Auto Loans
Thinking of purchasing a new or new-to-you vehicle? When it comes to auto loans, we want our members to receive all the information they need and receive maximum savings. With 100% financing, in-house lending and excellent customer service, we truly are here for every step of your journey.
Before you make any decisions, take a look at the ‘Before You Buy’ guide below for an overview of the process.
Guide to Buying a Vehicle
- Review your budget to determine what kind of payment you are comfortable with and get pre-approved!
- Know what the vehicle is worth – both the one you are looking to purchase, and the one you have to trade-in. Doing some research can really pay off, and in the end get you a much better deal.
- Check values and pricing – you can contact the credit union to help with this process or visit NADA Guides to view new and used vehicle prices.
- Bring the vehicle you are trading in, to several dealers
- Look up the VIN#s for the vehicles you are interested in – you can contact the credit union to help with this process!
- Start shopping around for vehicles at the right time – dealers tend to reduce prices at the end of the month, or end of the model year, when dealers need to turn over stock or make quota.
- Shop around for rates on auto insurance and inquire about additional discounts.
- Negotiate the price you are willing to pay or consider shopping at a dealer or retailer who has fixed prices.
- If buying from a dealer, discuss the option of a trade-in.
Buying New
- Reduced Maintenance – over the life of a vehicle, maintenance fees really can add up. With a new car, you likely won’t need maintenance on your new car until you’ve driven it a couple thousand miles. The new car also likely won’t need a new battery, tires or electrical fixups for a while. You could save some money and hassle by purchasing a new vehicle.
- Warranty Coverage – most manufacturers cover new vehicles under warranties for at least three (3) years, sometimes even longer. If something goes wrong with the vehicle, the dealer may be responsible for fixing it.
- Roadside Assistance – if you’ve ever been stranded on the side of the road in a place you don’t know because of vehicle issues, you know how important roadside assistance can be! Most cars and trucks come with free roadside assistance while the vehicle remains under warranty, and in some cases, beyond warranty coverage. In addition, some automakers reimburse you or provide alternate transportation if you get stranded far from home.
Buying Used
- More Choices – if you’re looking to purchase a used vehicle, you may find a great private sale from someone who wants to sell their vehicle because it’s an extra one, or they no longer are able to drive. Used vehicle options are endless when it comes to searching for something that can fit within your means.
- Improving Reliability – Car makers have recently started to focus more on reliability and durability. When you combine that with the increase in late model used vehicles and the availability of warranties, buying a used car isn’t such a risk anymore. Although used vehicles typically don’t carry the same warranties as new ones, the original factory warranty on a new car is typically transferrable to the second owner at no charge.
- Just Like New – due to the proliferation of certified pre-owned programs, buying a used car is now a viable option. Luxury brands such as BMW and Infinity started these programs and they have become a popular alternative for car buyers.
Did you know you can refinance your current vehicle loan to Milestones FCU for a possible lower payment, and lower interest rate?
Apply online and in just a few minutes, you’ll be that much closer to driving a newer vehicle or refinancing your current loan. Plus, there’s no refinance charge.
Find out what you’ll need to apply
