Buy a Car the Web Way
When buying or leasing a car, impulse is your enemy. Given the financial commitment required to buy a car, a purchase not shown proper consideration could leave you regretting your decision for a long time. Luckily, the Web's resources are perfect for getting you the information you need and moving that perfect car from the showroom floor to behind your garage door. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Expand All Guide SectionsAdvice and Overviews on Car Buying
Online or off, your success when buying a car depends greatly on your preparation. Good research ... read more »
Buy a New Car
Whether it's luxury, performance, economy, or reliability you crave, new cars bring you the latest ... read more »
Buy a Used Car
If thoughts of buying a used car conjure up the stereotype of a cheap suit-clad salesman equipped ... read more »
Lease a Car
Leasing a car is similar in nature to renting an apartment: you inhabit it for a set period of ... read more »
How to Finance a Car
Unless you're sitting on a hefty savings account, buying a new or used car means taking out a loan. Use these sites to learn the ins and outs of auto financing, including how to access your credit score, improve your credit, calculate payments, and find a loan.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Getting your financing through the car dealership can be convenient but it can cost you a lot of money if you're not getting a good rate. Before you head to the dealer, check your bank's Web site (or any bank's Web site) to get an idea of current interest rates so you can better evaluate any offer from the dealer.
- A good credit score is important for securing the best rate on your loan. Before applying, be sure to check your score on a site like FreeCreditReport.com. If the credit check reveals a low (poor) credit score, improve your credit with help from the resources in the findingDulcinea Credit Guide.
- For more information about obtaining a loan, and about loans in general, see the findingDulcinea Personal Finance Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of automotive financing ...
HowStuffWorks
has an introductory explanation of car financing that covers how financing works, sources of financing, dealer financing, and why you should shop for a loan. The "Buyer Beware" section offers tips on things to watch out for.
Autobytel
has a variety of resources on car loan research and financing tools. For research, you'll find lease tips, a guide to understanding loans, a comparison of loans and leases, and a guide to understanding rebates and incentives. For auto financing tools, Autobytel has a payment calculator, credit report center, and Blue Book access.
For financing calculators ...
Yahoo Autos
has several finance calculators designed to help you calculate what your monthly payments will be. It also has links to its partner sites CarsDirect, CarLoan.com, and CapitalOne, where you can get estimates and compare rate offers.
To get a loan ...
HSBC
offers auto loans and refinancing. On this page you'll find an application and information on the available services.
AutoLoan.com
has auto loans and tips for getting the best loan. Apply online with their quick, one-page application form. Most customers are contacted by a local loan officer within an hour of submitting the application.
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