1. Put more down. A larger down payment lowers loan-to-value and tells the lender you have skin in the game.
2. Lower your DTI. Pay off a credit card or small loan before applying so your debt-to-income ratio looks healthier.
3. Get pre-qualified. Soft-pull pre-qualification shows where you stand without dinging your score.
4. Bring a co-signer with strong credit if your file is thin. 5. Shop your loan separately from the car so you are not at the mercy of dealer financing. 6. Keep job and address stability on your application. 7. Apply within a two-week window so multiple inquiries count as one.
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