Who should provide your auto financing? Shopping for the best rates can save you thousands on your next vehicle.(CONSUMER LIFE)

LISS MAYNARD, A 37-YEAR-OLD ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL; from Douglasville, Georgia, wasn't looking forward to the new year. For the past three years, she had dished out thousands of dollars getting her 1997 Chrysler Sebring to pass the state's emissions inspection. To jump-start her year, she decided to purchase a brand-new Chevrolet Equinox.

A savvy shopper, Maynard used her father's General Motors Employee Discount Plan to get the best price. Although the Equinox listed for $26,475, she saved more than $2,600 off of the sticker price. In addition, Maynard knew she could maximize her overall savings by shopping around to get the best interest rate on the car loan. Although …