Yes, when you finance a used car you are purchasing it. If you are looking for financing, the dealer can help you arrange that. However, since you are a first-time buyer, that may not be your best course of action. Go to an online broker - I recommend lendingtree.com, eloan.com, and capitalone.com as brokers. Get them to pre-approve you for a loan. that way, you will know what amount you can finance, and what your best interest rate is. Tell the dealer you have your own financing, so you can concentrate on the car itself, and the purchase price. Too may people fixate on the monthly payment, and wind up getting the wrong car, or paying more than they realize for the car.
Every bank's requirements are different. I would line up at least 4 references to be on the safe side. Get addresses and phone numbers. Length of time on job is a variable in determining credit worthiness as well.
But again, I encourage you to get an online approval. That will take a lot of the stress and confusion out of the buying experience |