When financing a car, do I need to buy the car first or get the loan first?

Most dealerships offer financing either in-house or through a third party, so you can get a car and a loan at the same time. However, it is always a good idea to go into any situation with a plan, and getting pre-approved for a loan can not only make the process of purchasing a car go smoother, it can also give you some leverage for negotiations and save you money in the long run.