If you find yourself shopping around for an auto loan there is much to consider before you ever sign the dotted line. The first thing to consider is if you want to pay a down payment on the vehicle. Many lenders today don't require a down payment but it is still a good idea to pay as much as possible, initially. The more you pay for a down payment, the lower your payments may be on the loan. If you have a used vehicle you can trade-in, the money you get for the trade-in can be added into the down payment. Don't expect to make a lot of money on your trade-in unless your car is in absolutely perfect condition. Any cosmetic flaws or mechanical work needing to be done on your old vehicle can significantly lower its potential trade-in value.