Need a car loan? If so, you need to be armed with information to protect yourself. Here's a tip for you.

Never pay the downpayment with cash or a check. Instead, use a credit card. If the car isn't what it was represented to be, or if the whole transaction seems to unravel before your very eyes, you can protest the charge on your credit card and you'll have a good chance of getting your money back. But you probably won't get money back if you use cash or a check.

Always compare different loan agreements before making a final decision. Rates and fees can be significantly different from one company to another.