I'll throw in a couple of tips on financing. Unless you're getting special manufacturer financing (e.g., low APR), don't ever let a dealer do the financing. Go to a bank or credit union (some of the online banks offer good rates) and apply for a loan. Usually, the lender will approve you to borrow up to a certain amount. Then go to the dealership and negotiate price. Once you have agreed on price, bring the dealer a check from your bank.

And don't ever borrow money without knowing exactly what's on your credit reports. Check all three in advance. Every bank or dealership will use one of three reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian or Trans-Union. You can download a free copy of each report annually at the government-mandated website www.annualcreditreport.com. You might find some old collection account on your reports that you didn't know about that's dragging down your score. Or there could be an account that's not even your debt.