If you have credit issues, you can save yourself a lot of time and frustration by determining, on your own, if you meet the basic requirements of most high-risk lenders - before submitting an application for a bad credit auto loan.

Though they may have some flaws that show up on their credit reports, even these consumers, in most cases, owe it to themselves to check out their local bank or credit union before going the indirect lending route.

It has been our experience that consumers with bruised credit often don't understand why it can be difficult finding the right kinds of lenders when it comes time to apply for an auto loan.

Speaking of bad credit cars, the one area that horrible credit auto loans buyers need to pay attention to is vehicle maintenance – something that's very important, since a number of repossessions result from car breakdowns. After all, who wants to continue making payments on a vehicle that doesn't run?

Poor credit car loans should be used to finance a compact or midsize car to save on interest, car insurance and gas expenses. Financing for the shortest term possible means you'll be in a position to re-finance or purchase a different vehicle at a lower interest rate sooner. Because of this, most credit-challenged consumers will pick an affordable used car. But there is another option - an inexpensive new car.

If you have bad credit, in many cases you can waste hours and sometimes days trying to find a dealer that can get you financed. If you've tried everything else, here are some suggestions that might help you find the right kind of dealer:

It also means understanding why it is usually necessary for bad credit customers go through the process of first financing at least one vehicle with a bad credit auto loan in order to once again qualify for competitive interest rates on their next vehicle loan.