When financing a new or used vehicle, making a down payment is a wise move. Putting money toward your loan up front helps build equity more quickly and results in less interest and lower payments.

Here's why some car buyers live by the 20% rule when purchasing a new vehicle and how you can use it to your advantage.

A growing number of consumers are trading in cars and trucks that are worth much less than the amount of money they still owe on their auto loans — and what they owe is shattering records. Get a new ...