Guidance needed for first time car buyer

[Anonymous]

I'm a 20 yr old college student, working FTE this summer with a gross mo income of $3k. FICO 661, but have a thin credit file with only my college loans reporting. None of my previous summer jobs or current one are reporting, although I can show proof of income. I can get a co-signer with great income, but with a lower FICO score due to economic hit in 2009 - 2010 but good payment history on debt over the last 18 mo. I'd like to be pre-approved and leverage that with the used car dealer, but am in analysis paralysis and having a panic attack at a 22% interest rate. I desparately need a car, want to finance max of $13k and have 10% to put down on it. Where should I go for my loan because two banks in town turned me down. Please help.

[llecs]

I'd try a CU. I'd find one local if possible and would suggest walking in with a copy of your 3 credit reports to give them an idea of your credit profile and see what they say. If I read right, the lack of prev. income might be an issue. Do you have any pay stubs to show now? Once summer ends, will the same level of income continue?

[Creditaddict]

Few things:

1. No Credit Cards EVER? - nothing open currently if you had some in past?

2.  What state are you in?

3.  What kind of car you want? is it 1 kind only, or open to multiple? list please!

4. Are you member of Credit Union? Who do you bank with?

5. Do you have a Carmax?