Subprime dealer guides
Short answer
Straight answers to the questions independent used-car dealers ask us most: where to get subprime buyers, why cheap leads don't close, how Facebook credit ads work, and how to judge a lead company. From the Subprime Kings team, with insights from founder Jacques West.
- How do I get more subprime car buyers at my dealership?
Most dealers asking for more leads really need more sales. Here is how independent used-car stores get more bad-credit buyers without buying old, shared lead lists.
- What are the alternatives to buying subprime auto leads?
Compare shared lead lists, 'exclusive' lead vendors, listing sites, in-house Facebook ads, general agencies and a dealer-owned credit app system for used-car dealers.
- Exclusive vs shared subprime auto leads: what's the difference?
A shared lead is sold to several dealers. An exclusive lead goes to one. Here is how to tell them apart, why it matters for close rates, and the red flags to watch for.
- Why don't cheap subprime leads close?
$2 subprime leads are usually cheap because they have already been called by many dealers, often for months or years. Here is what that does to your close rate and your team.
- Full credit application vs short-form leads: which is better?
Short-form leads give you a name and number. A full credit application gives income, job, housing and consent to pull credit. Here is why that matters for subprime deals.
- How do Facebook ads work for subprime and buy here pay here dealers?
Meta treats auto financing ads as a special ad category with targeting limits. Here is how subprime and BHPH dealers can run Facebook and Instagram ads that bring in credit applications.
- How do I choose a subprime lead generation company?
Eight questions to ask any subprime auto lead company before you sign, and the red flags that tell you the leads are shared, generic or old.
- Cost per lead vs cost per funded deal: which number matters?
Cost per lead is easy to measure and easy to fool. Cost per funded deal shows what your marketing really costs. Simple math and an example for used-car dealers.
- What is the best way to get subprime auto leads in 2026?
Six ways independent used-car dealers get subprime and bad-credit buyers in 2026, ranked by exclusivity, data quality and control: from shared lists to dealer-owned credit app systems.
More from the field
The Think Like a King blog covers the desk side: speed to contact, document collection, building a lender stack, follow-up cadence and texting consent.