Financing Alternatives
We do not offer in-house financing options to our customers, that is a personal bubsiness choice of ours and not a limitation on our ability to offer financing. We are not affiliated with any of the financial lenders, banks or credit unions listed below. Our goal with creating this section of our website is to educate our customers so they can be informed affordably pay for their vehicle with terms that best fit their needs. Buying a used car shouldn't mean locking yourself into whatever interest rate is put in front of you. Whether you're shopping locally in Denver or buying out of state, it pays to understand your financing options before you sign anything.
Know the Difference: In-House Financing vs. Traditional Financing
Some used car lots offer "in-house" or "buy here, pay here" financing — meaning the dealership itself is the lender, not a bank. These programs are often marketed as fast and easy, especially for buyers with limited or damaged credit. The tradeoff: interest rates on in-house financing typically run significantly higher than what you'd qualify for through a bank, credit union, or online lender, sometimes well into the double digits. Over the life of a loan, that difference can add thousands of dollars to what you actually pay for the vehicle.Local Denver-area credit unions and national banks generally offer the most competitive rates, especially if you have an existing relationship with them. Credit unions in particular are worth checking first — they're member-owned and often beat bank rates for used vehicle loans.
A Few Denver-Area Credit Unions Worth Checking
Zing Credit Union — Denver-based, competitive rates on new and used auto loans
Colorado Credit Union — Branches in Denver, Littleton, and Brighton
Columbine Federal Credit Union — Local Front Range credit union with strong new-auto rates
Credit Union of Colorado — Statewide membership, flexible loan terms
Partner Colorado Credit Union — Offers both purchase and refinance auto loans
Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop.
Getting pre-approved for a loan before you visit a dealership puts you in the driver's seat. You'll know your real budget and interest rate going in, and you can compare that offer against any financing a dealer presents. Here are a few options to help you:
Capital One - Offers soft-pull prequalify for financing without affecting your credit score, see real loan terms before walking into a showroom. Only works if the dealership is part of their network.
Autopay - Similar to Capital One, but credit-flexible enough to be on "bad credit" lender roundups, not just prime-credit lists. Not restricted to a dealer network like Capital One.
Chase Auto or Bank of America- Looking for a non-marketplace alternative where you already may have favorable terms, check them out.
Buying From Out of State?
Out-of-state buyers should get financing lined up before traveling to pick up a vehicle. Confirm with your lender how they handle out-of-state titling and registration, and ask whether they require the vehicle inspected or insured prior to funding. This avoids surprises once you've already made the trip.
The Bottom Line
Financing terms can swing the total cost of your vehicle just as much as the price tag does. Before agreeing to any in-house financing offer, take a few minutes to compare it against a bank, credit union, or pre-approval offer — it's one of the easiest ways to save real money on your next used car.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and isn't personalized financial advice. Talk with a licensed lender about which financing option is right for your situation.