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Financial advisers stress the importance of shopping for car loans before visiting dealerships.

A small interest rate difference can save thousands over a loan's life, experts say.

Preapproved financing offers leverage against dealer rates but might forgo certain incentives.

SALT LAKE CITY — Financial advisers say car buyers often don't give their car loan much thought until they're face-to-face with the dealer's finance manager. In today's mix of higher interest rates and higher car prices, that can cost buyers thousands of dollars.

The average transaction price for a new car has passed the $50,000 mark, according to Kelley Blue Book. More than 1 in 5 buyers in the last quarter took out a seven-year car loan or longer, says Edmunds. And

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