Those sites you've been visiting may have been set up by a big lending company to focus solely on auto finance, and get more internet 'traffic' from people looking for same, or they may just be a 'throwaway' site with no proper support, run by people who sell on your contact information.

Internet sites of this type won't be able to help you with unusual enqueries. Your information will be sold on to three or more 'real' auto finance lending companys, with the result your phone will be ringing off the hook for the next three weeks with calls from eager salesmen, flicking through a database, and finding your name. This is very annoying; you run from the bathroom to answer the 'phone, to find an Indian saleswoman on the other end.

If you've settled on a monthly outlay on your loan, you can look at which vehicles fit into your price range. A good criterion to take a sober look at what your needs are. Is it for family, commuting, business or fun? There are plenty of places for you to do your car research;  the internet, magazines, dealerships, credit unions and local banks to see what kind of deal you can get.

The more informed you are, the better deal you can negotiate. Look out for rebates; the manufacturer may want to either get rid of slow-selling cars or lessen their stock. They may offer a cash rebate or a low financing rate.

Already in debt? Getting to much to handle? TIP: Sometimes the interest rate on debt consolidation loans can be higher than the rate you currently have.

If the loan's APR is higher than your credit cards, you'll lose money! All you are really doing is transferring your debt from one place to another _and_ opening another line of credit, while freeing up your credit cards. Then you spend on your cards again.  You'll end up paying up to 22% on your consolidation loan, have more credit card debt, _and_  have a black mark on your credit report, for taking out the loan. 

Even worse, if you use a debt consolidation company as your intermediary, that will show up too. The inference is, you're a bad creditor, and you can't manage your finances, so lending companies either won't touch you, or they'll charge you the max. To complete the picture, debt consolidation companies may mess up your repayments, and thus harm your credit even further.

If you call your lending company about your auto finance, make sure you get the full name of the person with whom you speak.

Make a list of wants versus needs. Most people tell their lender what they want, not what they need. If you cannot afford what you want, you may miss the auto finance you need. By making a list, you'll find the best auto finance for your budget.

Advertising costs money. In order for you to find a lending company, that lending company has to spend money; with print and TV advertising, a lot of money.

With the internet, a lot less. Also, getting others to 'shill' for you, in return for a percentage of the sale, is an efficient way to get customers.

Educate yourself about the market. Understand what you are acquiring. Many people don't understand how auto finance works. Getting auto finance is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. Know your rights beforehand. Do your research.

Auto finance lending companies - Ask about:
How long they've been in business;
Areas covered;
Any (hidden) fees?


Sure, you can get these auto finance products at lowww, low APR. But what corners were cut to get you that price? And what hidden fees might there be? There is a price point below which you'll be wasting your money, because you won't be getting the best that you deserve. If this is important to you, would you get the cheapest deal, or would you get the best auto finance service that you could afford?

Try your own bank: Usually the bank rates are higher than the internet auto finance sites, unless they're doing a 'special offer'. Some banks and building societies offer consistently lower rates, and some are greedy hogs; they've twenty million inert customers, so they don't care. It's the same in any market. Those offering the best deals can 'cherry-pick' the customers with the best credit. If you know your credit rating is good, that's you!