Buy Here Pay Here: $99 Down / $99 a Month — Who Offers It, Which Cars Show Up, and How to do it Safely
Have you seen ads promising “$99 down / $99 a month with no credit check”? Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) programs can be a practical option for people with limited credit or an urgent need for a vehicle. This article breaks down who actually offers these deals, which vehicles are typically included, how to start a BHPH purchase safely, who this option is best for, and the key contract details you must review before signing—so you can get on the road while keeping costs and risks under control.
Which dealers offer $99-down / $99-month BHPH deals
Many national and regional operators structure promotions like this (local independent lots do too). Known nationwide/regional players include:
🔹CarHop — national BHPH chain with lots in many metro areas; known for quick approvals.
🔹DriveTime — large used-car retailer that offers in-house financing and “low down” promotions at some locations.
🔹J.D. Byrider — network of franchise dealers specializing in buyers with challenged credit.
🔹America’s Car-Mart / The Car-Mart — regional chain serving smaller markets with in-house loans.
🔹Local independent BHPH lots — single-location dealers who aggressively advertise $99 deals; quality and terms vary widely.
Use national chains for a baseline, but many real $99 specials come from locally owned lots advertising specific vehicles.
Which models typically appear in these deals
BHPH inventory skews toward durable, easy-to-service vehicles with broad parts availability. Expect higher-mileage, older examples of:
🔹Sedans: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion
🔹Compact cars: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra
🔹Compact SUVs: Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox, Toyota RAV4
🔹Full-size trucks (selected): Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado
🔹Value domestics: Dodge Avenger, Chrysler 200 — common at the lowest price points
Ads often apply only to specific VINs in the lot — don’t assume every Camry qualifies for $99/month.
How Buy Here Pay Here works — step by step
1.Select a vehicle on the lot (ads are inventory-specific).
2.Down payment — advertised $99 may be the minimum; dealer can require more depending on trade-in, insurance, or state rules.
3.Sign a retail installment contract directly with the dealer (the dealer is the lender). The contract shows the payment cadence, APR or total finance charge, fees, and repossession terms.
4.Make payments to the dealer (many BHPH lots use weekly or biweekly schedules; some offer monthly).
5.Title — dealer often holds title until loan payoff; inquire when you’ll receive title.
6.After building on-time history, refinance through a bank or credit union to get a lower APR.
Example math you should demand in writing
If you see “$99/month for 36 months,” do the math: 36 × $99 = $3,564. Add $99 down = $3,663 total paid (before taxes, fees and interest adjustments). That total is only meaningful with APR, fees and the dealer’s full finance schedule. Always ask for the total amount financed and total interest.
Who BHPH suits — and who should avoid it
• Good fit:
People with poor or no credit who need transportation for work.
Buyers with steady, verifiable income and a plan to refinance after establishing on-time payments.
• Be cautious if:
Income is irregular — missed payments often lead quickly to repossession.
You can qualify for a credit-union loan with better terms — that’s usually cheaper.
You cannot obtain required insurance (most dealers require full coverage).
How to start — a practical checklist
🔸Get the VIN and run a vehicle history report (Carfax/AutoCheck).
🔸Ask for the full contract up front (itemized: down, payment cadence, APR, fees, total financed, repossession policy).
🔸Have the car inspected by an independent mechanic ($100–$150).
🔸Confirm whether payments are reported to credit bureaus — get that promise in writing if you want to rebuild credit.
🔸Check title policy: will the dealer hold title? When is it released after payoff?
🔸Ask about warranties and get any service commitments in writing.
🔸Compare at least three lots (one national, two local) before choosing.
How to save money and reduce risk
🔸Negotiate price, not just monthly payment. Dealers structure long terms to hit a target monthly amount; lower purchase price = less interest paid.
🔸Put a larger down payment if possible — reduces principal and total interest.
🔸Refinance after 6–12 months of on-time payments via a credit union or bank.
🔸Bring a co-signer with better credit if feasible to obtain a lower rate.
🔸Avoid add-ons rolled into financing (extended warranties, VIN etching, dealership GAP insurance) unless you want them — you can buy separately.
🔸Request weekly/biweekly schedule only if affordable; smaller, more frequent payments can help manage cash flow but increase administrative fees.
Common FAQs
Q: “No credit check” — is that true?
A: Usually dealers mean they don’t pull a traditional credit bureau report — they still verify income, job history, references and may check local repossession records.
Q: Will BHPH help my credit?
A: Only if the dealer reports payments to TransUnion/Equifax/Experian. Many do not. Get reporting confirmed in writing if improving credit is a goal.
Q: Are repossessions common?
A: They’re more common in BHPH because the dealer controls the title and contract. Read cure periods and repossession clauses closely.
Q: Do I get a warranty?
A: Many cars are sold “as-is.” Some dealers offer limited warranties for a fee. Get warranty terms and exclusions in writing.
Q: Can I trade or refinance later?
A: Yes — many buyers refinance after a period of on-time payments. Refinancing can substantially lower APR and monthly payment.
Final word
$99 Down / $99 a Month is a real pathway to car ownership for people shut out of conventional loans — but it’s not a cheap product. Treat the deal as a high-cost, short-term bridge: do your VIN checks, get an independent inspection, get written terms (including whether payments get reported), and have a refinance plan.