[gars]

Hi All,

I've searched around online and couldn't find a good overall resource for this. I'm looking to get my first loan to buy a used car. Looking at a 2012 Mazda 3 Sport Skyactiv. My credit I think is half-decent, I've been at my current job for about 5 years - never had a loan before, but have a few credit cards and I don't carry balances often - and have no other debt.

I am leaning towards buying used from a dealership, but if I find one used privately, I wouldn't mind doing that either.

Some people have been telling me to go to the dealership - and ask them to find the best rate for me. I've heard some people tell me to go to the bank and approved for a car loan and then just take the cheque to the dealership? I heard Vancity has a green car loan (which apparently my car qualifies for), which has a prime plus 2 rate for used cars - which isn't bad.

If I end up getting it through the Mazda CPO Program (I've read pros and cons to them), they have a guaranteed rate of 3.9% for a 60month, and 2.9% for 48 months, but their cars are generally more expensive.

Just trying to work out the best way to approach this. Any insight into this would be super helpful! thanks!!