We earn a commission from brands listed on this site. This influences the order and manner in which these listings are presented.
BestMoney.com

CarsDirect Car Loans Review

Reviews 149
CarsDirect
Visit Site
CarsDirect
CarsDirect
Poor
Reviews 149
Caroline Benton
Aug. 13, 2024
3 min read
Caroline Banton
CarsDirect Summary
CarsDirect is a trusted name in the world of online auto sales and financing. The marketplace platform specializes in helping customers with past bankruptcies, weak credit, or no credit at all. CarsDirect has a vast network of private lenders offering competitive rates.

Pros

  • Simple and quick application process
  • Matches you with specific lenders that fit your needs

Cons

  • Lenders may continue to contact you even after you pick a loan
  • Not a direct lender, so rates and terms are not guaranteed

CarsDirect at a glance

9.2
Editorial score

Online experience

Good online resources, but no access to rates
8.0

Customer services and support

Multiple ways of reaching lender but limited hours
8.0

Loan Types

Offers all loan types
10.0

Repayment Flexibility

Offers flexible repayment plans & the option for special repayment programs
10.0

Eligibility (credit score)

Accepts all credit types
10.0

CarsDirect CarsDirect Visit Site

Suitable For?

CarsDirect could be the choice for you if you have poor credit, or no credit score at all, as there is no minimum score requirement, and many of its loan providers are happy to work with customers who are actively working to improve their credit. CarsDirect will even help you if you have experienced bankruptcy in the past. Thanks to a national network of partners, CarsDirect is well-positioned to secure you an offer from a local lender no matter where you live. 

CarsDirect Features

CarsDirect’s quick loan application can be completed in just minutes. The speedy matching process connects you with CarsDirect’s large network of national lenders as soon as the next business day. 

The educational resources on the CarsDirect website sets it apart from its competitors. The platform hosts an expansive selection of articles that cover topics such as loan application, finding the right lender, financing strategies, and empowering customers with tools to make the right decision. To help you better determine your pricing range and budget, CarsDirect features a handy loan calculator on its website. 

Highlights include:

  • A simple and speedy loan application process
  • Obligation-free application 
  • Loan offers within a day 
  • Loans available for all credit types
  • Option for loans with no money down
  • Extensive educational resources
  • A vast network of nationwide lenders

Application Process

The secure online application is obligation-free, so you are not required to choose a loan after submitting your form. The personal information that you provide helps CarsDirect pair you with the most appropriate lender based on your specific criteria. Information submitted on the form includes your email and phone number, social security number, and employment and financial information. CarsDirect prides itself on working with customers regardless of their credit background. Therefore, the platform does not have a minimum credit score requirement for loan applications. CarsDirect is flexible when it comes to borrower qualifications, but you must meet the following requirements:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • A minimum monthly income of at least $1,500 to 2,000
  • Proof of employment or income
  • Currently residing in the United States
  • Borrowers must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States

Once you have completed the initial pre-qualification form, CarsDirect will match you with several potential loan alternatives. You can then select the lender that is most suitable for your purposes. Once you have selected your preferred lender, you can finalize your loan terms and rates directly with that lender. Keep in mind that CarsDirect cannot guarantee any of the terms offered on its site. 

Loan Types and Terms

CarsDirect does not originate any of the loans listed on its website. Therefore, APRs, loan terms, and loan amounts will vary between lenders. You can still find valuable information, however, on the company’s comprehensive website.

CarsDirect works with several types of lenders, including dealerships, financial institutions, and alternative lenders. This means that the platform offers borrowers the convenience of purchasing and financing a new or used car with the same company. 

Some of the main services available include:

  • Loans for new and used cars with standard terms and rates
  • Loans for customers that have weak or no credit but still need to purchase a vehicle
  • Auto loan refinancing, which lets you modify your loan terms and rates and save on interest costs
  • Lease buyout loans that help customers finance their purchase of a car with a lease set to expire

How Safe is It?

CarsDirect has a transparent privacy policy that clearly states how it handles customer data. To connect a customer with a lender, CarsDirect must share personal information with its third-party clients. However, CarsDirect only gives customer data to companies who are affiliated with the company and Internet Brands, Inc. Customers also have the right to opt-out of certain data and cookie collections in many cases.  

Help & Support

CarsDirect representatives can be reached via a toll-free telephone number or by email. Waiting times for both channels are relatively short, and emails are usually answered within one business day. The company’s live chat is a distinguishing feature, which is available 24 hours a day.  

CarsDirect CarsDirect Visit Site

Final Word

CarsDirect has become a trusted name in the world of online auto sales and financing. CarsDirect and its affiliates specialize in customers with past bankruptcies, weak credit, or no credit at all. The marketplace platform features a vast national network of private lenders.  The application process is quick and simple, resulting in timely offers from interested lenders. CarsDirect has superior customer support and provides extensive educational resources on its website for less experienced borrowers. Overall, CarsDirect is an excellent option and resource for customers seeking auto financing regardless of their credit standing.

Physical Address

CarsDirect.com

909 North Sepulveda Blvd.

11th Floor

El Segundo, CA

90245


Caroline Banton
Written by
Caroline Benton
Caroline Banton is a freelance writer of business and finance articles that have been featured in The Huffington Post, The Motley Fool, Time, MSN, PYMNTS.com, GOBankingrates.com, SaleMove, and MyBankTracker.com. Before becoming a writer, Caroline had over fourteen years of experience working at the World Bank. Caroline has an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. She writes for BestMoney and enjoys helping readers make sense of the options on the market.‎
Top Car Loans
LendingTree
LendingTree
Read Review|Visit Site
Read all reviews

Must Reads

Compare 5 Providers for New and Used Auto Loans
Oct. 13, 2024
The Top 5 Companies For Auto Refinancing
Oct. 13, 2024
How to Buy a Car Online: From Start to Finish
Oct. 13, 2024
Read all articles
Trustpilot reviews
See what some customers are saying about CarsDirect
Bad • Reviews 149
on
Excellent
78%
Great
4%
Average
1%
Poor
2%
Bad
15%
We upload 100 to 400 Trustpilot reviews to our website daily, displaying them by default from "best" to "worst". You have the option to adjust the sorting criteria. If you wish to see all reviews, you can visit Trustpilot's website here.
Sort by