Is it better to finance through a bank or dealership?
What’s best for you will depend on a number of factors, including your current financial wellness and how hands-on you want to be.
4 min read
May 26, 2022
EXPERTISE
- Auto Loans
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications, Elon University
About the author
Rebecca Betterton is the auto loans reporter for Bankrate. She specializes in assisting readers in navigating the ins and outs of securely borrowing money to purchase a car. Rebecca is passionate about empowering women to make informed financial decisions in the showroom.
When Rebecca isn’t researching recent trends in the world of auto finance, she is an avid runner and a lover of interior design.
Highlights
Rebecca is passionate about providing clarity and accessibility to the automotive loans industry as the cost of used cars has skyrocketed due to inflation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experience
Rebecca has been the auto loans reporter at Bankrate since 2021. Prior to her time at Bankrate, she was a social media reporter and copywriter.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications and a minor in Women's Gender and Sexuality from Elon University.
Rebecca's Picks
How to save money: 14 easy tips
7 min read
Rebecca's Latest Articles
-
-
Private party auto loan: What it is and how to find one
Private party auto loans let you finance vehicles from private owners and avoid dealership markups.
6 min read May 25, 2022 -
Top advantages to buying a used car
A used car can look as good as new, and it doesn’t have the surprising hidden costs of a new car.
4 min read May 25, 2022 -
What to consider before leasing a car
Leasing a car can lower your payment, but there are other charges that might make it unaffordable.
2 min read May 25, 2022 -
Requirements to refinance your car loan
Don’t settle for a poor interest rate from a dealership — learn what you need to refinance.
4 min read May 25, 2022 -
Yo-Yo auto loan scams
Learn how to spot a yo-yo scam — and how to stop one before you set foot on a car lot.
4 min read May 24, 2022 -
How long should your car loan be?
There’s no single answer for what the best car loan term length is. But there is a way to find what best fits your needs.
3 min read May 24, 2022 -
Average cost of car maintenance
Maintenance expenses significantly influence the overall cost of ownership — find out by how much.
5 min read May 23, 2022