When times are tough, things can go wrong and spiral out of control. Unfortunately, a poor credit score isn't the worst thing you can have in your credit history. A prior bankruptcy or repossession can create additional challenges if you need to finance a new car. While these are obstacles you'll need to overcome, they aren't insurmountable.

If you've got these black marks on your credit history, but you still need to finance a car, don't panic. These three tips will help you get the financing you need so you can get on the road with a reliable set of wheels and start down the path to rebuilding your credit.

1. Shop Around 

If you subprime credit, it goes without saying that you're unlikely to qualify for top rates from any lenders. However, you don't have to accept exceptionally high loan rates. Many lenders specialize in working with poor credit buyers, and there are even options available for individuals recovering from bankruptcy or other significant financial black marks.

Remember that your total loan amount is your principal plus interest, and lenders consider this total value when determining your maximum loan size. As a result, a high APR can limit which cars are available to you by increasing the interest side of the equation. Shopping around for a lower rate will save you money and broaden your purchasing options.

2. Bring Cash

You may have heard that dealerships often prefer financing over cash and that the old "cash is king" adage no longer holds. While this may be true in some cases, cash can go a long way when you're buying with a weak credit score or poor credit history. When you're in this situation, lenders are looking for skin in the game, and that's precisely what your down payment provides.

Of course, that doesn't mean you need to save a tremendous amount of money before stepping onto the lot. Instead, save what you can so you can gain a substantial amount of equity in your new vehicle. This approach proves to lenders that you have a reason to keep paying (so you don't lose your down payment), increasing your overall approval odds.

3. Take Control

Your repossession or bankruptcy is in your past, and you can't change that, but you can take control of your financial situation. Start by pulling a free credit report and carefully scrutinizing it. Are there old debts you can pay off? Are there any black marks that may not apply that you can appeal? Can you come to settlement arrangements with prior lenders?

By taking control of your credit, you can show your auto lender that you're serious about getting back onto your feet. Even if you don't see an immediate improvement in your credit score, these steps can improve your odds of successfully obtaining a loan for your new car with these bad credit car financing tips.