pay stubs, proof of address, and some type of record that shows how long you've been employed. You'll also need all the basic information, such as your phone number and social security number. It helps to have all this information handy before you apply for the loan, since being prepared will speed up the process and demonstrate your seriousness about buying the car.

PAY MORE:

People with bad credit are generally considered risky borrowers from a lender's point of view. This means the lender may charge you higher rates and fees to offset the risk. In general, expect to pay at least a few percent more on your interest rate if you have a bad credit history. You may also need to have a larger down payment than usual, since it'll lower the amount you need to borrow and also demonstrate a certain amount of fiscal responsibility. If desired, you may be able to lower the interest rate by securing the loan with collateral, such as a piece of jewelry, your home or another vehicle.

MAKE PAYMENTS:

Many used vehicle lots offer a "Buy Here Pay Here" option. Essentially, rather than undergoing a detailed credit check, the dealer allows you to make weekly or monthly payments directly to him. These kinds of loans are usually limited to small, independently owned car lots.

Before you immediately accept the car dealer's word that you have bad credit, be sure to check your credit score on your own. Almost everyone has a black mark or two on their credit history, and some unscrupulous car dealers might tell you that you have "bad credit" in an effort to push higher interest rates on your loan.