When Paying Cash Is Not An OptionMillions of Americans deal with the process of getting a new car (or a new used car) every year. A few folks who are well off can plop down the cash with no concern about loans or interest rates. However, the majority of buyers will need to rely on a loan to cover the cost. And many will have to shop for financing in the form of auto loans for those with bad credit. Bad credit should not stop you from getting a new or better car when you need one.Things Can Get TrickyIf you have bad credit because of slow payments, no payments, or even bankruptcy, you represent somewhat of a risk to car dealers and car loan lenders. You will need to find dealers and lenders who are willing to work with people who need auto loans for those with bad credit. Loan companies and dealers equipped to make loans will usually charge those in the market for an auto loan for those with bad credit at a much higher rate. The answer may be to search among local banks and speak with bank officers. It is possible, especially if you have other ties with the institution such as a checking account or certificates of deposit, etc. Often, though, these institutions require a hefty down payment and tend to run for a longer time than regular car loans.Co-Signers Could HelpIf you are having trouble securing an auto loan for those with bad credit, you might want to consider getting a co-signer. This would have to be person you trust and with whom you feel comfortable talking very personally about your finances. They are in essence taking the auto loan for those with bad credit in your place. While you are the responsible enacting party, should you default on the loan, the co-signer becomes legally responsible for repayment. And since that is the case, the lender will want the co-signer to have all the traits that someone would have that they would grant a loan to in the first place: steady income at a substantial rate, reasonable personal debt load, and pretty darn good credit scores.Auto Loans for Those with Bad Credit Require a PlanIf you have poor credit scores, you should look at a way to start improving them before you begin your search for an auto loan for those with bad credit. Pull your credit reports from all three agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, and scrutinize them. It is not uncommon for mistakes to show up. Just by cleaning up any errors you could improve your scores by a good number of points. Once you get any errors cleared up, you will have a good idea of how lenders see you as a financial being.Get a Better LoanMake sure you have all loans paid off that you possible can. Be sure that you have been faithfully making payments to creditors over the last few years. If you have no creditors, you might consider taking out a few small loans and paying them back faithfully to add some good marks to your credit scores. Doing all this my put you in a position to be more readily accepted for an auto loan for those with bad credit. You may not be as bad off as you thought you were and may be able to go after a standard car loan.Online ShoppingOne of the best venues for an auto loan for those with bad credit would be to go shopping online. Punch your browser with Auto Loans and you will be rewarded with page after page of those who will be willing to finance your new car (or new used car). Just be careful, there are scofflaws out there as with any business.