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Read helpful articles to learn more about all your financing options.

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AutoTrader.com Articles

Purchasing

Loan Basics

Get the what, where and why of loans in one quick read.

5 Signs You Might Love a Loan

You hear and answer the call of the open road plus four other signs you might love a loan.

The Downside of Upside-Down Loans

The three things everyone needs to know about upside-down loans.

Leasing

Leasing Basics

Get the what, how and why of leasing in one quick read.

5 Signs You Might Love a Lease

Ownership is a state of mind plus four other signs you might love a lease.

Lease Worksheet

A must read before you shop for a lease. A must take when you visit a dealership.

Credit

The 5 Building Blocks of a Credit Score

Three little numbers. One big life impact. Here's how your score is built.

Quick Guide to Credit Reports

What's in a credit report? Why do you need one? Find out here.

9 Tips to Improve Your Credit

Take control of your credit with simple tips that steer you in the right direction.

Buy Here Pay Here Financing Basics

It's everywhere and may be perfect for you, but what exactly is Buy Here Pay Here financing?

5 Questions to Ask Buy Here Pay Here Dealers

Getting the right answers starts with asking the right questions.

Good News about Bad Credit

Five reasons you shouldn't worry about bad credit.

The 3 No-Credit Myths

Get real information about your new-to-credit situation.

Resources

Financing Glossary

Add some definition to your understanding of credit, leasing and purchasing.

Featured Resources


Where can I get a loan?


By Jon Acuff

There are three primary places to find a loan:

1.   Online
If you're reading this article, then you're already comfortable finding what you need online. Why not a loan? Internet-only finance companies offer attractive rates and the convenience of having your financing taken care of before you visit a dealership. There are several options available. AutoTrader.com's official online financing partner is Lending Tree.

2.   Banks and credit unions
The traditional financing route is still very popular and may be the option that works best for you. In many cases, the institution where you currently have a checking or savings account is an easy place to start a loan search. Don't be afraid to expand your search to other banks and credit unions in the area as you look for the most favorable offer.

3.   Dealerships
Financing through a dealership is a good way to complete the entire car purchase in one location. Dealerships have access to several lenders and will search a variety of options to find the one that's best for you. Plus, new car dealerships often have special incentives and offers directly from the manufacturer.

The number of dealerships offering their own financing, referred to as "in-house financing," has also increased. "Buy Here Pay Here" dealerships specialize in financing for people with lower credit ratings. To learn more, read Buy Here Pay Here Financing Basics.

 If you'd like to know more about how a loan could make sense for you, read 5 Signs You Might Love a Loan or Loan Basics. To learn about the lease side of the car financing world, take a look at Leasing Basics.