Like it or not, there are a ton of factors you need to consider before buying a car. If you’re buying a used car, for instance, you’ll need to investigate the car’s condition and mileage. Did the previous owner get the oil changed and perform regular maintenance? Has the car ever been in a wreck or had any major repairs?

If you’re buying a new car, you don’t have to wonder about prior wrecks, damage or maintenance. And, since most new cars come with a comprehensive warranty, you shouldn’t have to worry about expensive repairs for the first few years either. However, you’ll likely have to pay a whole lot more to drive a new car off of the lot. And, depending on which new car you choose, the difference in what you’ll pay could be astronomical.

Regardless of how much you spend, you will probably need to take out a loan for your purchase. If you have poor credit, or not a lot of it, this could be a challenge. However, there are definitely some moves you can make ahead of time that can make getting a car loan that much easier.

Establish credit in your name

If you’ve never borrowed money, it may seem counterproductive to do so at this point. However, having an empty credit report can make you seem risky to lenders. To start building a credit report you can be proud of, open a credit card in your name. Then, charge small amounts that you know you can pay off right away.

Pay your bills on time

One of the best ways to prepare your credit to buy a car is to pay all of your bills on time. Doing so establishes a solid credit history and lets potential lenders know that you’re reliable. And, don’t forget that all of your bills matter. It’s important to pay every single bill in your name on time and in full.

Keep on working

When you apply for a car loan, you’ll need to prove that you’ll be able to pay it back. This is where your employment history can come into play, for better or for worse. If you have a stable record of employment, it will be seen favorably in the eyes of a potential lender. Likewise, lacking a stable source of income can completely wreck your chance at a car loan.

Save for a down payment

Lenders may be hesitant to lend the full value of the car you want to buy. To combat this issue, you should save the biggest down payment possible. Putting down a large sum of your own hard-earned cash lets lenders know that you have skin in the game. A substantial down payment can also significantly lower your monthly payment, since you’ll be borrowing that much less.

If you’re unable to get a car loan at first, don’t despair. You may just have to be patient while your credit history is established. But, once you secure a car loan, make sure to always make your payment on time and in full. Doing so will help you establish the kind of credit that will make every large purchase in your lifetime that much easier.