TLTrance

I will be purchasing a 05 TL 5AT w/ Navi soon and will be financing part of the purchase price..

I'll probably be financing through HFS (Honda Financial Services) and was wondering if I should apply for financing on the Acura website, before visiting the dealership, or should I just apply at the dealer?

TL Fantasy

I got my financing squared away through Lendingtree.com BEFORE I went to the dealer. Had a check in hand with a rate of 5.5%. Acted like I was going to finance w/HFS to see what rate they would give me. They came back w/6.25% and I whipped out my check and paperwork proving I had it at 5.5% and negotiated w/the Acura finance manager...ended up financing w/HFS at 4.75%. They'll kiss your ass to get you to finance with 'em because the make $$ on financing as well.

TLTrance

Yeah, I know I should be able to get a very good rate given my credit scores (which I just checked from all three credit reporting agencies, although I think HFS uses Experian). To be honest, as long as there is no prepayment penalty, I'll still end up with an effective rate lower than whatever they offer me because I plan to pay the loan off early.