What Motion Automotive Is

Motion Automotive is a car dealership and financing company that specializes in selling used vehicles to people with poor credit or no credit history. Instead of requiring you to get a loan from a bank first, Motion Automotive finances the car directly — meaning they lend you the money to buy the vehicle, and you make payments to them over time.

The company operates physical dealerships in multiple states and also offers online shopping for vehicles. Their main appeal is that they work with customers who have been turned down by traditional lenders, including people with bankruptcy, repossession, or no established credit record.

Key Takeaways

  • Motion Automotive finances used cars directly to buyers, so you do not need a separate bank loan or a co-signer to purchase a vehicle.
  • The interest rates and monthly payments are higher than traditional auto loans because the company takes on more risk by lending to people with poor credit.
  • You will need proof of income, a valid driver's license, and proof of residence to start the process, though requirements vary by location.
  • The vehicles sold are used cars, typically ranging from a few years old to older models, and come with a limited warranty in most cases.
  • Before buying from Motion Automotive or any buy-here-pay-here dealer, compare the total cost of the loan against other financing options available to you.

How the Financing Process Works

When you visit a Motion Automotive dealership or their website, you select a vehicle and begin the financing conversation. You will be asked to provide basic information: proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements showing regular deposits), a valid government-issued ID, and proof of your current address (utility bill or lease agreement).

Motion Automotive then makes a decision about whether to finance the car and at what interest rate. Unlike traditional lenders, they do not pull your credit score or require a perfect payment history. Instead, they assess whether you have steady income and can afford the monthly payment. If approved, you sign a contract, make a down payment (which varies but is often $500 to $2,000), and drive the vehicle home.

You make monthly payments directly to Motion Automotive, either in person at a dealership, online, or by phone. Some locations use GPS tracking or starter interrupt devices on the vehicle, which means the car will not start if you miss a payment. This is a key difference from traditional auto loans — the lender has a way to enforce payment without going to court.

Interest Rates and Total Cost

Motion Automotive's interest rates are significantly higher than what you would pay at a bank or credit union. Rates typically range from 18% to 29% annually, though the exact rate depends on your income, down payment, and the specific vehicle. This means the total amount you pay over the life of the loan can be substantially more than the vehicle's actual price.

For example, if you finance a $5,000 car at 24% interest over 60 months, your monthly payment might be around $130, but you will pay roughly $7,800 total — nearly $2,800 more than the car's value. Before committing, ask Motion Automotive for the full payment schedule and total amount you will owe, then compare that against other options like a credit union loan, a co-signer arrangement, or saving for a larger down payment.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

Missing a payment at Motion Automotive has when ready consequences. If the vehicle has a starter interrupt device, the car will not start until you make the payment. If it does not have that technology, the company will contact you to collect the payment, and repeated missed payments can result in repossession.

Repossession means Motion Automotive takes the vehicle back, and you lose both the car and the money you have already paid toward it. The company may also pursue you for the remaining balance on the loan. Before signing, understand the payment schedule and make sure you can afford the monthly amount consistently — missing even one payment can leave you without transportation.

Vehicle Condition and Warranty

Motion Automotive sells used vehicles, not new ones. The cars are typically inspected and reconditioned before sale, but they are still older vehicles with existing wear. The company usually offers a limited warranty — often 30 to 90 days on mechanical parts — but this is much shorter than a manufacturer's warranty on a new car.

Before purchasing, have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic you trust if possible, or at minimum take it for a test drive and ask detailed questions about its history, mileage, and any known issues. Once you own the car, you are responsible for maintenance and repairs beyond the warranty period, so factor potential repair costs into your decision.

Alternatives to Consider

Before choosing Motion Automotive, explore other financing paths. Credit unions often offer auto loans at lower rates than buy-here-pay-here dealers, even to people with poor credit — it is worth calling a few to ask. Some traditional dealerships work with subprime lenders (lenders who specialize in poor credit) and may offer better terms than Motion Automotive.

If you have a family member or friend willing to co-sign a loan, a bank or credit union loan will almost always be cheaper over time. Saving for a larger down payment and buying a less expensive vehicle outright, or purchasing from a private seller and paying cash, can also avoid the high interest costs of subprime financing altogether.

What to Know Before You Buy

Motion Automotive is a legitimate business, but the financing model is designed to be profitable for the company — which means it is expensive for you. The high interest rates, starter interrupt devices, and risk of repossession make this option suitable mainly for people who have exhausted other routes and need a vehicle urgently.

Read the contract carefully before signing, and ask questions about any terms you do not understand. Know the exact monthly payment, the total amount you will owe, what happens if you miss a payment, and what the warranty covers. If the dealership pressures you to sign quickly or discourages you from reading the contract, that is a warning sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Motion Automotive loan if I have no credit history?

Yes. Motion Automotive does not require an established credit score. They focus on current income and ability to make monthly payments. You will need to show proof of income through pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.

What is a starter interrupt device and how does it work?

A starter interrupt device is a GPS and communication system installed in the vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if you miss a payment. Once you pay, the dealership remotely disables the device and the car starts normally. Not all Motion Automotive locations use this technology, so ask before you buy.

What happens to my down payment if the car is repossessed?

Your down payment is lost. Repossession means Motion Automotive takes back the vehicle, and you do not recover the money you already paid. You may also be responsible for the remaining loan balance.

Is Motion Automotive the same at every location?

Motion Automotive has multiple dealerships, and policies can vary slightly by location. Interest rates, vehicle selection, warranty terms, and whether starter interrupt devices are used may differ. Contact your local dealership directly to understand their specific terms.

Should I buy from Motion Automotive or a traditional dealership?

Traditional dealerships and credit unions typically offer lower interest rates and better terms. Motion Automotive makes sense only if you have been turned down everywhere else and need a vehicle when ready. Compare the total cost of the loan across all options before deciding.