: If you default, Virginia law allows dealers to repossess the vehicle, but they must follow specific rules regarding the sale of the car and your personal property left inside. Essential Tips Before You Buy

: Check the Virginia Better Business Bureau and Google reviews specifically for "service after the sale" and "repossession stories."

: Ask if the dealer reports your on-time payments to the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). If they don't, the loan won't help rebuild your credit.

: Virginia law allows for higher APRs on these subprime loans compared to traditional banks.

: Most BHPH cars in VA are sold without a warranty. You must look for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Buyer’s Guide in the window, which will state if the car has a warranty or is being sold "As-Is."