| 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
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Useful Tips On Buying Used Vehicles
