How much will this item on my credit report affect my ability to buy a vehicle?

I have bad credit. But Im working on paying off the debts that I do have so I can improve on my credit score. I had a loan that I was supposed to pay off through a company that the OC does business with. I was unable to make the payments due to a job loss. I think the high balance was something like $4,069. That was sent back to the original creditor. When that happened, the company that the OC does business with put a negative mark on my credit report. However, I eventually found a new job and started making payments with the OC. I have paid that off a year or so ago. When dealerships run a credit check on me, what are they going to say when they see the high balance? Its been paid off as I said but will they still treat that as being not paid even though it is? Thank You for any info you can provide to me