Disagree 100%. Just because you finance doesn't mean you can't afford it!
Actually I don't disagree 100%. Taking a variable HELOC to buy toys is quite stupid.
But generally I think you should borrow all the money you can get your hands on at today's rates. Part with as little cash as you can get away with - never buy points or pay more down than you must. Don't be afraid of negative equity in your car. Invest your cash in low cost index funds - don't squander it on downpayments or pre-paid interest on low rate loans (below 7%).
Pay 5% on your car, earn 9% on your funds, and have lots of cash on hand for a rainy day. You can't earn interest on cash that FORD has in the bank! You can't pay a couple month's emergency expenses with cash that FORD has in the bank. This is a great big "duh" that lots of people don't get.
Oh yeah, if you subscribe to this philosophy, it doesn't hurt to buy GAP coverage
gosh, I feel like EXCON here... yikes. Better get off the soapbox before I fall and hurt myself.