You've just learned that your request for an auto loan with XYZ Bank has been denied. The loan officer explains that the decision has to do with your credit score. XYZ lends only to prime borrowers; your credit score, she continues, places you squarely in subprime territory.Subprime. You're not sure exactly what it means, but it sounds like a condemnation that will forever brand you as being somehow deficient to lenders.

However, being deemed subprime doesn't necessarily mean that your borrowing days are over. It may still be possible for you to get that sought-after car loan (albeit from a different lender).

But first you need to understand the term that defines you. A subprime borrower is one with bad credit. Each lender has its own definition of what constitutes a subprime borrower, but typically, a credit score of less than 620 lands you in this less-than-desirable category. For more information on credit scores, and what sort of factors cause them to suffer, please see Credit Scores Demystified and Understanding Your Credit Report.

There are plenty of credit grantors specializing in subprime lending who are eager and willing to loan money to those with bad credit. Naturally, though, there's a catch. The interest rates for subprime borrowers are frequently quite steep — significantly steeper than those paid by their more credit-worthy brethren.

So, now that you understand what your playing field looks like, how can you finesse the game in a way that gets you a reasonably priced car loan? Here are a few tips:
Check your credit report. Make sure that everything on your report is accurate; it could be that information has been entered in error, and that your credit history is a lot less blemished than you've been led to believe. If you do find information on your report that is inaccurate, you need to address it right away. Contact the credit bureaus in writing, listing your name and address and clearly detailing the nature of the error.
Access your credit score. For a long time, credit scores were available only to prospective lenders, who used them to evaluate those seeking loans. That has changed; it's now possible for consumers to access this all-important number. Your score is available online from each of the three credit bureaus: Trans Union, Experian and Equifax. If you've got bad credit, it's helpful to know it beforehand. Knowing your credit score will help give you a sense of exactly where you stand in your search for an auto loan.