Buying a car with bad credit history: How Sun Motors specialises in refused car finance applications

HAD an application for car finance turned down? We know that securing funding for your dream car (or low-cost family runaround) can be a stress, which is why Sun Motors is simplifying finance for those with poor credit. 

You can check whether you’ll be eligible for a car loan in 60 seconds, with no negative impact on your credit rating.

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What’s more, if you’re approved, your finance deal will be available immediately, meaning you can stop dreaming and start driving.

Learn how Sun Motors can help you find the car you want at a realistic price with affordable monthly repayments. It’s the UK’s only marketplace where buyers can search cars they can actually afford.

Whether you’re interested in learning how to apply for car finance with poor credit, how much you can borrow and how to buy your dream car, we can help. 

Why car finance applications are rejected

Car finance lenders are all about risk. They use various statistical models to calculate your ability to repay the loan. 

It’s that simple. 

Not all finance applications pass, sadly. Understanding the reasons why can help you improve your own financial position, giving you the best chance of securing the cash you need for a new car.

So, why might your credit agreement be refused? Here are some of the common reasons car finance applications are refused:

• Poor credit history: Lenders look for responsible borrowing and repayment history. Missed payments, payment defaults, or (in the worst case) bankruptcy can lower your credit score and reduce your chances of approval.
• Lots of debt: High debt levels are a clear warning sign to lenders, especially as car loans are typically several thousand pounds. If your monthly financial outgoings, including credit card payments and loans, are high compared to your income, you’re less likely to get approved for finance.
• Lack of credit history: While borrowing too much is a warning, too little can leave you with no credit history. A lack of borrowing can make it difficult for lenders to assess your ability to manage finance and make repayments.
• Applying for too much cash: The larger the loan, the stricter the lending criteria. Only apply for a loan if the repayments are realistic.

What happens if you’ve had an application for car finance turned down?

Being turned down for a car finance loan can be disappointing, but it’s not the end of the road. 

Sun Motors provides access to a range of lenders specialising in arranging finance for those with a poor credit history.

These lenders will still perform finance and credit checks to ensure you’re able to repay a loan. But they’re more likely to be understanding if you’ve had problems repaying credit in the past.

Why? Because the loan is secured against the car. Fail to repay the loan and the finance company can take back the car.

One of the best things about Sun Motors finance is that you can check your eligibility in just 60 seconds. Fill out some details and you’ll get an instant decision with no impact on your credit history.

What have you got to lose?

How does car financing work with Sun Motors?

When you complete your credit check on Sun Motors, you’ll be able to see if you’ve been approved for a car loan, your interest rate and the monthly repayments.

Even if you’ve been denied finance elsewhere, you can still have a chance with Sun Motors finance. 

We have a relationship with a specialist lender that can offer flexible options, including hire-purchase deals, for borrowers with poor credit. That means even if you’ve been turned down elsewhere, it’s still worth applying. 

If you’re successful, you’ll get a decision in 60 seconds. You can then search for thousands of used cars you can afford to buy.

That means there’s no need to worry about being accepted, you can shop safe in the knowledge you have finance in place to bag any motor on the marketplace.

How can I apply for Sun Motors finance?

Before applying for car credit, you’ll need to confirm a few things:

• You’re aged 18 to 75 when the agreement starts
• You’ve been a UK resident (including Northern Ireland) for at least three years
• You’re in stable employment
• You can provide three months of bank statements and payslips.

If you’ve got all this, you’re ready to start.

Don’t worry if you’re self-employed. Lenders will still consider you for car finance, but you’ll probably need to provide some additional information. 

When you’re ready to apply, click here. 

You’ll be asked to provide some details about yourself, your address, where you work and a few other things to enable our lenders to identify you. 

Our finance partner will check your credit record and the details you’ve provided to decide whether you’ll be approved for finance and how much you can borrow. 

If the answer is yes, you can start shopping…

What do lenders check when I apply for car finance?

You can get an initial decision on car finance is less than 60 seconds, but you’ll need to provide more details to the lender before you get the cash to buy your car.

We don’t know exactly what lenders check, because they’re private businesses. We know they’ll be looking to confirm your identity and make a decision about what you can afford to repay and whether they trust you to do it.

Some of the things finance providers will need to agree your finance deal include:

• Driving licence: A valid and up-to-date licence is required
• Selfie with ID: A photo of yourself holding your driving licence may be requested to protect against fraud
• Proof of address: A minimum of three years address history is typically required, supported by documents like utility bills or council tax statements
• Proof of income: Bank statements and payslips for the last 3–6 months may be needed to confirm affordability
• Credit profile: With your consent, a hard credit check will be performed to assess your financial history and repayment behaviour

In most cases, as long as you’ve been honest with your answers, once you’ve provided all this information, your application will be approved.

Can I apply for car finance if I have poor credit?

Yes! Our funding partners work with a wide panel of lenders to find a finance option that can work for you – even if you have a poor credit history.

How much can I borrow to buy a vehicle?

Finance options through our funding partners typically range from £3,000 to £50,000, depending on your credit profile and individual circumstances.

For larger amounts exceeding £50,000, specialist lenders are available. It’s unlikely you’ll be eligible for such a large loan if you’ve had poor credit, but it’s worth a try.

How will I know what my monthly repayments will be?

Your monthly repayments will depend on the amount you borrow, the loan term, and your interest rate, which will be determined by your credit score and financial circumstances.

We can’t provide an accurate figure, but it takes just 60 seconds to check.

What vehicles can I finance through Sun Motors’ funding partners?

You can apply for finance for any car or van listed on Sun Motors. However, finance for taxi purchases is not available.

You can find the selection of cars available on finance and vans available on finance on the Sun Motors site.

Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.

Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.