• Shop around for credit to compare rates and terms.
• Never let a salesperson pressure you into agreeing to a loan before you've had time to shop around. You can even cancel your contract up to three days after a loan is signed if you feel you've made a bad decision.
• Never sign any paper that does not agree with what a lending salesperson says. Ask for -- and read -- terms in writing. When in doubt, talk to a trusted advisor before signing.

Thanks to the American Bankers Association for providing these useful tips.