It's very easy to set up as auto financing provider on the internet, without any qualifications, or even having an office. This makes it very easy for crooks and incompetents to gip the desperate. A 'substantial site' is one with a telephone number, postal address, named personnel and preferably a member of, or regulated by, the relevant authority.

Auto financing: You're probably looking for the cheapest deal you can find. This is the era of Asda and cheap Chinese imports. People expect to get a takeaway for £2.33, and clothe themselves for £20.33.

How to spot a dubious auto financing provider: If you can get to their offices, have a look around. What is your first impression? Lethargic or Dynamic? Obscure or Direct? Clean or Dirty? Don't let your greed for auto financing override your instincts.

Your instincts are probably right. If a thing is right for you, it'll work right from the beginning. If you find you keep having problems, jump ship, and don't look back. People often throw good money after bad, and good effort after bad. They've invested so much, they think they have to 'see it through to the end'. WROOOONNNNG!

Ideally, what you see is what you should get. Regardless, any provider providing auto financing-related services should have a simple list of rates and fees, The lower, the better, unless it's some fly-by-night two-year-old upstart LLC working out of a back room in Nevada.

Auto financing providers - Ask about:
How long they've been in business;
Areas covered;
If they need insurance;
If they offer a guarantee;
Any (hidden) fees?

Dealers don't finance your auto financing, they get a commission from the real provider. The higher the interest they charge you, the more profit they'll make. It's better to get your auto financing from an online provider. With your financing done, there's no need to endure the confusion and trickery of car dealer financing. With the cheque in hand, you have eliminated one of the obstacles in the cash flow obstacle course.

HERE'S A BIG TIP: ALWAYS HAGGLE. The first quote you're offered is not the bottom line. It's especially easy to get a better deal if you've been offered a better one by someone else. You can use this as ammo. You'll likely be dealing with a junior oficer or call centre initially. You can say you're interested, but want a better deal, close the conversation, hang up, then wait for them to get back to you.

If they want your business, they'll surely call back. They may try to 'sell you up' to something more costly. It's their job, so don't take it to heart. For their part auto-financing providers are not obliged to give you the best deal, despite what consumer web sites may tell you. This 'somebody owes me something' attitude is contrary to the basic spirit of capitalism: "Caveat Emptor", or "Buyer Beware!"

Avoid auto financing web sites where: The site is on a free web host; The site has not been updated recently e.g. the Copyright reads 2002; They've only been running for a few years; The business address is a P.O. Box; The prices are a bit cheap. They may be a bargain, or they may save money by cutting down on service.

Have your money in the right spot. Be prepared when you are ready to purchase. The best deal can happen in a day if you're ready. If you have the financing at had this will ensure a smooth transaction.

Insurance. If your credit is good you can wiggle out of getting this with your auto financing. Insurance doesn't help you, it helps the finance company. It also adds significantly to your outgoings.

What should you look for in taking-on a auto financing provider? You need someone trustworthy, who talks your language, and gives good technical support.

Educate yourself about the market. Understand what you are purchasing. Many people don't understand how auto financing works. Getting auto financing is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. Know your rights before you make a purchase. Do some research.

The best auto financing is easy to find. Just go to one of those sites offering to compare 100, 200, or 2797 different auto financing providers. Just be prepared for the phone to ring off the hook for a few weeks.

A better idea is to draw up a shortlist of a few companies.