Buying a car is exciting-but it can also feel a little intimidating when you start thinking about financing. One of the most common questions we hear at our credit repair company is:
“What’s a good credit score to buy a car?”
The short answer: there’s no single magic number. Instead, lenders look at ranges of credit scores that can dramatically affect whether you get approved-and how much you’ll pay in interest.
In 2025, as lenders tighten their standards and interest rates remain high, your credit score matters more than ever. The good news? With the right preparation, you can put yourself in a stronger position to drive away with both a car you love and a payment you can handle.
Why There’s No Single Answer to What’s a Good Credit Score to Buy a Car
When people ask us this question, what they’re usually hoping for is one number: “If I have at least ___, I’ll be fine.”
But that’s not how car financing works. Lenders look at ranges called credit tiers, not one cutoff. Think of it like when you’re buying concert tickets. You can sit in the nosebleeds, the mid-section, or front row-all three get you into the show, but your experience (and what you pay) is very different.
The same goes for car loans. Yes, you can technically get approved with a lower score, but the “seat” you get in terms of interest rate and loan terms won’t be as good.
Credit Score Tiers: What’s a Good Credit Score to Buy a Car in 2025?
Here’s how lenders generally categorize credit in 2025:
- Superprime (781-850): Best of the best. These borrowers get the lowest interest rates-sometimes nearly half of what a subprime borrower would pay.
- Prime (661-780): Solid ground. This is where most buyers fall, and where you can expect competitive rates.
- Non-Prime (601-660): Still possible to finance, but you’ll likely see higher rates and need a larger down payment.
- Subprime (<600): Loans are harder to secure, and interest rates can climb into double digits.
According to Experian’s data, in 2025 the average credit score for new car loans is around 756, while used car loans average closer to 684. Notice that these aren’t requirements-they’re simply where the majority of approved buyers landed.
Why “Good Enough” Isn’t Always Enough
In years past, a “good” score might have been enough to get you reasonable financing. But in 2025, lenders are being more cautious. With rising delinquencies-even among people with prime credit-banks and credit unions want to be extra sure they’re lending responsibly.
What does that mean for you? If you walk in with an average score, you might still get approved, but the terms may not be as friendly as they were a few years ago. That’s why aiming for better than just average puts you in the strongest position.
So, What’s a Good Credit Score to Buy a Car This Year?
While we’re not going to give you a hard number, here’s a helpful way to frame it:
- Above 660: You’re in the “prime” category, and most lenders will work with you.
- Above 700: You’ll likely qualify for better-than-average rates.
- Above 750: You’re in the sweet spot for the lowest rates available.
Remember: these are averages, not requirements. Plenty of people buy cars with scores in the 500s or low 600s-but they pay much more in interest.
If you can delay your purchase and give yourself a few months to improve your score, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re saving thousands in interest over the life of your loan.
Final Thoughts: What’s a Good Credit Score to Buy a Car
There isn’t one “good credit score” to buy a car in 2025. Instead, there are ranges-and the higher you climb, the more money you save.
Here’s what to remember:
- Aim for at least the prime range (above 660) to give yourself a good shot at approval.
- Push into the 700s if you want better-than-average rates.
- Consider delaying your purchase or using offset strategies like a larger down payment if your score is lower.
Buying a car should be exciting-not stressful. By preparing your credit ahead of time, you’ll walk into the dealership with confidence and drive away knowing you got the best deal possible.
Ready to Improve Your Credit Before You Buy?
At Credit Recovery Group, we’ve been helping people rebuild their credit since 2006. Whether you’re months away from buying a car or you’re ready right now, we can help you put together a strategy to strengthen your profile and save money on financing.