You may have negotiated a great deal on your new car, but in the finance office things suddenly go awry. Here are a few tips to help you avoid financing probems and surprises: 

• Get a copy of your credit report and bring it with you to the dealership

• Don't pay a cash deposit. Use a credit card instead. This gives you a dispute mechanism in case the deal falls through.

• Don't apply for a car loan until you have been employed for at least 6 months if you are a recent college graduate

• Apply for your loan online and compare rates from lenders. Even if you end up using dealer or factory financing, you'll be armed with options.

• Learn to fix your credit before you apply for a loan. Get your credit score to at least 680 first.

• Pay off your credit card debts before you look for a new car 

• If you have recently moved, wait 6 months before applying for a loan. Your addresses are always verified. If you move a lot, they will not trust that they can keep track of your whereabouts should you make late payments.  

• Having been approved for a loan in the past helps

• Don't get a co-signer for your loan because often times you will find that the deal is solely in the other person’s name.