“There’s a movement toward quality with respect to loans,” he said. “That means those with lower credit scores face more difficult approval and higher rates.”

Banks can’t afford to take on subprime loans any more, Grafmyre said.

“As credit scores go down, more of a down payment is necessary, since there is more risk,” he said.

For those who need wheels but have low credit scores or other credit difficulties, there are other options.

Brenner Car Credit, with dealerships in Mifflintown, Hummels Wharf and Williamsport, doesn’t even consider those scores.

“We look at your income versus your payments, including what your car payment and insurance would be,” said Monica Wert, general manager at the company’s Mifflintown office.

A deal can be worked out with almost anyone, Wert said.

A schedule of payments is created, based on the customer’s payday, and customers are expected to make their payments on time.

“We’re very strict on payments,” she said. “If you miss a payment or two, we get you in here for a talk and get you up to date.”

Brenner has been in business for 14 years, she said, and it has had few defaults. Some customers have bought several cars, and they bring in friends and relatives to buy vehicles.

“We have a lot of years of collection experience,” Wert said.

Brenner arranges its own financing, Wert said, and the going rate for all loans is 14.95 percent.

“We don’t do subprime loans, those 20 percent or more,” she said.

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