<prompt> Human: So Im looking at used cars around 12k and I have 6k in cash. I was wondering if I should put it all in the down payment or get the car financed fully through the dealer and pay the 6k in principal afterwards? Ive always heard but never done that, Ive heard I would just write principal on the check. If I get a 7 interest loan for 60 months Im not sure how that would work out, is there any real way to avoid paying the interest? Would the interest I pay 7 of 6,000? 420 Also would it be beneficial in any way to get a loan with my bank and go in with the full amount? This is my first time doing anything like this so any help would be greatly appreciated.  <response>: Put five down to get a lower rate. Keep 1k around for the first three months for unexpected maintenance costs. Pay down the principal or keep the 1k around after that. 