Getting approved for a car loan as a first-time buyer without a cosigner can be difficult, especially if you have a limited or nonexistent credit history. As a first-time car buyer, it's important you plan ahead and do some research. What one lender is willing to approve you for can be different from the next. To improve your chances, make sure you do these three things:Pull credit reports: Always double check your credit score and credit reports before you look for financing, even if you don't think there's much there. Know where your credit currently stands, and check for any inaccurate marks on your reports that you can dispute and have removed. You're entitled to a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus � Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Budget: Once you know where your credit stands, it's time to plan out a budget for the car. Using online tools such as our Car Loan Estimator, you can roughly calculate how much it'll cost for you to take out an auto loan. If your credit isn't stellar, make sure you budget for a down payment. Most lenders will ask for at least $1,000 or 10 percent of the vehicle's selling price. Shop around: The last step is to do some rate shopping. If you have an established relationship with a bank or credit union, start there to see what they can offer. If you don't have a current relationship with a bank or credit union, the next step is to look for financing with a dealership or another lender. Rate shopping is a great way to see what different lenders are willing to offer. Don't stick to the first lender who approves you � you might be surprised by what offers are out there. If you have little to no credit, you may find it difficult to get approved for financing on your own. If you're worried about being turned down because of your credit or lack thereof, consider getting a cosigner. As a last resort option if you're unable to find a cosigner, a buy here pay here lot could help you get a car fast.