Originally posted by J
don't use the dealership's financing if at all possible (get prequalified at your own bank).

This.

All dealership financing departments charge an extra 1-2% on top of the rate that they actually approve you for and roll that into the profit of the deal. Many times they may sell the car for "cost" and add in an extra 2% intrest to the financing to make the money back on the back end.