Find a great auto loan interest rate online.

Click here to get the lowest rate quote from E-Loan.

Next, go shopping for your car online. Get detailed info on model, features, and options from Invoice Dealers, Cars.com, Kelley Blue Book, etc.

Once you've figured out exactly what you want, fax a request for a price quote to a dozen dealers in your area.

Specify color, make, and model. Include all options. Insist that no other extras or add-ins be included.

Insist on getting your car for dealer invoice (or less).

Give a 24-hour deadline on the cover sheet.

Phone back the three lowest bidders and negotiate over the phone.

Only after doing all this should you set foot in the dealership for a test drive.

And bring your finance check with you. You can always get a better deal on auto financing than the dealer offers. They're just a middleman, not a source.


Keep your trade-in separate
Your current car should not be part of any negotiation until the very end. Once you have the preset price you wanted (always aim for dealer invoice cost), then you can talk trade-in.

Research the blue book value of your specific car at Kelley Blue Book. Know exactly what it's worth. If you can't get close to the blue book value for your trade, then sell it yourself.

Apply online for your auto loan
The Internet has become a great way for car buyers to apply for low-interest loans with no down payment, no application fee, and no prepayment penalty-all from the comfort of their home or office.

If you're looking for an easy way to save money and willing to invest 10 minutes, take the time to go online. You'll be amazed to see just how much refinancing your car can save you.


E-Loan has great bad credit car loan rates
They represent all the major lenders. That's why it pays to shop your bad credit auto loans through E-Loan.

You can have a check in hand tomorrow to refinance your car. All you have to do is fill it out and send it in.

Apply online at E-Loan today. It's quick (takes 5 minutes), fast (you're approved in 15 minutes), and easy (it's a very short form).

Plus, you can't beat their low rates!

Here's what you need to know:

Be a smart buyer
Know your budget before visiting the dealership.

Even with today's low rates, you don't want to financially overextend yourself. Determine what you can afford and what interest rate you deserve.

Dealers use credit scores when offering finance terms, so check your credit score before the shopping begins.


Do your homework
Research vehicle costs before stepping in the showroom to haggle. Even if you're uncomfortable negotiating, brace up.

Car salesmen are experts at negotiating. Go prepared and expect to work to get a good deal.


Flexibility and good timing cut price
Shop when sales are slow -- when new-year models are due, at the end of the month and during the last two working hours of the day.

Plus, remember that hottest-selling model will cost, so if you're flexible and willing to buy the not-so-popular one, you'll save.


Get top dollar for your old vehicle
The market sets the value of your car whether in a trade-in or private sale. Selling it privately, however, usually results in more money -- but it takes time.

Going for the trade-in? Don't talk about trade-in value until you've settled on the new car price.


Don't pay extra for clean and sheen
Extras such as undercoating, scotch-guarding, detailing and decorative features on a car don't add to it's value. They simply add to your debt.

Many of these options are worthless or overpriced to boost the dealer's profit.

Buy only what YOU want in your new car. Don't buy in to what the dealer is pushing this week. Just say NO to costly extras.

Do not be too embarrassed to walk out
Many dealer tricks are designed to keep you in the showroom. Never give up your car keys or your drivers license.

Don't allow the dealer to run your credit report. Never deal with a dealer for your auto financing. They're only a middleman who just marks up the cost your auto loan.


Ask for a final discount
Dealers sometimes get extra factory incentives and may be able to sell below factory invoice price.


Refuse to pay for extras
Don't pay for things you don't have to pay for. Be prepared to pay extra for taxes, registration, licenses and destinations charges.  Those are legit.

Don't pay for delivery, promotion, handling, sales charges, floor charges or any other fancy words the dealer is using to have you pay for something you don't have to pay for.

Be prepared to turn down fancy extras like rust proofing and pin striping. They're expensive and you don't need them.


Use E-Loan BEFORE you shop
And don't forget the most important point. Avoid dealer financing tricks by getting your auto loan pre-approved at E-Loan.

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