• Gather all your personal information such as your Social Security number, bank info, credit report, and your last few pay stubs.
• Figure out how much you can afford to pay each month.  Don’t forget to add in insurance, taxes and other fees.
• If your credit is poor, consider delaying your purchase until it is repaired, or finding a cosigner.
• Keep in mind that getting a loan for a used car may take some time- after all, most used cars are past the factory warranty, and as such, presents a higher risk to the lender.
• When you’ve found a vehicle you like, visit a site like AutoCheck or Carfax to get a history report, which will tell you if the car has been in any accidents or had major repairs.

When you have done all this, you’re ready to buy.  Remember, used cars are more of a risk for the lender, so be selective- even the best auto loans can be difficult to handle if you are paying on a car that isn’t mechanically sound.  Shop carefully!