I want to buy a used car. Is it better to try to secure financing from a bank before going to any dealerships? Or, are the dealerships more willing to haggle if I finance thru them?
If you are considering new, there may be financing incentives on specific makes and models.
I suggest securing financing before going to a dealership.
Even if you buy a car without financing incentives, you can tell the finance guy "My APR is X % for Y months" and if you can beat it, I will sign with your lender". Just make sure you read everything.
Sometimes they will make it appear as if they are lowering your monthly payment and interest rate when they are actually just extending the term of your loan.