|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Unions have long been known as the place to go when you are in the market for a new or used car. Today's credit union pairs its long history of car financing with technological and bargaining tools that help consumers every step of the way.
Of course, programs vary among credit union, but generally your credit union makes the old get out the paper and go through the ads routine a thing of the past.
If you are in the market for a new or used car try your credit union's car locator service. Simply call your representative and give information about the car of your dreams (Kiplinger's Buyers Guide to New Cars & Trucks provides extensive information and articles, and can help narrow your choices). Include such preferences as color, make, model, seat types (i.e. leather, cloth, vinyl), and let your credit union do the rest. Backed by the power of reputation and volume, your credit union negotiates the best prices with local dealers and sometimes even surrounding states.
With a pre-approved car loan your credit union may even be able to arrange for delivery of your car to their location where you can close the deal and drive home. This convenient service eliminates the hassle, confusion and stress of approaching a local car dealer directly.
If you would like a more hands on approach, many credit unions also offer an onsite database program, which allows you to conduct your own search. An added bonus, the database even has information about the price paid by the dealer for the car you are considering. This can be important information for negotiating the best price.
Stop in to check out the database or other information sources such as bulletin board listings from other members and notebooks compiled by staff.
For additional options, combine credit union services with the Internet. Check out sites such as Edmunds.com and Carprices.com to learn about retail prices or Autobytel.com and CarsDirect.com for haggle-free pricing and buying.
No matter which options you choose your credit union can help you find the best deal at the best value. Inspecting a Car
Don't depend on your eyes to tell you if the car of your dreams has experienced a nightmare or two. Without question, it is a seller's job to sell cars. Toward that end, dealers present cars to buyers in the best possible light. With enough elbow grease, some duds can be cleaned up to look nearly new.
Don't be fooled. Your job as the buyer is to arm yourself with enough information to avoid buying a shiny new lemon. Before you decide on a car inspect it carefully to make sure the book is a good as its cover.
Begin with the Internet. Using a service such as Carfax.com or Autocheck.com you can put together a history of the car in question. These services provide information about accurate odometer readings, titles, repaint jobs, accidents and so forth. You will need the Vehicle Identification Number (usually located in the windshield on the driver's side) to conduct your search.
Don't limit your inspection to used or previously owned vehicles. New cars, too, should get a close look. For example: What information is available about the types of problems and/or repair issues that you can expect for this vehicle.
Consider a mechanic. It won't hurt to have a mechanic give the car a once over. In fact, it can be a great help. Remember, buying a car is not like buying a blouse ? you can't take it back within 7 or 10 days for a full refund. Inspection should include major systems such as air conditioning, electrical, engine and brakes as well as smaller issues such as speaker sound and window seals. While it is true that these smaller issues won't necessarily impact performance, it is almost certain that they will impact satisfaction.
Talk with others who own a car in the same make/model family. What have their experiences with the car been like? Would they buy again or recommend the same car?
Finally, don't be afraid to really look at the car objectively. Yes, it can be disappointing after you have done the research and planning to find just the right car ? but ignoring any problems you find will not ease your pain. You may be able to overlook some problems, but at some point you must draw the line. To avoid this scenario have a back up plan, just in case. If you found the car on one lot, chances are you can find the same car in better shape on another.
Nicole Soltau
President and Founder
http://CreditUnionRate.com/
The Leading Online Credit Union Directory
The latest IDS figures for unemployment the claimant count measure... Read More
You always dreamt of walking down the aisle in style.... Read More
Typically Cash Advance Payday Loans have no credit checks, and... Read More
Listed below is a guide to loan terms. It is... Read More
Emergency - the word is written everywhere in red and... Read More
You wouldn't consider buying a new pair of shoes, a... Read More
The internet is a great place to find the right... Read More
If you've been tossing around an idea for a small... Read More
Scene one: you are sitting on your office desk surrounded... Read More
While looking for adverse credit homeowner loans it can seem... Read More
Here is a useful guide to the bad credit personal... Read More
Listed below are some of the reasons for choosing a... Read More
Secured loans are one of the most popular personal loans... Read More
For American students, the U.S. Government came up with a... Read More
Some say that the automobile industry saved the economy during... Read More
It is quite common for someone, who is having trouble... Read More
What are the avenues available to businesses with weak credit... Read More
The phrase 'tailor-made' ought to be made for personal loans.... Read More
Agriculture loan guaranteesFor better understanding of the agricultural loan guarantee... Read More
Consumers buy a new or used car with poor credit... Read More
A quick cash loan also called payday loan, cash advance... Read More
Military signature loans are easy to come by. When looking... Read More
Here is a useful beginner's guide to bad credit secured... Read More
Wedding loans because wedding may be made in heaven but... Read More
You are trying to buy a new property and selling... Read More
Online payday loans seem to be popping up everywhere. A... Read More
No faxing payday loans are the wave of the future.... Read More
The long awaited paycheque is finally here. However, the reverie... Read More
There are many types of loans available to consumers. There... Read More
I remember years ago growing up when you needed some... Read More
Daughter's marriage or her studies? Son's Ambition? Want a House... Read More
Trying to find good UK secured homeowner loans might seem... Read More
Payday loans have many names -- cash advances, signature loans... Read More
If you're like most people, then you've got debt in... Read More
The conception of wedding has changed over the years. Its... Read More
If you're just beginning to look at online loans, you... Read More
The dynamics of loans borrowing procedure has brought new ways... Read More
Short term payday loans are now available online. After filling... Read More
Meeting the requirements to get a decent hotel loan from... Read More
Listed below are some of the reasons for choosing a... Read More
Over recent years, personal loans have become a popular solution... Read More
Here is a useful guide to getting a bad credit... Read More
With a nation that has in the region of a... Read More
You've probably spent years thinking that your dream car is... Read More
VA loans are basically mortgages or home loans geared towards... Read More
Online car loan shopping practically guarantees that you are getting... Read More
You always dreamt of walking down the aisle in style.... Read More
The average person some time in their adult lives will... Read More
A Commercial Lender is Not a Commercial Lender When it... Read More
A loan is the reason many students are able to... Read More
Loan |