Shopping for a new or used car, but have poor credit? You can improve your credit by doing any of the following:

• Check your credit report regularly and dispute any incorrect information you find.
• Pay your bills on time every month and keep balances low on credit cards and other revolving credit accounts.
• Only apply for new credit accounts when necessary, as too many inquiries can hurt your score.
• If possible, pay off past-due debts or contact creditors to negotiate a repayment plan or settlement agreement that is favorable to both parties involved in the debt transaction.

Your credit score is calculated using five main categories: payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit and types of credit used. Payment history looks at whether you are making payments on time and if not, how late they are. And types of credits used evaluates a mix of installment loans, such as mortgages, car loans, student loans and more, as well as revolving lines like store cards or a personal line of credit.

For more questions about your credit score, please contact Treasure Valley Subaru.

Yes! No matter what your credit score is, our friendly team will work with you to find a car that fits your budget. Visit today to talk about our new Subaru Forester financing options or buy a used Outback nearby. We'll help you apply for an auto loan in Idaho.

Buying a car at our Nampa Subaru dealer can improve your credit in several ways. Firstly, having an installment loan -- such as an auto loan -- on your credit report will help to diversify the types of credit you have and can improve your “credit mix” score. Secondly, making timely payments will show lenders that you are responsible with debt, which can result in a higher credit score.

Finally, if you make on-time payments and keep the loan open for at least a few years, it will also increase the length of your credit history -- another factor that contributes to a higher score.