What Bill Fitts Auto is and how it operates
Bill Fitts Auto is a used car dealership based in Georgia that sells vehicles to customers with varying credit histories. Unlike some dealerships that require a strong credit score upfront, Bill Fitts works with buyers who have poor credit, no credit history, or past financial problems. The dealership finances many of its sales in-house, meaning they lend you the money to buy the car rather than requiring you to find a loan from a bank first.
The dealership operates on a buy-here-pay-here model, which means you make weekly or bi-weekly payments directly to Bill Fitts rather than to a traditional lender. This structure lets them work with people who might not may have access to for conventional auto loans, but it also comes with higher interest rates and stricter terms than you would find at a bank or credit union.
Bill Fitts has multiple locations across Georgia. Before visiting or contacting them, confirm which location serves your area, as inventory and financing terms can vary by store.
Key Takeaways
- Bill Fitts Auto finances cars directly to buyers with poor or no credit history, so you do not need a bank loan to purchase a vehicle.
- You make payments weekly or bi-weekly to the dealership itself, not to a separate lender, which means the dealership tracks your payment history directly.
- Interest rates at buy-here-pay-here dealerships are significantly higher than traditional auto loans because the lender takes on more risk.
- Missing payments can result in vehicle repossession, and the dealership may use GPS tracking or starter interrupt devices to monitor the car.
- Before buying, compare the total cost of the vehicle (purchase price plus all interest) against what you would pay elsewhere, and read the contract carefully for repossession and payment terms.
How the financing process works at Bill Fitts
When you visit Bill Fitts Auto, you will be asked to provide proof of income, a valid driver's license, and proof of residence. The dealership uses this information to assess whether you can afford the weekly or bi-weekly payments, not to run a traditional credit check. Some locations may ask for a down payment, though the amount varies.
Once approved, you sign a contract that outlines the purchase price, the interest rate, the payment schedule, and the terms under which the dealership can repossess the vehicle. Read this contract carefully before signing, because the terms are often stricter than a traditional auto loan. For example, many buy-here-pay-here contracts allow repossession after a single missed payment or after you fall behind by a certain dollar amount.
The dealership may also install a GPS tracker or a starter interrupt device in the vehicle. A starter interrupt device prevents the engine from starting if you miss a payment, while GPS tracking allows the dealership to locate the car if it needs to be repossessed. Ask whether these devices are included before you sign, because they affect how you can use the vehicle.
Interest rates and the true cost of buying from Bill Fitts
Buy-here-pay-here dealerships charge much higher interest rates than banks or credit unions because they take on more risk by lending to people with poor credit. Interest rates at these dealerships typically range from 18% to 29% annually, though the exact rate depends on your down payment, income, and the dealership's assessment of your risk. This is significantly higher than the 6% to 12% you might pay at a traditional lender if you had good credit.
To understand the real cost, calculate the total amount you will pay over the life of the loan. If you buy a $5,000 car at 24% interest over three years with weekly payments, you may end up paying $7,500 or more by the time the loan is paid off. Before committing, ask the dealership for the total interest you will pay and compare that figure against the cost of buying a cheaper car outright or financing through a credit union if you are a member.
Some buy-here-pay-here dealerships also charge fees for late payments, payment processing, or GPS monitoring. These fees add to the total cost, so ask about all charges upfront and request them in writing.
Repossession terms and what happens if you miss a payment
The repossession clause in a buy-here-pay-here contract is often more aggressive than in traditional auto loans. Many dealerships reserve the right to repossess the vehicle after a single missed payment or after you fall behind by a set amount, such as $200 or one week's payment. Once the car is repossessed, you may lose any money you have already paid toward it, depending on your state's laws and the contract terms.
If the dealership repossesses the car and sells it to another customer, you may still owe the difference between what they sell it for and what you still owed on the loan. This is called a deficiency, and you could be sued to collect it. Before signing, ask the dealership what their repossession policy is and whether you have a grace period (such as 10 days) to catch up on a missed payment without losing the car.
If you are struggling to make a payment, contact the dealership when ready. Some locations will work with you to adjust the payment schedule or defer a payment, but only if you reach out before you miss the due date. Waiting until after you miss a payment makes repossession more likely.
Comparing Bill Fitts Auto to other financing options
Before buying from Bill Fitts, explore other ways to finance a used car. If you have a bank account and a steady income, you may may have access to for a loan from a credit union, even with poor credit. Credit unions typically charge lower interest rates than buy-here-pay-here dealerships and offer more flexible repossession terms. If you are a member of a credit union, ask about their used car loan programs before visiting a buy-here-pay-here dealer.
Another option is to save for a down payment and buy a cheaper car outright. A $2,000 car you own free and clear costs less over time than a $5,000 car financed at 24% interest, even though the monthly payment is zero. If you can delay your purchase by a few months and save, this may be the most affordable path.
If you do decide to buy from Bill Fitts, use it as a tool to build credit. Make every payment on time, and after 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, you may may have access to for a traditional auto loan at a lower rate. You can then refinance the Bill Fitts loan with a bank or credit union and pay off the remaining balance at a better interest rate.
What to check before signing the contract
Before you sign anything, request a copy of the full contract and read it word for word. Pay special attention to the following: the total purchase price, the interest rate, the payment amount and frequency, the repossession terms, any fees (late fees, GPS fees, payment processing fees), and whether a starter interrupt device or GPS tracker will be installed.
Confirm the vehicle's condition in writing. Ask the dealership what warranty, if any, they offer on the car. Many buy-here-pay-here dealerships sell cars as-is with no warranty, which means if the engine fails the day after you buy it, you are responsible for repairs. If the dealership offers a warranty, get the details in writing so you know exactly what is covered and for how long.
Ask whether the dealership reports your payments to the credit bureaus. If they do, making on-time payments will help build your credit score. If they do not report, your payments will not help your credit, so you may want to explore other financing options that do report to the bureaus.
Red flags and what to avoid
Be cautious if a dealership pressures you to sign quickly, refuses to show you the full contract before you commit, or will not answer questions about repossession or fees. Legitimate dealerships want you to understand the terms because they know you are more likely to make payments if you are not surprised later.
Avoid dealerships that quote you a payment amount but will not give you the total interest or the final purchase price in writing. If you cannot get the numbers in writing before you sign, walk away. Also be wary of dealerships that require you to bring a co-signer or that ask for a large upfront cash payment before showing you the car or the contract.
If a dealership installs a starter interrupt device without your explicit written consent, or if they use it to disable your car without warning, contact your state's attorney general or consumer protection office. Some states have laws limiting how and when these devices can be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will buying from Bill Fitts Auto help my credit score?
Only if the dealership reports your payments to the credit bureaus Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Many buy-here-pay-here dealerships do not report, so your on-time payments will not show up on your credit report. Before buying, ask whether they report to all three bureaus. If they do not, you may want to explore a credit union loan instead, which will help build your credit.
What happens if I lose my job and cannot make a payment?
Contact the dealership when ready and explain your situation. Some locations will work with you to pause payments, reduce the payment amount temporarily, or extend the loan term. If you wait until after you miss a payment, repossession becomes much more likely. The sooner you communicate, the more options you may have.
Can I pay off the loan early without a penalty?
This depends on the contract. Some dealerships allow early payoff with no penalty, while others charge a prepayment fee. Ask about this before you sign, and request it in writing. If you plan to refinance with a credit union or bank after building some payment history, you will want to know whether you can pay off the Bill Fitts loan without extra charges.
What if the car breaks down after I buy it?
Most buy-here-pay-here dealerships sell cars as-is with no warranty, which means repairs are your responsibility. Before buying, have a trusted mechanic inspect the car and give you a written estimate of any repairs needed. Factor that cost into your decision. If the dealership offers a warranty, get the details in writing so you know what is covered.
Can the dealership use the GPS tracker or starter interrupt device without telling me?
They should not, but it happens. Your contract should clearly state whether these devices are installed and how they will be used. If you discover a device that was not disclosed, or if it is used in a way that violates your contract, contact your state's attorney general or a consumer protection office. Some states have laws that require written consent and limit when these devices can be activated.