Local credit unions are typically your best bet. In particular, if you have access to navy federal credit union, it's extremely easy to get approved and walk out with a pre-approval check in 30 minutes to buy your car now while you continue to shop around for rates.
Get an offer from your local credit union, then tell the dealer’s finance guy you will use his bank if he can beat the rate.
This is the way to go. Find the car you want online first, secure financing from a local CU second (shop around), and then go to the dealership third. Don't walk in without the financing or they'll give you some BS high rate even with excellent credit.
Contact some local credit unions and see what rates they offer. Also, if you're getting a certified pre owned, check what the dealership offers.
Ok, I'm seeing overwhelming recommendations for local credit unions. Thanks everyone!
Big banks are notoriously shady institutions. Wells Fargo, Chase, B of A, etc. Fortunately these are one of few modern shitty things that are very easy to avoid by working with a credit union.
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