If you were to pick one key rule to follow when shopping for an auto loan, that rule would be: Think credit first.

One of the first things the dealer or lender will do is pull a copy of your credit report. Lenders take a close look at your credit history to determine whether to take the risk of lending you money.

Even before you go house hunting, it would be wise to obtain a copy of your credit report. This way there will be no surprises when you're loan shopping, and you will have the time you need to correct any errors in the report.

For detailed advice on how to get your credit in order, check out: Your Credit: The basics.

Tip: For a married couple, also request your spouse's credit report.