 TITLE: Step-by-Step Checklist for Buying a New Car CONTENT: Get Your Credit Ready to Buy a Car\n----------------------------------\nA good credit score can help you qualify for the best auto loan terms and lowest interest rates. Experian's latest auto market report found auto loan borrowers in the lowest credit score range paid an average 14.85% interest on a new car loan; those in the highest range paid an average interest rate of 4.19%.\n*   Check your credit report and contact the credit bureau if you find any inaccuracies.\n*   Check your credit score to see how your credit measures up.\n*   If necessary, take time to improve your credit score before shopping for a car.\n    *   Bring any past-due accounts current.\n    *   Pay all your bills on time.\n    *   Pay down balances on credit card accounts to improve your credit utilization ratio.\n    *   Sign up for Experian Boost™† to get credit for paying your utility, cellphone and streaming bills on time. END