Will My Credit Score Take A Huge Hit?

[DeadlyPersona]

I'm in NEED of a vehicle.....not want but NEED.  I was trying to wait until the beginning of the year, however my current car situation won't allow for that. 

After numerous trips to the mechanic and many vehicle rentals while my car was in the mechanic shop, I've decided it's time to start searching for a reliable form of transportation.

I have known for over a year that I would need another vehicle but I also knew I would be making a change in careers and I knew that employment history would play a role in obtaining a car loan.  Currently, I've been with my employer for 11 months and my bank (credit union) over 10 years. 

My AAoA is 2 years.  I have several accounts (all in good standing).  No previous car loans.  A lot of inquiries in the past 12 months. 

I can go online and apply for an auto loan via my bank but if denied I don't want my credit score to take a hard hit.  In case I have to then go to a dealership and get approved there.

Any advice?

[0REDSOX7]

If your bank codes the inquiry as an auto loan, any other inquiries placed by a dealer within 30 days of the first will be scored as one inquiry and not impact your score that much.

The average inquiry impacts a score between 2-17 points, depending on credit profile.

[Kevin5974]

Dealer is best chance of being financed. Keep it under $20k (total with tax, title and license) with $2k down. Loan of around $18k should be around $350-400 for FTB