Item: The US Federal Reserve will have to stop cutting rates and start raising rates if inflation heats up. Current rates may not last.

Item: Car dealers got wiped out 2008. They are under tremendous pressure to wheel and deal those puppies off the lot. Every day, two dealers go out of business.

Item: Cars are better built and lasting longer than ever. A 98 Lexus will have fewer reported issues than a 2006 Volkswagen.

Item: You can find top quality Japanese cars affordable -- and still running strong -- five to seven years old.
For similar price and quality, think American cars in the same condition three to four years old.

Item: For a $250 to $300 monthly payment, a $7K or $8K loan is perfect. And from Edmunds to Consumer Reports, from expert after expert, you'll hear there are outstanding vehicle values in that price range. Take a peek at some in depth research on the top used cars on the market at AutoLoanCentral.com.

Item: Kia Optima still leads for most under-rated car.

Closing item: As we said on the home page, dealers have gotten better at dealing with credit issues because they see more of them every day. Dealers need all the buyers they can get. It's just an unbelievably good time to go buy a car. (Especially if you show up in the last four days of the month when the sales guys are trying to make their quota.).

Only sensible thing to do is apply now.