There is no question that today’s economy could be doing better. But, even in this slump, financing a car isn’t quite as hard as you may think. Car dealers are tightening their purse strings and lending money with greater caution than they were a few years ago. At the same time, though, their lower sales volume gives them more incentive to help people buy new cars. 

That isn’t to say that car dealerships are the only option for financing a vehicle. Because of the adjustments they have made, big banks are no longer one of the finest providers. Credit unions, regional banks, and other local lending institutions are all possible sources for car loans.

The good news is that the poor economy has created a buyer’s market. Car dealers are offering various incentives and discounts to help move inventory off of their lots. Low-interest rates, lower payments, and a lower total loan cost are a few of the advantages.

Yet, there is a catch. Only consumers with excellent credit are eligible for the greatest deals. As a result, if you’re getting a car loan, you should examine your credit record and repair any errors you find. Also, start paying all your payments on time if you haven’t already. Your credit score will improve the longer you do this.

But don’t choose the first dealer that offers you the finest terms. The goal is to find the best car price first, then shop around for the best price and terms at several dealerships. Examine what they have to offer and compare the stats to determine which is the best. Don’t stop there, though! Once you’ve received a concrete offer from one dealership, go to another to see if they can match or beat it. Remember, they want to sell cars, and if they think you’ll buy from a competition, they could be ready to go even lower than their prior best offer.

There’s another potential trap here, so proceed with caution. You’re comparing more than car pricing; you’re comparing finance arrangements as well. One of the dirty little secrets of vehicle sales is that the interest rates they charge account for a large number of their revenues. You are not required to get a car loan from a dealership. You can get better rates if you go to a bank or credit union. You must, but, account for any particular dealer incentives that may help skew the data in their favor.

Another alternative for car financing is to compare offers from several lenders online. This is helpful because, rather than you going out to meet each possible lender, they come to you, although.