In Wednesday's consumer and money headlines, tighter credit rules on car loans.

With more than $25 billion in auto loans past due, for buyers its find a good deal first, and then see if you can finance it. Toyota is now picking up on the concept of zero percent financing, which was started by General Motors after 9/11.

But even with the financing, can buyers get the loans?

A year ago, everybody was getting cars, getting financing wasn't a problem. But in the last two to three weeks, banks are getting much tighter on their approvals," said Berton Winston of Sandy Springs Toyota. "Recently the banks are taking a second look at everybody’s credit."

Winston also recommends don’t overbuy. Only get the car you need at the price you can afford. To qualify for a loan, aim for a credit score of 720 or higher with no delinquencies on your record.

You look at customers who came in three months ago looking at cars. We told them they would get approval on a car. They return today to get that same car and the banks are turning those customers down," Winston said.

Bottom line on auto loans: gone are the days of easy loans and quick approvals.

A reminder for 134,000 Georgians to file an income tax return with the IRS to receive the economic stimulus package. The filing deadline is October 15th.

Sources:- http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=122088&catid=39