You know it's late summer when car ads start shouting out 0% deals.
The New York Times says it's a way for automakers to drum up interest when families are thinking about back to school supplies.
Unfortunately that super deal is out of reach for most people.
Businesses -- from car dealers to realtors to furniture stores -- are trying desperately to bring customers back from the beach this time of year.
And one of the best promotions to make a sale is zero percent financing.
But AOL Autos warns that there's a catch with many of these latest promotions: As many as half of all shoppers don't qualify for it.
AOL says you may need a 700 credit rating to get zero percent on a car: But many people don't find that out until they've fallen in love with a car on the lot, and they are ready to sign the papers.
So from the "doesn't that stink" file, the new reality of trying to get the low advertised rate.
See an ad for a 4% mortgage? Same thing: Without very good credit, you won't qualify.
The people who need it can't get it: Doesn't that stink.
It's a lot different from before the 2009 recession, when everyone with a pulse could get a low interest low.
In its July 8th, 2015 report, the New York Times said only 10 percent of consumers qualify for zero percent financing right now.
So ask about it before you fall in love with something on the showroom floor so you don't waste your money.
