If you're living in Amarillo and dealing with bad credit, you're not alone—and you're not out of options. Whether you've faced past financial setbacks, medical debt, divorce, or missed payments, the team at Xtra Auto Center is here to help you move forward with real solutions that fit your situation.

We understand how frustrating it can be to walk into a dealership, only to be told “no” by banks or lenders because of your credit score. That’s why we’ve built our entire approach around second chances. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying a car with bad credit in Amarillo, from preparation to financing and beyond.

What Counts as Bad Credit?

“Bad credit” generally means a lower FICO score, often below 580. It can result from late payments, high balances, collections, or simply lack of credit history. The good news is that your credit score is not the only factor that matters here. At Xtra Auto Center, we focus on your current income and employment, not just your past credit history.

Why Traditional Lenders Say No

Conventional banks and credit unions often use strict approval standards. They look at credit scores, income stability, debt-to-income ratio, and past repossessions. If you fall short in one area, it can be an instant decline.

Buy Here Pay Here dealerships like Xtra Auto Center offer a better path. Since we provide in-house financing, we make approval decisions ourselves—based on your current situation, not your credit score. That means a better shot at driving today.

Learn more about our financing process.

What Makes Buy Here Pay Here Different?

• Faster decisions: No waiting for outside bank approvals
• More flexibility: We consider income, employment, and residency—not just a number
• Better accessibility: Even if you’ve been turned down elsewhere, we may be able to help
• Local trust: Our team is based here in Texas and we know the Amarillo community

How to Prepare Before You Visit

While we specialize in helping people with bad credit, there are still steps you can take to make the process smoother:

1. Know Your Budget
   Figure out how much you can realistically afford per month. Include insurance, gas, and maintenance in your calculations.
2. Save a Down Payment
   Even a few hundred dollars down can help. It lowers your total amount financed and reduces your monthly payment.
3. Bring Your Documents
   Having the right documents helps us move faster. Bring:
   • Recent pay stubs or proof of income
   • Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, etc.)
   • Driver’s license
   • Trade-in title (if applicable)
   • References

What Kind of Cars Can I Get with Bad Credit?

At Xtra Auto Center, we offer a wide selection of used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs that are ideal for buyers with all credit backgrounds. Our vehicles go through thorough inspections and are priced fairly to help make monthly payments manageable.

We update our inventory regularly, so whether you need a fuel-efficient commuter car or a family-sized SUV, there’s a good chance we have something for you.

If you’re looking for something specific, try our vehicle finder tool and we’ll help you locate it.

What If I’ve Had a Repossession or Bankruptcy?

We work with many Amarillo drivers who’ve had a recent repo or bankruptcy. While every situation is different, these events don’t automatically disqualify you. What matters most is your current ability to make consistent payments, verified by income and employment.

The best way to find out where you stand is to contact us or stop by for a quick consultation. No pressure, no judgment—just answers.

Common Myths About Buying a Car with Bad Credit

Myth 1: I’ll only get junk cars
Truth: We carry clean, reliable used cars that are inspected and serviced.

Myth 2: I need a co-signer
Truth: Many of our customers are approved on their own. A co-signer can help, but it’s not required.

Myth 3: I’ll pay super high interest
Truth: Our goal is to keep payments affordable. We offer financing terms tailored to your situation.

Building a Relationship That Lasts

At Xtra Auto Center, we’re not just here to make a sale. We want to build a long-term relationship with our customers. That’s why we offer:

• A customer survey to give feedback
• A referral program so you can share your experience
• Employment opportunities if you’re looking to join our growing team

We’ve been trusted by drivers across Amarillo, Pampa, Borger, and beyond for years because we believe in fairness, flexibility, and second chances.

Your Next Steps

Here’s how to move forward:

• Browse our used inventory
• Schedule a test drive
• Call us or stop by if you have questions

Don’t let a low credit score keep you off the road. Xtra Auto Center is here to help you drive with confidence.