While Seattle was proudly the first state to put law enforcement officials on bicycles, sometimes having a car is necessary in the Emerald City. Whether you need to commute into the city from a suburb, or you're just interested in exploring everything the beautiful state of Washington has to offer, access to reliable transportation is a good thing to have.

But, what if you have damaged credit? Are there certain cars that are better for bad credit buyers? Sure, you'll want a vehicle that won't break your budget, but it would also be wise to purchase a car that will perform well and last for several years. What are some good options?

Cars that are Popular with Seattle Bad Credit Buyers

Data recently compiled by Drivers Lane indicates that certain used vehicles are very popular with buyers who have credit issues. These are listed below, along with a rough price estimate based on what the average buyer appears to be paying.bad credit, seattle, auto loans

  • The 2013 Hyundai Elantra – Under $15,000
  • The 2011 Ford F-150 – Under $30,000
  • The 2012 Ford Fusion – Under $15,000
  • The 2007 Dodge Charger – Under $10,000 (for base model)
  • The 2013 Chevrolet Impala – Under $15,000
  • The 2014 Jeep Patriot – Under $20,000
  • The 2012 Chrysler 200 – Under $15,000
  • The 2006 Dodge Stratus – Under $10,000
  • The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze – Under $15,000
  • The 2014 Dodge Avenger – Under $15,000

And while these vehicles are currently the most popular with bad credit car buyers, they are not all highly recommended. For example, even used F-150s are on the pricey side, and for the sake of easy maintenance, you may want to purchase a car that's a little more recent than a 2006 model. So, with this in mind, this list can be narrowed down to which vehicles can be recommended based on performance ability, price and safety.

Recommended Cars for Bad Credit Buyers in Seattle

These 3 cars can be confidently recommended to buyers with compromised credit who want a quality vehicle at a good price.

  • The 2013 Hyundai Elantra: For the price, a 2013 Elantra is a great car to own and drive. It's a smaller car (especially the coupe), but even tall drivers have reported that it's roomy enough to be comfortable. It also gets excellent gas mileage (up to 28 mpg city/38 highway), and the four-door version has earned Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Consider this vehicle a "best all around" choice, and purchase it with confidence, knowing that it will be good for both your budget and your peace of mind.
  • The 2012 Ford Fusion: This is the version of the Fusion that came out right before the full redesign, but it still boasts solid features and impressive ratings across the board. The four-cylinder model with an automatic transmission gets 23 mpg city/33 highway, which is considered to be pretty good for the midsize car segment. It earned a "Best Cars Awards" title from U.S. News and World Report in the "Best Cars for Families" category, and many of the available trims include top-tier safety technology. It has also been noted in several reviews that the 2012 Ford Fusion is "spacious" and "fun to drive."
  • The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze: While many drivers have found this vehicle to be less than exciting to drive and unremarkable in appearance, it does offer a lot of value in the way of reliability, safety and fuel economy (the base model gets 22 mpg city/35 highway). It's a practical car that's meant for everyday use and is easy to maintain. If you consider yourself to be the ultimate pragmatist, this may be the car for you. The Car Connection states, "If you want a compact sedan and are prioritizing safety, you can't do any better than the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze." In fact, the Cruze has aced every major crash-test program in the world, a feat that not many vehicles have managed.

Just keep in mind that while choosing the right car is important, getting the best financing is the most important detail to consider. But, luckily, this can be relatively easy, even for a buyer with bad credit. You just have to know where to look.

The Bad Credit Car Buying Process

While Seattle is rated as a "Very Walkable" city by WalkScore.com, what if you only work there? Renting or buying a home in Seattle is fairly expensive, so it makes sense for many Seattle workers to live outside of the city, but doing so is difficult if you don't have your own car.

But, you can get the vehicle you need quickly if you contact Drivers Lane. After applying with us, we'll connect you with the dealer in your area who is the most qualified to handle your unique situation. This dealer will then get you approved for financing through a lender that is capable of looking beyond your credit score.

Once your auto loan has been taken care of, you will select a vehicle from your dealer's expansive inventory. You will end up with a great car, and your payments will fit comfortably within your existing budget. Then, after you have made several timely payments, you will notice the gradual improvement of your credit rating. So, with proper payment management, the next time you need to buy a vehicle, you will enjoy the freedom of being able to get financing through virtually any bank or credit union.

Drivers Lane Serves Seattle

Don't miss out on another season of awesome outdoor activities. The next time the Cascades are calling, you can be ready with your new or used car, truck or SUV. Regardless of what shape your credit is in, Drivers Lane can work with your situation. We may even be able to get you approved with little or no money down.

Just fill out our fast and secure online application to get started today.