What In Motion Auto Does

In Motion Auto is a used-car dealership and financing company that operates in multiple states, primarily in the South and Midwest. The company buys used vehicles, finances them directly to buyers, and handles the loan servicing itself rather than selling loans to banks. If you walk onto an In Motion lot, you are buying from them and borrowing from them — the same entity handles both sides of the transaction.

The core appeal is that In Motion works with buyers who have poor credit, no credit history, or recent financial problems. Traditional banks often decline these applicants, but In Motion's lending model assumes higher risk and prices loans accordingly. You will pay more in interest than someone with excellent credit would pay elsewhere, but you may be able to get financed when other lenders say no.

Key Takeaways

  • In Motion Auto finances used cars directly to buyers and services the loans itself, so approval decisions happen on the lot rather than through a bank.
  • The company targets buyers with poor or limited credit history and charges interest rates that reflect that risk — typically much higher than traditional auto loans.
  • You need a valid driver's license, proof of income, and proof of residence to start the process; a down payment is usually required but the amount varies by location and vehicle.
  • In Motion reports your payment history to credit bureaus, so on-time payments can improve your credit score over the life of the loan.
  • The loan is secured by the vehicle itself, meaning In Motion can repossess the car if you stop making payments.

How the Financing Process Works on the Lot

When you arrive at an In Motion dealership, a sales associate will show you available vehicles and discuss price. Once you pick a car, the finance team takes over. They will ask for your driver's license, recent pay stubs or other proof of income, and a utility bill or lease agreement to verify your address. Some locations also ask for references or a phone number for your employer.

The finance manager will then run a credit check — this is a hard inquiry that temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points — and calculate what monthly payment you can afford based on your income. In Motion uses its own underwriting rules, not bank standards, so approval is possible even with a bankruptcy, repossession, or eviction on your record. The manager will present you with a loan offer that includes the interest rate, term length (usually 48 to 72 months), and monthly payment amount.

If you accept, you sign the loan agreement and title paperwork on the spot. In Motion handles the title transfer and registration with your state's motor vehicle department. You drive off the lot with the car and begin making monthly payments, usually by automatic bank draft or online payment portal.

Interest Rates and What You Will Actually Pay

In Motion's interest rates vary widely depending on your credit score, income stability, down payment size, and the vehicle's age and mileage. Rates typically range from 9.9% to 29.9%, though the exact figure depends on your individual risk profile as assessed by their underwriting team. A buyer with a recent bankruptcy and unstable income will pay a much higher rate than someone with a steady job and a modest credit dip.

The monthly payment is calculated by dividing the loan amount by the number of months, then adding interest. On a $10,000 loan at 19.9% interest over 60 months, your monthly payment would be roughly $265 — significantly higher than the same loan at a traditional bank's 6% rate, which would be around $193 per month. Over the life of the loan, you pay thousands more in interest.

Before you sign, ask the finance manager for the total amount you will pay by the end of the loan term. This number — principal plus all interest — tells you the true cost of the vehicle. Some In Motion locations allow early payoff without penalty, but confirm this in writing before you sign, as policies vary by location.

Down Payments and Trade-Ins

In Motion typically requires a down payment, though the amount varies by dealership location and the vehicle you choose. Down payments often range from $500 to $2,000, but some locations may ask for more or less depending on the car's price and your credit profile. A larger down payment lowers the amount you need to borrow and reduces your monthly payment, so bring as much cash as you can afford.

If you have a vehicle to trade in, In Motion will appraise it and explore its value toward your down payment. The appraisal happens on the lot and is usually completed within an hour. The trade-in value reduces the amount you finance, which in turn reduces your monthly payment and total interest paid.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

In Motion's loan agreement gives you a grace period — usually 10 days after the due date — before a late fee applies. If you miss a payment entirely, the company will contact you by phone and mail to request payment. Most locations will work with you to set up a catch-up plan if you have a temporary hardship, but this must be arranged before you fall too far behind.

If you miss multiple payments or fall 60 to 90 days behind, In Motion can repossess the vehicle without warning. Repossession means a tow truck arrives and takes the car, and you are responsible for the towing and storage fees. The repossession also appears on your credit report and damages your score for seven years. Once the car is repossessed, In Motion may sell it at auction and charge you for any difference between the sale price and what you still owe on the loan.

If you know you cannot make a payment, contact your In Motion location when ready. Some dealerships offer payment deferrals or loan modifications for customers facing temporary hardship, though availability depends on your location and loan history.

Building Credit While You Borrow

In Motion reports your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — every month. This means on-time payments build your credit history and raise your credit score over time. After 12 to 24 months of consistent, on-time payments, your score may improve enough to may have access to for a traditional auto loan or credit card at a lower rate.

The benefit of an In Motion loan is that it gives you access to credit when you need it, and the payment history you build can open doors to better terms elsewhere. However, the high interest rate you pay now is the cost of that opportunity. If your goal is to improve your credit, treat the loan as a tool: make every payment on time, and after the loan is paid off or your credit improves, refinance with a lower-rate lender if possible.

Comparing In Motion to Other Options

If you have poor credit, your main alternatives are traditional banks (which usually decline you), credit unions (which may offer slightly better rates but still require decent credit), buy-here-pay-here dealerships (which charge even higher rates but require no credit check), and saving to buy a car outright with cash. Each option has trade-offs.

Traditional banks offer the lowest rates but require a credit score of 620 or higher and stable income documentation. Credit unions sometimes work with lower scores if you are a member, but approval is not may provide. Buy-here-pay-here dealerships charge 18% to 29% interest and require weekly or bi-weekly payments in person, but they do not run credit checks at all. Buying with cash avoids debt entirely but requires saving thousands of dollars first.

In Motion sits in the middle: higher rates than banks, but lower than buy-here-pay-here shops, and faster approval than either. The choice depends on your credit score, how urgently you need a car, and how much you can afford to pay in interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a co-signer to get approved?

No. In Motion does not require a co-signer, though adding one with better credit may lower your interest rate. A co-signer is legally responsible for the loan if you do not pay, so only ask someone you trust and who understands the obligation.

What if I want to pay off the loan early?

Most In Motion locations allow early payoff without penalty, meaning you can pay off the remaining balance at any time and stop paying interest. Confirm this policy in your loan agreement before you sign, as some locations may have restrictions. Paying early saves you money on interest and frees you from the debt sooner.

Can I return the car if I change my mind?

In Motion's return policy varies by location, but most dealerships do not offer a return period once you drive off the lot. Some locations may allow a brief window — typically 3 to 7 days — to return the car if there is a mechanical problem, but this is not may provide. Read your sales agreement carefully and ask the finance manager about the return policy before you sign.

What if the car breaks down after I buy it?

In Motion vehicles are sold as-is, meaning you are responsible for repairs once you own the car. Some locations offer a limited warranty on the engine and transmission, but coverage varies. Ask whether the vehicle comes with any warranty before you buy, and budget for maintenance and repairs as part of your ownership costs.

How does In Motion report to credit bureaus?

In Motion reports your account status and payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion monthly. On-time payments show up as positive activity and raise your score; late payments and defaults show up as negative and lower your score. After you pay off the loan, the account remains on your credit report for seven years as a closed account, which continues to help your score if the payment history was good.