Car trouble is one of the most frustrating events that can happen. It can also be expensive, especially if you need to pay for a mechanic’s services with an auto loan.

Before you take on a loan to fix your car, make sure that it’s the right decision for you. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Personal Loan

If your car is making strange noises or your warranty has expired, you may need to get it fixed. A personal loan can help you cover the cost of auto repairs if you don’t have enough cash on hand. Personal loans are typically easier to qualify for than payday or title loans and have more reasonable repayment terms. Additionally, some lenders offer personal loans for people with fair credit and even bad credit.

With a personal loan, you’ll receive funds in one lump sum that you can use to pay for your auto repairs. You’ll then make payments on a monthly basis that will include both the principal and interest on the loan. Personal loans are available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. You can compare rates on personal loans to find the best one for you.

Before you apply for a atlas finance interest rate personal loan, it’s important to understand how it will impact your credit score. Most personal loans will require a hard credit check, and this can cause a small but temporary dip in your credit score. However, as you make your payments on time, you’ll be able to rebuild your credit score. You can also choose to take out a personal loan with a cosigner, which can help you get approved and can give the lender confidence that you will repay the debt.

2. Payday Loan

If your vehicle needs some work, but you don’t have enough cash saved up to pay for it, you may need a loan to fix your car. There are many ways to get a loan, including a payday loan. This type of loan is meant for short-term use and typically requires that you submit a post-dated check or give the lender permission to automatically withdraw funds from your bank account. The full amount of the loan, plus fees, is due on your next paycheck.

Another option is to get a personal installment loan, which is designed for borrowers who don’t have a good credit score or can’t use their credit cards because they are maxed out. However, it’s important to choose the right lender for you, such as PenFed Credit Union, Patelco, or First Tech. Some lenders may charge high interest rates or require an origination fee, so be sure to shop around.

Avoid predatory lending options, like payday lenders and vehicle title loans, which have triple-digit APR’s and unrealistic repayment terms that can end up costing you thousands of dollars. Instead, save money regularly to help cover unexpected expenses and build a buffer so you don’t have to take out expensive loans in the future. At CreditNinja, we recommend opening an emergency savings account with your bank and putting a little bit of money in it each month.

3. Credit Card

Credit cards provide the convenience of instant payment and can also offer perks like cash back or travel rewards, as well as signup bonuses that can cover part of your car repair bill. Online lending marketplaces can prequalify you with several lenders and return multiple loan offers, allowing you to find the right one to cover your car repairs. The downside of using a credit card to pay for car repair is that it can increase your credit utilization, which can lower your credit score and limit future financial options.

Some auto repair shops offer branded credit card programs that offer 0% interest for a set period of time on your repair work. However, these cards tend to have more relaxed credit approval standards and have high APRs once the promo purchase period expires. Other credit cards may offer a regular purchase APR of just under 30% and can be used anywhere that accepts credit cards.

If you can’t afford to pay for the repairs upfront, ask a friend or family member to lend you money. They may be willing to help you out, especially if you’re honest with them and work together on an installment plan. Be cautious, though, as owing money to friends and family can strain relationships, even when it’s for something small. You could also try selling personal items that you no longer use to raise the funds for your car repair.

4. Loan from Family or Friends

A loan to fix a car works the same way as other loans with a monthly payment that includes a repayment of principal and interest. While there are auto repair loans specifically designed to help cover mechanic costs, the most important thing is not to fall into a trap of paying more in interest than you actually have to.

Credit cards are another option, especially if you can qualify for one with a 0% interest APR introductory period. However, you should always consider the amount of time you’ll need to pay off the balance to avoid interest charges and make sure you are comfortable with that timeline.

Another option is to borrow money from a generous family member or friend who may be able to lend you the amount you need to cover the repairs. However, this is a big decision that should be considered carefully because it can impact the relationship. Make sure to draw up an official agreement and plan on repaying the debt in a timely manner to avoid any awkward conversations or fights down the road.

Some auto repair shops partner with lenders to offer branded credit cards that can help you get the funds you need quickly. These cards can be a great alternative to payday or auto repair loans, which typically come with high fees and interest rates. However, they should only be used as a last resort.