CAR-BUYING QUESTIONS
Is dealer financing or bank financing better?
Neither is always better. Dealers can offer convenience and sometimes manufacturer promotional rates that banks can't match, while banks and credit unions may offer competitive rates without dealer involvement. The smart move is to arrive with a pre-approval from a bank or credit union, then let the dealer try to beat it. Compare the APR, term and total cost, not just the payment, and take whichever offer costs you less overall.
General information, not legal or financial advice; rules vary by state and lender.