First of all good luck with your auto purchase. Second to answer you question about inquiries...ALL auto loan applications filled out within 14 days count as 1 inquiry on your CR. Just one. I was in your situation last year with very scores and history. I had $4000 down,a trade in that had low miles an was in mint condition,and ok scores(roughly the same as yours..mid 600's)and...I couldn't get the new mustang i wanted.($25k loan total). The reason for me not getting it,and i don't think anyones mentioned it, is my income was not enough to support that loan amount. On paper i only make $18k a year...but in actuality i make twice that much.(i'm a bartender who makes cash tips) So that is something for you to think about. The amount that any bank will loan you will not only be dependant on your scores and history but also you income and debt to income ratio. I did get approved by CapitalOne Blank check auto loan...but only for $16k...So...not to be a part pooper but...don't get too excited. Cause i was like you. Did TONS of research on this site and saved money and didn't use my credit and it still didn't work out. I might be different for you. I wish you the best of luck!!!! (=
One last thing. The absolute BEST site for researching anything and everything about buying a new or used car is Edmunds.com....Has anything you could think of that relates to buying a new car from reviews,invoice prices,financing advice to their trade marked "True Market Value" which tells you how much people in your area are paying for the car you want. I STRONGLY recommend going to this site and using it!!!
Starting Score: 584TU / 580EQ