If you have read our recent guide to Commercial Truck Financing for Bad Credit, then you know that it is possible to purchase a semi-truck, even if you have bad credit.
However, you will need to consider some creative options like a short-term lease or in-house financing. The latter has become increasingly popular in recent years, as this option offers a pathway to truck ownership while allowing you to boost your credit in the process.
If you are in the market for a quality used semi-truck and don’t qualify for traditional financing, the city of Atlanta is a great place to start your search.
To help you along, we have created this guide to finding the best buy here pay here semi-trucks in Atlanta, GA. The companies on our list also sell buy here pay here straight trucks, meaning you can find an affordable transportation solution no matter your needs.
Quicklook: Best Buy Here Pay Here Semi-Trucks in Atlanta, GA
- Best for Post-Purchase Support: Volvo
- Best for Buyers with Abysmal Credit: Bulldog Truck Sales
- Best for Affordable Prices: Georgia Motor Trucks, Inc.
- Best for Flexible Repayment Terms: Jordan Truck Sales
- Best for Drivers Who Want Options: Arrow Truck Sales
5 Best Buy Here Pay Here Semi-Trucks in Atlanta, GA
Our picks for the top places to purchase buy here pay here semi-trucks in Atlanta, GA, are:
Volvo
Volvo is unique from the other entries on our list because it does not offer true buy here pay here purchasing. However, it does offer in-house financing, which gives it the freedom to lend money to drivers who may have suboptimal credit scores.
There are several certified Volvo truck dealers in and around Atlanta. Eligible Volvo trucks come with a 12 or 24-month warranty, as long as you purchase a certified vehicle from an authorized dealer.
Best For: Post-Purchase Support
Special Features:
- Lengthy warranty
- Stringent inspection process
- State-of-the-art trucks
Benefits:
- Trucks are loaded with features
- Nationwide service network
- Volvos are known for being ultra-reliable
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
Bulldog Trucks Sales
Bulldog Truck Sales is the only non-manufacturer to make two of our best buy here pay here semi-truck lists. In addition to making this top 5 list, Bulldog Truck Sales was also featured in our breakdown of the best 5 buy here pay here semi-trucks in Florida.
This company offers a variety of purchasing options, including short-term leases, traditional leases, and in-house financing. It has a huge inventory, meaning you can find precisely what you are looking for.
Best For: Buyers with Abysmal Credit
Special Features:
- Multiple purchase options
- Large inventory
- Simple buying process
Benefits:
- Transparent rates
- Simple repayment terms
Disadvantages:
- Rates can exceed 10%
Georgia Motor Trucks, Inc.
Although its inventory is small, Georgia Motor Trucks, Inc. has some reasonably priced trucks. It also has flexible financing options, including buy here pay here purchasing. If you are interested in working with a customer service-oriented local business, Georgia Motor Trucks, Inc. is an excellent option.
Best For: Affordable Prices
Special Features:
- Great customer service
Benefits:
- Personalized service
- Local business
- Budget options available
Disadvantages:
- Limited inventory
- Sleeper cabs only
Jordan Truck Sales
Jordan Truck Sales is another local semi-truck dealer. While its inventory is small, it has a good mix of late model and budget-friendly trucks available. Whether you are looking for a modern truck or something a little more affordable, it has something that fits your budget.
Best For: Flexible Repayment Terms
Special Features:
- Two locations, Texas and Georgia
- Great equipment purchasing program
Benefits:
- Good mix of newer and older trucks
- Several purchasing options
- Flexible loan terms available
Disadvantages:
- Limited inventory at GA location
Arrow Truck Sales
Arrow Truck Sales is a national dealer that has 18 locations throughout the country, including one in Atlanta, GA. Its inventory includes nearly 800 trucks from various manufacturers like International, Freightliner, and Kenworth. Truck prices range from as low as approximately $30,000 to as high as $190,000+.
Best For: Drivers Who Want Options
Special Features:
- Huge nationwide inventory
- Extended warranties available
- Offers insurance, GAP, and membership program
Benefits:
- Hundreds of trucks available
- Options for every budget
- Carries trucks from top brands
Disadvantages:
- Somewhat rigid in-house financing requirements
What Are Buy Here Pay Here Semi-Trucks in Atlanta, GA?
Buy here pay here semi-trucks in Atlanta, GA, are vehicles that are available for purchase without traditional financing. Instead of obtaining a loan through a bank or other financial institution, you purchase your vehicle straight from the dealer.
The dealer “finances” your purchase by allowing you to make payments over time as you would with a regular loan. Your dealer maintains a lien on the truck until you fully repay your debt.
How Do Buy Here Pay Here Semi Trucks Work?
Dealers that offer buy here pay here purchasing do not require you to obtain traditional financing. As a result, they have more leeway when deciding whether to sell you a vehicle. They can choose to sell you a vehicle, even if your credit score is poor.
The downside to buy here pay here loans is that the interest rates are typically higher than traditional financing agreements — for two reasons.
First, the seller is absorbing more risk by partnering with someone who is ineligible for traditional financing. Second, the seller enters into an agreement at a financial deficit because they will not receive full payment for the truck for several years.
Once you purchase a buy here pay here semi-truck, you will make payments directly to the dealer. They will monitor the status of the loan, provide you with balance updates, and track your payment history. If you default on the loan, they will be able to repossess the truck.
Choosing a Semi-Truck Buy Here Pay Here Dealer
If you need buy here pay here semi-trucks in Atlanta, GA, any of the dealers above are great options. When deciding which one to do business with, you should browse each dealer’s inventory to get a feel for which models they have available and the average price point of their trucks.
We also recommend shopping around for traditional commercial truck financing and short-term leases, even if you think you won’t qualify. You have virtually nothing to lose but could save thousands in interest payments. This guide to finding the best commercial truck financing rates is a great resource if you go that route.
Take a little extra time to consider each option, and you are sure to find the perfect rig to start your career as a truck driver.
FAQ
Frequently, you can get approved for a semi-truck loan the same day, especially if you use in-house financing.
December and January are two of the best months to purchase a semi-truck. Dealers are attempting to get rid of aging inventory so they can stock up on new models.
Buying a semi-truck is a great investment if you have an interest in being an owner-operator or starting your own company. With some hard work and a sound business mindset, you can earn a strong return on your semi-truck investment.