 TITLE: Bank or Dealership: What’s the Best Way to Finance a Car? CONTENT: Prepare Yourself Financially Before Applying for an Auto Loan\n-------------------------------------------------------------\nUnderstanding how to get the best financing for your car is important, but it's just as important to prepare yourself in other ways. For starters, check your credit score to see where you stand. If it needs work and you have time, consider taking steps to improve your credit before you apply.\nAlso, work on saving a down payment for the loan. The higher the down payment, the less you have to finance, and the less you'll pay in interest over the life of the loan.\nFinally, check your budget to make sure you can afford the monthly payment. The last thing you want is to drive off the lot in a car that will cause you more distress than joy. END