Find the Right Lender Before You Buy a Car

If you're in the market for a new car, there's more to take into consideration than just the make, model and features you'll be getting. You also have to figure out how you're going to pay for it.

Most people will end up taking out a loan; but who has the time to pound the pavement and research all the offers out there? To save yourself some valuable time and effort, do your "legwork" over the Internet.

A good site to turn to is www.HarborCredit.com. The company works with dealers across the country to help car shoppers find the best rates in their communities.  

All you have to do to get started is select the kind of loan you need: one for a new car, used car or for a refinancing, then plug in your Zip Code. On the next screen you'll be asked for some personal and employment information, and whether or not you have a trade-in.

Once you submit all the required information, your application will be run through the database and matched up with a lender willing to offer you a deal. In a lot of cases, customers receive a call back from a dealer in their area the very same day they submit their application.  

"The biggest advantage to working with a company like ours is we only put you in touch with lenders ready to make a deal. No more filling out multiple applications only to wait and see if you're approved," says Rob Gaudio, president of Harbor Credit.

If you're concerned you may have trouble qualifying, here are some things you can to do increase your chances of being approved for a loan:

• Fix your credit report. Correct mistakes and "charge offs."
• Pay attention to your credit score. Know what APR you deserve.
• Close old accounts. Credit scores can suffer with them.
• Understand the process of car loans. Be prepared.
• Utilize the auto loan calculator. Test different APR scenarios.

To find out if Harbor Credit can help get you behind the wheel of a new car, log on to www.HarborCredit.com. If you're more comfortable giving the information over the phone, live operators are available to talk with you Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.

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