Tips on Buying Cars: getting a loan, buying furniture, lending institutions

Question
Hello, I want to buy a used car- ideally at a price around $4,000.  I have $2,400 saved and would like to stop waiting.  I've been advised that it is better to get a loan from a bank or other source(my credit is good) than from a dealership... BUT... everywhere I look has minimum auto loan amounts of $7,500.  I don't want to make that kind of commitment at this point.  What is the best course of action?  Thanks

Answer
Hi hilary
99% of car loans arranged through a dealer or most lending institutions start at $ 7500. unless your dealing with a buy here pay here type dealer that holds the paper.
You mentioned you have good credit i therefore see no reason why you cant secure a loan through your credit union or bank for such a small amount, ask for a personal loan, not a car loan, If you mention car loan then in some cases the lending officer may say they dont secure car loans under $ 7500. simply say your buying furniture or going on a trip it then becomes a personal loan.
Find the car you like first that way when you go to the lender you will know exactly how much you will need to borrow.
As for buying a car in your price range it's BUYERS BEWARE getting valid value, you better have done some homework and learned some steps, go to my website  
 http://www.usedcartips.org/  and navigate to THE TEST DRIVE, from there study the site some more, if your not 100% about getting a fair deal I will be here to answer further questions

Regards
 Ray