Are you thinking about getting a used car loan? If so, here's something to think about.

You have two choices when buying a car: pay in full or finance over time. If you finance, the total cost of the car increases. That's because you're also paying for the cost of credit, which includes interest and other loan costs. You'll also have to consider how much you can put down, your monthly payment, the length of the loan, and the annual percentage rate (APR). Keep in mind that annual percentage rates usually are higher and loan periods generally are shorter on used cars than on new ones.

The best advice is to compare different loan programs to find the one that's best for you. Keep an eye on the fees. Take notes, and compare, compare and compare again. Then you'll make a smart decision.