Youve probably spent years thinking that your dream car is out of your reach. But have you though about a car loan? That car youve always wanted could be just within your grasp!

America is a nation of car owners. With over 133 million cars on the road, that means that there are 1.24 cars to every house in America! The amazing fact is that over 70% of these vehicles are purchased using car loans.

With a huge range of car loans available such as direct loans or dealer loans, its difficult to work out how much you can afford or which is best for you. Follow these top ten tips and you cant go wrong!

Top Ten Tips Getting the right car loan for you

1. Before anything, check your credit rating. If you have a credit score <600 you may have to finance your car purchase using a bad credit car loan. These loans will have higher interest rates but if you keep up your repayments you will increase your credit rating. Eventually youll be able to refinance your car loan at a better interest rate.

2. Spend time researching just how much your dream car costs. Try finding price comparisons from local dealers, magazines and online. There are bargains out there!

3. Calculate your monthly income minus all your expenditures to determine just how much you can afford on a monthly basis. Stick to this budget or youll find the car loan repayments tough.

4. Make sure you have enough money for the down payment. Loans have varying requirements for this always check the small print!

5. Dont just settle for the car loan rate from the manufacturer or the dealer you purchase the car from. They can be extortionate. Even if they do try and attract you with 0% interest rate advertisements, only people with perfect credit ratings actually qualify for these deals.

6. Do your own research and shop around for the best deal for you. Seek advice from banks, credit unions and loan institutions. Also, search online for car loans too. Some of the best rates are available, it can save you lots of time and searching for them is absolutely free.

7. Try to find an auto loan with an affordable monthly repayment that you can pay back in as short a timescale as possible. If you can pay back your car loan within three years instead of five, you will save yourself big bucks in the long run.

8. Now you understand what you can afford, is that dream car within your reach? If so - bonus! If the car loan repayments do not fit within your budget seriously reconsider and purchase a car you know you can afford.

9. Once you have found the best deal for you, get pre-approved for this auto loan.

10. Be strong when you visit the dealer. Know that they will try and persuade you to take another financing option but just say no. Stick to the car loan you found, the best loan for you.