Imagine this: you, my friend, are poised to welcome the exciting universe of vehicle shopping on a lovely Saturday afternoon. The concept of a bright, new-to-you car makes you happy as a child in a candy shop. Your giddy-up, though, has a flaw—those nasty credit scores. Lucky for you, enter stage right: Buy here pay here near me auto lots, where your credit problems don’t throw a monkey wrench in your car ambitions.

Let’s start the BHPH experience’s tires spinning. Among these lots’ appealing qualities is one related to Financing that occurs there beneath the same roof that houses that lovely ride. Not banker’s hours, not leaping through a maze of hoops. Consider this: You nod along as the dealer works numbers, and before you know it you are given the keys. The deal may be as quick as making your daily coffee. For those with less than ideal credit, that kind of quickness is a not-so-secret weapon.

I am now slightly pumping the brakes. The other side of the coin is increased interest rates. Since the dealer bears financing risk, the price tag usually shows more heaviness than in conventional finance. Sometimes those quick nod-and-sign sessions come with a bigger financial load down-stream. Like a puppy, beautiful and cuddly at first, but you might find some chewed-up shoes in your future.

Still another anomaly of BHPH? the large upfront fees. Imagine this: you chose your car and are ready to cruise off into the dusk. Then the dealer abruptly pulls out a demand for a large down payment. It’s like paying for a gourmet dinner ahead before they even set out the dinnerware. Before you plunge in, give this upfront expense some thought.

Turning now to inventories, let’s talk about Not expect the newest model or that ideal car you place on your vision board. Older, more mileage-bearing BHPH lots sometimes feature vehicles. Imagine sorting through the record store’s dollar bin; although there are treasures there, you will need a good eye.

Would you so choose this less-traveled road? For those who, despite the obstacles, deviate from the conventional path, BHPH lots provide a safety net. For some, it’s an exciting choice—a rollercoaster for the credit-challenged with turns you would want to buckle up for. Like any great road trip, it’s all about being ready so you won’t find yourself lost on the road to car-ownership happiness.