How long does it take to rebuild credit?

Most people see meaningful improvement within 12–24 months of consistent on-time payments. A single payment won't fix your score, but it starts building the positive history credit models reward.

Can I get a car after bankruptcy?

Yes. Buy here pay here dealers like Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales approve based on current income, not credit history. Bankruptcy, repo, collections — your past doesn't determine your approval.

What credit score do I need for buy here pay here?

No minimum. Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales approves based on income and ability to pay, not credit score. No credit check is performed.

How can I build credit besides a car loan?

Secured credit cards ($200–$500 deposit), credit builder loans from credit unions, becoming an authorized user on a family member's card, and paying all bills on time.

Will a repo affect my ability to buy a car?

Not at a BHPH dealer. A repo stays on your report 7 years and makes bank financing difficult, but BHPH dealers approve based on income. Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales works with prior repos.

What is a good credit score to aim for?

670+ is 'good' and opens traditional auto financing. 580–669 is 'fair' with limited options. Below 580 is 'poor' and typically requires BHPH or subprime financing.

Do buy here pay here dealers report to credit bureaus?

Some buy here pay here dealers report payment history to credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and some do not. This varies by dealer. Ask directly before signing your financing agreement.

Can a car loan help rebuild my credit?

Yes, if the lender reports to credit bureaus. On-time payments on an installment loan build positive payment history, which is 35% of your FICO credit score. Even 6–12 months of consistent payments can improve a damaged score.

Can I buy a car after bankruptcy?

Yes. Buy here pay here dealers like Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales approve financing based on current income, not credit history. Down payments start at $1,000 with no credit check. Call (954) 793-1761.

Credit Guide

Rebuilding Your Credit
Starts with a Payment
You Can Make

Q: Do buy here pay here dealers report to credit bureaus?

Some do and some don't — it varies by dealer. This is one of the most important questions to ask before signing. Ask specifically whether they report to Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

How BHPH financing works, what gets reported, and practical steps to rebuild your score.

Get Pre-Approved Call (954) 793-1761

Family-Owned & Operated

13 Years of Honest Business. Every Car. Every Customer.

Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales isn't a franchise and it isn't a flip lot. It's a family business built on one principle: treat people the way you'd want to be treated when buying a car.

"We Drive Every Car Before You Do"

Omari Grant holds multiple ASE certifications — the national standard for automotive service. He's been diagnosing and repairing vehicles in Broward County since 2005.

"Mechanic-Owned. That Changes Everything."

Every guide on this site comes from hands-on experience. When we say a Honda Civic runs 200,000 miles, it's because Omari's serviced them at that mileage. When we explain BHPH financing, it's because he built the process.

"Customers for Life, Not Just a Sale"

The information here is free. If you want to act on it, we're at 3575 NW 31st Ave in Oakland Park.

Omari Grant, Owner of Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales

13+

Years in Business

4.9★

Google Rating

75+

Customer Reviews

$1,000

Minimum Down

✓

Every Car Inspected

Multi-point inspection by ASE-certified mechanics

✓

No Credit Check

Approval based on income, not credit score

✓

90-Day Warranty

Only Broward BHPH lot with our own mechanic shop

✓

Service After the Sale

Front Line Auto maintains every car we sell

Understanding Credit

How Credit Scores Work — Plain English

35%

Payment History

On-time payments are the biggest factor. One missed payment can drop your score 50–100 points.

30%

Amounts Owed

How much of your available credit you're using. Keep balances below 30% of limits.

15%

Length of History

How long you've had credit accounts. Don't close old cards.

10%

Credit Mix

Different types of credit (installment + revolving) is better than just one type.

10%

New Credit

Too many applications hurts temporarily. Space them out.

Source: myFICO — What's in Your Credit Score

The Big Question

Do BHPH Dealers Report to Credit Bureaus?

Honest answer: some do and some don't. No law requires it. If rebuilding credit is a priority, ask before signing:

Do you report to any credit bureaus? (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
Do you report on-time payments, or only delinquencies?
How often do you report?

Even without reporting, a BHPH loan provides reliable transportation to keep your job — the foundation for all financial recovery.

CFPB — Auto Loans Consumer Guide — federal resource on auto financing rights.

AnnualCreditReport.com — free credit reports from all three bureaus, authorized by federal law.

CFPB — Credit Reports and Scores — understanding what's in your credit report and how to dispute errors.

Action Plan

Steps to Rebuild After Repo, Bankruptcy, or Collections

Month 1–3

Stabilize

Get reliable transportation (BHPH, $1,000 down). Open a secured credit card ($200–$500 deposit). Set up autopay for every bill. Get your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com every 4 months.

Month 3–6

Build Habits

Make every payment on time. Keep secured card under 30% limit. Don't apply for new credit yet.

Month 6–12

Grow

Request credit limit increase on secured card. Consider a credit builder loan from a credit union. Become an authorized user on a family member's card if possible.

Month 12–24

Graduate

Score should show measurable improvement. Explore upgrading secured card to unsecured. A completed car loan is a strong positive signal on your report.

More Strategies

Beyond the Car Loan

Secured Credit Cards

Deposit $200–$500 as collateral. Use for small purchases and pay full balance monthly. Builds revolving credit history.

Credit Builder Loans

Available at credit unions. You make payments into savings; when paid off, you get the money. Payments reported to bureaus.

Authorized User

Ask a family member with good credit to add you. Their positive history gets added to your report.

Pay Everything On Time

Phone, utilities, rent. Services like Experian Boost add utility/phone payments to your report. One missed payment undoes months of progress.

How We Help

How Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales Helps

Approval based on income, not credit. No credit check. Bad credit, no credit, bankruptcy, repo — everyone qualifies.
$1,000 down — in-house financing. Payments structured to be manageable.
Reliable transportation — Front Line Auto certified, 90-day warranty on every vehicle.
A relationship, not just a transaction. Front Line Auto for service and support after the sale.

Common Questions