IRVINE, Calif. – More than 50% of new car buyers will financetheir new cars through their bank or credit union or other meansbefore they arrive at the dealership, according to an industrysurvey. Kelley Blue Book's latest “New Vehicle Buyer AttitudeStudy” also found that over 70% of new car buyers will conduct asubstantial part of the research about their purchase over theInternet. The survey also found that 43% of new car buyers plan toobtain financing prior to purchasing because they feel they cansecure a lower interest rate than at the dealer, while 52% who planto use the dealers financing reported they were going to do so inorder to get the best rate. “Most consumers do not qualify for thezero percent or low rate financing offers today and are leftsearching for the best interest rate and it's not always at thedealership,” said Charlie Vogelheim, Executive Editor, Kelley BlueBook. “With increased competition and awareness of alternatefinancing options, on and offline, manufacturers may need to getcreative to keep car buyers financing at the dealerships.”