Auto loan then refinance?

[Anonymous]

I got approved at DCU for 20k BUT since I’ve never had an auto loan I must put down 20% and the rate they gave me for 72mos is trash (5.99) my Fico score is 711 with 14% utilization and I have 2  NEAR, maxed out cards (3k and 2k) both taking advantage of 0% APR offers and I have PERFECT payment history.

so I am wondering if I can swing a lower rate from the dealer and maybe even 0 down at or no payments for a few months should I do that instead then try DCU again in say 6 months to refinance?

Or should I just go with DCU now and refinance later at a lower rate?

[Revelate]

I would probably comparison shop that rate.  Not terrible but like 1.5% above their minimum IIRC.

It costs you basically nothing to rack up some additional auto inquiries, and I always try to secure some sort of loan before talking to the dealership and then just take the best offer.

Being maxxed out on two CC's isn't optimal from a scoring perspective as you probably know, and I would strategically pay some of that down before refinancing certainly.