What In Motion Motors does
In Motion Motors is a used car dealership that finances vehicles directly to buyers, meaning you can get a car and a loan from the same place instead of going to a bank or credit union separately. The company operates physical lots in multiple states and sells vehicles ranging from a few thousand dollars to around $15,000, depending on the location and inventory.
The main draw for many buyers is that In Motion Motors works with people who have limited credit history, past credit problems, or no credit at all. Unlike traditional car loans that require a credit check and proof of income, In Motion Motors uses a different approval process — though you will still need to show you can make monthly payments.
This is a for-profit business, not a government program or nonprofit. When you buy from them, you own the car outright once the loan is paid off, just as you would with any other car purchase.
Key Takeaways
- In Motion Motors finances used cars directly to buyers without requiring a traditional credit check, making it an option for people with poor or no credit history.
- You will need to bring proof of income, a valid driver's license, and proof of residence to complete a purchase.
- The interest rate you pay depends on your down payment, income, and the specific vehicle — rates are not published online and vary by location.
- Monthly payments typically range from $200 to $400 depending on the car price and loan term, and you are responsible for insurance and maintenance once you own the vehicle.
- In Motion Motors reports payment history to credit bureaus, so on-time payments can help build or repair your credit score over time.
How the buying and financing process works
When you visit an In Motion Motors lot, a sales representative will show you available vehicles and discuss what price range fits your budget. You do not need to have a credit score or credit history to start — the dealership will ask about your income and employment instead.
If you find a car you want, you will need to bring several documents: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), proof of current income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residence (a utility bill or lease agreement with your name and current address). Some locations may ask for additional information depending on your situation.
The dealership will then calculate a down payment and monthly payment amount based on the car's price, your income, and how much you can put down upfront. The larger your down payment, the lower your monthly payment will be. Once you and the dealership agree on terms, you sign the loan paperwork and can often drive the car home the same day.
Down payments and monthly costs
In Motion Motors typically requires a down payment, though the amount varies. Some locations ask for $500 to $1,000 down, while others may accept less or more depending on the vehicle price and your income. The down payment reduces the amount you need to borrow, which lowers your monthly payment.
Monthly payments depend on three things: the car's price, how much you put down, and the loan term (usually 24 to 60 months). A $5,000 car with $1,000 down over 48 months might cost $100 to $150 per month in payments, though the actual number depends on the interest rate the dealership offers you. Interest rates are not posted online and vary by location and individual circumstances.
Beyond the monthly payment, you are responsible for car insurance (required by law in all states), maintenance, repairs, and registration fees. These costs are separate from your loan payment and are your responsibility as the car owner.
Credit reporting and building your credit
In Motion Motors reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means that if you make your monthly payments on time, those payments show up on your credit report and can help raise your credit score over time.
If you miss or are late on a payment, that also gets reported and can hurt your score. Staying current on your loan is one of the most direct ways to build credit if you are starting from scratch or recovering from past problems. After you pay off the loan, the account stays on your credit report for several years and continues to show lenders that you followed through on a commitment.
Building credit this way takes time — typically six months to a year of on-time payments before you see meaningful improvement in your score. But it is a real path forward if traditional lenders have turned you down.
What happens if you miss a payment
If you miss a payment, In Motion Motors will likely contact you by phone or mail to remind you. Most dealerships give you a grace period of a few days before they report the missed payment to the credit bureaus, though this varies by location and your specific loan agreement.
If payments continue to be missed, the dealership can repossess the car — meaning they come take it back. Once a car is repossessed, you still owe the remaining balance on the loan, even though you no longer have the vehicle. Repossession also damages your credit score significantly and makes it much harder to borrow money in the future.
If you are struggling to make a payment, contact the dealership as soon as possible. Some locations may work with you on a late payment or a temporary adjustment, though this is not may provide. The earlier you reach out, the more options you may have.
Comparing In Motion Motors to other options
If you have access to a traditional car loan from a bank or credit union, that is often cheaper because interest rates are usually lower. However, traditional lenders typically require a credit score of at least 600 and proof of stable income, which rules out many people.
Other buy-here-pay-here dealerships (dealerships that also finance) operate similarly to In Motion Motors but may have different rates, vehicle selection, and policies. It is worth calling a few dealerships in your area to compare down payments, monthly costs, and what documents they need.
If you are not ready to buy a car right now, working on your credit score first — by paying down existing debt or becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card — can open doors to cheaper financing later. This takes longer but costs less money overall.
What to watch out for
Interest rates at buy-here-pay-here dealerships are typically higher than traditional car loans because the dealership is taking on more risk by lending to people with poor or no credit. Rates can range from 15% to 29% depending on the location and your situation, though you will not know your exact rate until you are ready to buy.
Some dealerships use GPS tracking devices on cars as a way to monitor payments and locate vehicles if they are repossessed. Check your loan paperwork to see if this applies to you, and understand that the dealership can see where your car is at any time.
Make sure you understand the full loan agreement before you sign. Ask questions about what happens if you want to pay off the loan early, whether there are prepayment penalties, and what the exact monthly payment and interest rate are. Getting this in writing protects you if there is a dispute later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card or credit history to buy from In Motion Motors?
No. In Motion Motors works with people who have no credit history, bad credit, or no credit cards. Instead of a credit check, they focus on your current income and ability to make monthly payments. You will need to show recent pay stubs or other proof of income.
What if I want to pay off my loan early?
Some In Motion Motors locations allow early payoff without penalty, while others may charge a fee. Check your loan paperwork or ask the dealership directly before you sign. Paying early saves you money on interest, so it is worth asking about this option upfront.
Can I trade in my old car as a down payment?
Many In Motion Motors locations accept trade-ins, though the amount they credit toward your down payment depends on the car's condition and value. Call your local dealership to ask whether they take trade-ins and what the process looks like.
What if the car breaks down after I buy it?
Once you own the car, repairs are your responsibility — In Motion Motors does not cover mechanical problems after the sale. However, most used cars come with a short warranty (usually 30 to 90 days) that covers major issues. Read your paperwork to see what warranty, if any, applies to your vehicle.
How long does it take to get approved and drive home?
If you have all your documents ready and find a car you want, approval can happen the same day. Many buyers drive home with their new car within a few hours of arriving at the lot. However, if the dealership needs to verify your income or employment, it may take a day or two longer.