Use modern technology to extend old-fashioned virtues. That's the story of the Weisleder family and the three generations of car-selling in their genes.
Nearly 20 years ago (1989 to be exact) the family got an idea as to how to help people with bad credit obtain car financing.
In 1994 they went nationwide with a trademark on 1-800-CAR-LOAN, and by the end of the century, it had a host of Web sites out there. Including this one.
You'll see the company name -- InterActive Financial -- at the top of our online car finance application. Or you can apply over the phone with the toll-free number. It still works, you know.
Since so many of our finance customers are in the troubled credit category, we spend a lot of time researching the best cars for bad credit customers. We especially like to keep track of what's known as platform cars -- cars that are basically the same except for surface-level details. This is knowledge that can save you money. For instance:
• The Hyundai Accent ($10,700 to $14,500) and the Kia Rio ($10,800 to $13,600) are essentially the same car, but the Rio comes with a 10-year, 100-mile warranty.
• Isuzu I-series trucks ($17,800 to $28,300) are essentially the same as the Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon, but you can find a Canyon or Colorado for three or four thousand dollars less.
• The Mitsubishi Raider ($19,900 to $28,300) is essentially a reskinned Dodge Dakota, but it has a better basic warranty (60 months and 60,000 miles versus 36 months and 36,000 miles).
• If you're looking at a Volvo s40 (around $24,400), take a peek at the Mazda 3. Pretty much the same components, and thousands cheaper.