If your dream car feels out of reach because of a low credit score, don’t hit the brakes just yet. With the proper steps, you can take control of your credit health and fast-track your journey to car ownership. Whether you’re aiming to buy a used car or upgrade your current ride, improving your credit score is one of the best moves you can make.
At Weelee Centurion, we want to enable trustworthy South Africans, like you, to access finance (at an affordable rate) so that you can own a quality used car.
Perhaps your current credit profile is less than ideal, and you may be asking ‘How can I improve my credit score?’ Read on to discover our top tips before you pop over to Weelee Centurion to score a great deal when buying a used car:
Why your credit score matters when buying a car
When you apply for vehicle finance, your credit score plays a major role in determining:
- Whether your application is approved
- The interest rate you’ll be offered
- The size of the loan you qualify for
Lenders view your score as a reflection of your financial responsibility. The higher it is, the more confident they’ll be in your ability to pay off the loan. If you aim to buy a car, taking steps to boost your score can open the door to better deals and faster approval.
#1 Know your credit score
Before asking ‘How to improve my credit score?’, find out your current score.
You can conduct a free credit score check with credit bureaus like TransUnion or Experian once a year.
Once you know your number, you’ll understand where you stand and what needs improving.
#2 Pay your accounts on time, every time
Late payments are one of the fastest ways to tank your credit score. Set reminders, automate payments, or use debit orders to ensure you never miss a due date.
Tip: Paying even a few days late can negatively affect your score. Be consistent.
#3 Lower your credit utilisation
Lenders don’t just look at how much credit you have, but how much of it you’re using.
Tips to improve credit score:
- Keep your credit card balance below 30% of your limit
- Avoid maxing out store accounts or personal loans
- Pay down revolving debt as quickly as possible.
#4 Don’t open multiple new accounts at once
Every time you apply for credit, it triggers a hard inquiry on your report. Too many of these in a short time can make you appear financially desperate, which is not ideal when you want to buy a used car.
Instead, focus on managing your existing accounts well before applying for vehicle finance.
#5 Dispute any errors on your credit report
Sometimes, your score might be lower due to inaccuracies. If you spot:
- Accounts you don’t recognise
- Duplicate listings
- Payments marked as late that were actually on time
Report them to the relevant credit bureau. Fixing these errors can boost your score almost immediately.
#6 Become financially predictable
Lenders love consistency. The more stable you appear, the more likely they are to offer finance. Here’s how to show that:
- Stay at the same job for a while before applying
- Use your bank account responsibly
- Avoid big cash withdrawals or unexplained transactions
#7 Reduce existing debt before applying
If you want to buy a car, try to settle or significantly reduce outstanding loans. This will improve your debt-to-income ratio and make your application more attractive.
#8 Avoid co-signing for others
You might think you’re helping a friend or family member, but co-signing someone else’s credit can negatively affect your own score if they default. When preparing to buy a used car, it’s best to keep your finances focused on you.
Why buy a used car from Weelee Centurion?
When your credit score is in a healthier range and you’re ready to buy a used car, make Weelee Centurion your first stop. Here’s why:
- Massive choice of top-quality second-hand cars
- Competitive pricing is designed to work with your budget
- Transparent financing process that’s conducted on-site with no shady extras
- A dedicated team that understands your credit journey and helps you navigate car finance with ease
Weelee makes it simple and stress-free to buy a car with confidence, even if you’ve had a few financial bumps in the road.
Watch how Weelee helps you through your car financing queries:
We answer your questions
1. How long does it take to improve my credit score to buy a car?
A: It depends on your current score, but noticeable improvements can occur within 3–6 months with consistent payments and reduced debt.
2. Can I buy a used car on finance with a low credit score?
A: Yes, but your options may be limited, and your interest rate will likely be higher. Improving your credit score gives you better deals and more choices.
3. Are there specific credit score requirements to buy a car in South Africa?
A: While there’s no universal score, most lenders look for a score above 600. The higher, the better. Other factors like income and employment stability also count.
Improve your credit score and buy a used car more affordably
Bettering your credit score may seem daunting, but it’s completely doable with the right habits and tools. And the reward? Driving off in the car that’s right for you at a fair price.
When you’re ready to buy a used car, start with confidence. Start your journey at Weelee Centurion.
