First time buyer, needs advice on financing!
 

Hi

I tried to buy the RX-8 yesterday, my first truly new car (bought one before than was 6 months old, with < 8k miles on it). It was the first time I was trying to finance something, always paid cash before. And, sadly, I don't have the RX-8...

My credit is good, but the problem apparently is that I don't have *proof* that I live in California, or have been in California a year, and, I suppose just that I seem perhaps a bit unusual or unstable.

Not to bore everyone with my story, but, I've moved around a fair amount, over the last 5 years I've lived in 3 different countries, 2 different states, and maybe 10 different apartments (including 4 temporary housing places). It sounds crazier than it is. Honestly. I had a job in London for a year, came to L.A. for a job, worked there for two years, took a year off to enjoy life, lived in argentina for 6 months, went to DC to do some consulting work, then got asked to work in L.A. again for consulting work, and that's where I've been for the last year. When I came out it was to be temporary, so I spent 4-5 months in temporary places, corporate housing/etc. then the move became permanent, moved into one apartment, the building was seriously damaged by fire 1 month later, so I moved back into corporate housing/hotels. And that brings us up to today. I move into a new apartment in 1 week.

But, long story short is, I've been told that I'll have a very, very hard time getting financing.

I make a very good salary, have good credit, some late payments because i've been moving so often, but nothing worse.

I was seriously bummed to not be able to take home that RX-8 yesterday. Anyone have any advice on what other avenues I might pursue? I'm totally new to this whole thing, and financing.

Quincy

If Mazda won't do it (and they will offer higher interest to their less-creditworthy customers, so ask) I'd suggest a credit union. They are member-owned and really inclined to help out. If you don't belong to a credit union, then look around. Some are tied to your employer, if you're with a large company. some are tied to your profession/trade. Here in San Diego, there is a San Diego credit union where anyone who lives or works in SD can join. Check it out, open an account, then apply for a loan. Good luck!

Late payments = killer on your credit history.

I don't always pay the full amount immediately, but I pay something every month to whatever credit card debt I have.