Before You Kick The Tires...

Before you shop for your next car, check with the credit union. We can outfit you with money to plunk down and with information to help you get the best deal.

One of our loan officers will be happy to sit down with you and come up with a preapproved line of credit to buy that next vehicle. We'll even do that over the phone. That takes some of the pressure off when bargaining begins at the dealership. You can tell the salespeople you have cash.

If you have a car to trade in, the loan officer can show you what it's worth. Our price guides show wholesale, retail, and finance values. Dealers usually allow a wholesale value on your trade-in and then offer it for sale at the retail value.

Armed with cash and confidence, you can start your search for a new vehicle. Find the make and model with the features you want. Jot down the features and their prices; you'll need them later. Ask the salesperson for the best cash price with and without a trade.

Then compare those prices with one or two more dealers. (Some shoppers do this by phone.) Here's where you need to know what the features are worth.

Rarely do two cars have identical features. If one dealer is higher priced but more convenient to you, see if the "convenient" dealer will match the lower offer.

Your final decision is whether to trade in your present car or sell it yourself.

A warning: Rarely will you or the dealer get the retail value, unless your car is in exceptional condition or a popular model. Expect to sell it for the financing value, in which case it's up to you to decide whether its worth the hassle of selling it yourself.

Apply today for your Air Force Federal Credit Union auto loan. Or get more detail by visiting any branch office or calling us at 210.673.5610 or 1.800.227.5328. We’ll be glad to help.