How long will "recent inquiries" affect my credit score?

I recently bought a new to me car. I have good credit, but with the credit crunch lenders are real picky who they loan to. The car dealer tried 5 lenders before he got a yes. I got the car but now those Recent Inquiries are affecting my credit score. How long before they drop off my report?

Public Comments

1. Auto finance is what I do for a living and they will show for 24-months but will only effect your score for the next 6-months. And you should know that all auto or mortgage inquiries made in a 14-day period are lumped together and only count as one they all show but your credit only takes one hit so it should not have cost you more the a few points.
2. Two years before they drop off of your record.
3. According to the rating bureaus, all of these pulls are supposed to only count as one inquiry, and the fact that you actually did succeed in getting a loan should keep them from hurting you. An inquiry will stay on your report for two years unless removed by the person who pulled your credit. It will affect you most for six and twelve months, but not so much after that. If anyone pulled your credit without authorization, you are entitled to compensation. Sending a letter to the entity will usually result in them asking the CRA to remove the inquiry from your report. If that does not work, try contacting National Consumer Rights Alliance for assistance. They work to help people enforce their consumer rights, especially with regard to credit matters. Good luck!