I would HIGHLY recommend reading some books or audio books on credit repair/ improving your credit score. Anything by Liz Weston, specifically her books "Deal with your Debt" a book for anyone who wants a successful strategy for managing finances... mortgage, car, retirement, student loans, how much to pay on each and what to pay off first. Also her book "your credit score: the 3 digit numbe that defines you" http://www.amazon.com/Your-Credit-Score-Improve-Financial/dp/0132823497/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=13864...
Another amazing resource, "Hidden Credit Repair secrets" by Mark Clayborne, a Certified credit consultant and #1 best seller.
On a personal note, after surviving a devastating financial blow 3 years ago, I applied for an auto loan with a dealership that really went to bat for me. They did all the hard work and I was denied over and over until they secured a loan for me at 5.99% . Now I was savy, despite driving across multiple states and a 10 hr drive, I quickly changed clothes and I went in wearing a suit (not the sweatpants I wore for the roadtrip), ready to place hardball... nice... as a woman, never ever be unprepared... And did NOT agree to the first thing they offered. I asked LOTS of questions (what's that? I don't understand, could you please explain that? Now, what's the interest I'll be paying ove the life of the loan? Why do I want to pay for that extra package when that's something I will not be abe to use? etc) , and made the loan officer explain EVERYTHING and got my 12.99% loan reduced and got an extended warranty package to 110,000 miles plus freebies. While not forthcoming at first, He was extremely helpful and did answer all my questions. but I walked in with a nice leather organizer with paper, pen and calculator! And would ask him to recalculate things and explain things, benefits. It worked. I was in there for hours... not the "20 mins" they said, haha, but that was all to my benefit to be a savy shopper and ask questions! My plan is to make excellent payment history for 18 months and then refinance with my credit union:-)
BEST OF LUCK!!!
