Following the Fed's slice of short-term interest rates Tuesday, auto loan rates shifted downward. The 60-month new-car loan rate fell 3 basis points to 7.19 percent. The 48-month and 36-month new-car loan rate each fell 2 basis points to 7.16 percent and 7.09 percent, respectively.

The 36-month used-car loan rate dipped below 8 percent, falling 3 basis points to 7.98 percent. The 48-month used-car loan fell 4 basis points to 8.08 percent.

If you have about a hundred grand to drop on a car, an interest in cutting-edge technology and some time to wait for it, you may be interested in a new car going into production this month. Billed as "the only highway-capable production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States," the Tesla Roadster goes from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds. According to the press release, the 2008 model has sold out and they're currently taking reservations for 2009.

-- Sheyna Steiner

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