Home / Guides

How to get a loan for car repairs

Updated 10 November 2026

Short answer: To get a loan for car repairs, get a written quote from the shop first, then ask for that amount and no more. A personal loan, a shop payment plan or a credit card can all pay a repair bill. Compare the total cost of each in dollars before you agree to anything. Through FundsQuarry you can send one free request for $100 to $5,000 to lenders in our network; we are not a lender.

Can I get a loan for auto repair?

Yes, you can ask for one. Most personal loans can be used for any lawful purpose, and a repair bill is one of the most common reasons people borrow a small amount. What you cannot know in advance is whether a particular lender will make you an offer. Each lender looks at its own rules, your state and the details you give it.

A request through FundsQuarry does not decide anything. It passes your details to lenders in our network, and any lender that wants to lend shows you an offer with its cost. You then choose whether to accept it.

Step 1: Get the repair quote in writing

Before you borrow, ask the shop for a written estimate that lists parts, labour and tax. A written quote does three things for you. It tells you the real amount to ask for. It gives you something to compare if you want a second opinion. And it stops the bill from quietly growing after the work starts, because most shops will call before going past an agreed estimate.

If the car still drives safely, a second quote from another shop is often worth one more day. Repair prices for the same job can differ a lot between shops.

Step 2: Ask for the amount on the quote

It is tempting to round up "just in case". Every extra dollar borrowed is a dollar you repay with fees on top. Ask for the quoted amount, or the part of it you cannot cover from savings. If the shop finds more work, you can decide about that separately once you know what it is.

Step 3: Compare the ways to pay

A personal loan is not the only option. Put the choices side by side and look at the total you will repay, not only the payment size.

Way to pay	How it works	What to check
Shop payment plan	The shop or its finance partner lets you pay over time.	Whether interest is charged, and what happens if one payment is late.
Personal loan	A lender pays you once; you repay on a schedule.	APR, fees, number of payments and the total repaid.
Credit card	The shop charges the card.	The card's rate and whether you can clear it before interest grows.
Family or a local charity	An informal loan or help with the bill.	Put any family loan in writing so nobody is surprised later.

Step 4: Read the offer before you sign

If a lender makes an offer, it must show you the cost before you sign. Look for the amount you receive, the APR, any fees, the number and size of payments, the due dates, and what happens if you pay late or early. If any of that is missing or unclear, ask the lender before you agree. Saying no to an offer costs you nothing.

Can I get a car repair loan with bad credit?

Some lenders consider people with low scores, but nobody can promise an offer. A lower score often means a higher cost, so the comparison in step 3 matters even more. Be wary of anyone who promises approval before looking at your details, or who asks for a fee, a gift card or a wire payment before giving you a loan. A real lender does not do that.

What if I cannot afford the repair at all?

If the payments would not fit your budget, borrowing may make the month after harder than this one. Ask the shop which repairs are urgent for safety and which can wait. Some shops will do the urgent part now. You can also ask about used or rebuilt parts, which are often cheaper. Borrowing is one tool, not the only one.

Common questions

How much can I borrow for a car repair?

Through FundsQuarry you can request $100 to $5,000. Ask for the amount on your written quote. The lender decides whether to offer and how much.

How fast can the money arrive?

If a lender approves you and you accept, funds can arrive as soon as the next business day. The lender sets the timing, and it can be longer.

Does asking affect my credit score?

Checking your options won't affect your credit score, because that step uses a soft inquiry. A lender may run its own credit check if you go ahead with its application.