Tag Archives: Car Buying

Warning Signs for Car Buyers

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When you’ve finally decided that you want to buy or get an auto loan for a new vehicle, the last thing you want to experience is being deceived. Although there is usually some wiggle room in terms of negotiating prices and options, it is important for dealerships to be upfront and honest with potential buyers – especially in today’s car buying market.

How do you know if you are being taken advantage of through deceptive practices? Here are some warning signs to be on the lookout for.

Forcing Prospects into Financing

With the supply of vehicles dwindling, some dealers are becoming more aggressive in terms of their sales efforts. Some may only be promoting financing directly through them first, before the customer can buy their desired vehicle.

This type of “buy here, pay here” option may be quite tempting for consumers. The problem with this type of deal is that oftentimes, the interest rate may be higher than you’d pay elsewhere. It’s important to find out what your interest rate will actually be first, before you decide where to finance your vehicle.

As a buyer, you always have the right to get an auto loan or financing from a third party (like your local credit union), and not just with the dealership. Don’t feel pressured that through the dealership is the only means of financing your ride.

Used Car with No Title

When deciding to buy a used car, be sure that the dealership or seller provides you with its actual vehicle title – saying that they have it isn’t enough. Don’t get stranded by buying a used vehicle that still has an existing loan on it.

Cars that have outstanding auto loans will still have their titles held by the bank and not with the dealer/seller. Another thing to keep in mind here, is that without a title – you’ll be left with a car you can’t register, and therefore can’t actually drive.

Asking You to Sign an Arbitration Clause

A dealer that requires you to sign an arbitration clause is another warning sign that you may not be in the right place. This type of clause means that in the case of disputes, it will require the dispute to be resolved through a third party.

Unfortunately, this third party will almost always lean toward the business filing the dispute – since they are typically paying the arbitrator’s fee. Asking you to sign an arbitration clause simply means that your best interest as a buyer, is not at heart.

In Conclusion

Now you know some of the most common warning signs that car buyers should be aware of when looking to purchase a vehicle. By following the tips provided, you’ll be able to protect yourself and your purchase – whether you’re buying a used or new car.

For great Auto Loan rates and quick, same day approvals – check us out, as well as honest car buying through our preferred Monmouth & Ocean County dealerships!*

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Not all applicants will qualify, subject to credit approval. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Actual rate may vary based on credit worthiness and term. First Financial FCU maintains the right to not extend credit, after you respond, if we determine you do not meet our guidelines for creditworthiness. Current loans financed with First Financial FCU are not eligible for review or refinance. A First Financial membership is required to obtain an Auto Loan and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See credit union for details. A $5 deposit in a Base Savings Account is required to establish membership prior to opening any other account/loan.

What to Know Before You Buy a Car

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Have you been considering purchasing a vehicle? Now could be the right time for you to buy, as dealerships and DMVs start to open back up in New Jersey.

Due to declining sales in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, dealerships are most likely highly motivated to sell vehicles right now – but you may not necessarily get the deal that is best for you. Our goal is to encourage you to do your due diligence and buy a vehicle that works for your lifestyle and budget. To help you make a smart decision, we’re providing a few tips to ensure you’re well-informed.

Know you have choices. Due to dealerships looking to make up for lost sales, they’re probably offering flashy, headline-making deals. However, once you take a look under the hood, the deals aren’t always as great as they can seem. For instance, a cash rebate is more likely to be a better deal than 0 percent interest when paired with a low-interest loan that can lower your monthly payment. Therefore, consider taking the rebate and finance or refinance your ride with First Financial!*

Consider your warranty options. When you’re buying a vehicle, whether new or used – dealers will try to sell you or automatically include add-ins like warranties to your loan. When buying a car, think of how long you plan to own it. If you trade or upgrade your vehicle often, you may not need an extended warranty. Typically, new vehicles come with manufacturer warranties that supersede any extended warranties. This means that your extended warranty has no value until the original manufacturer warranty expires.

If you plan on keeping your vehicle for an extended length of time, an extended warranty could be right for you. Compare the costs of the warranties the dealer offers with our Mechanical Repair Coverage options.**

GAP Insurance. GAP stands for Guaranteed Asset Protection. What is GAP insurance? It’s optional car insurance coverage that helps you pay off your auto loan in the event that your car is totaled or stolen, and you owe more than the car’s current value. This helps bridge the “gap” between what you owe and what your insurance is willing to pay. For example, say you owe $25,000 on your car but the actual value is $19,000. If you incur a total loss accident, your insurance will most likely only pay the value amount of $19,000. GAP insurance will pay the other $6,000 so that you are debt-free. Compare the GAP insurance from the dealership with our Loan Payment Protection options.

If you’ve made up your mind to purchase a vehicle, don’t be intimidated by the dealership. Take control of your car buying journey and get pre-approved with First Financial.* Learn more about our current auto loan offerings, or fill out a quick inquiry form online. We can help you compare the numbers and guide you to make the best financial decision for you!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Not all applicants will qualify, subject to credit approval. Additional terms & conditions may apply. Actual rate may vary based on credit worthiness and term. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a First Financial auto loan and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See credit union for details. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan.

 **Mechanical Repair Coverage is provided and administered by Consumer Program Administrators, Inc. in all states except CA, where coverage is offered as insurance by Virginia Surety Company, Inc., in WA, where coverage is provided by National Product Care Company and administered by Consumer Program Administrators, Inc., in FL, LA and OK, where coverage is provided and administered by Automotive Warranty Services of Florida, Inc. (Florida License #60023 and Oklahoma License #44198051), all located at 175 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago Illinois 60604, 800.752.6265. This coverage is made available to you by CUNA Mutual Insurance Agency, Inc. In CA, where Mechanical Repair Coverage is offered as insurance (form MBIP 08/16), it is underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, Inc. Coverage varies by state. Be sure to read the Vehicle Service Contract or the Insurance Policy, which will explain the exact terms, conditions, and exclusions of this voluntary product. MRC-2341946.1-1218-0121 © CUNA Mutual Group

3 Important Car Buying Tips

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Are you looking to buy a new ride before the end of the year?  Here are three important factors to consider before you sign your name on the dotted line.

Needs vs. wants: What do you plan to use your new ride for – commuting, weekend trips? These are just a few questions you should consider.  A smart car might get incredible gas mileage during your long commute, but really lacks in terms of cargo space. You may be able to get a bag of groceries home, but what about that 6-foot ladder you need? Don’t forget about things like Bluetooth connectivity and heated seats also. Weigh all your options before getting too excited about what car looks the coolest.

Monthly payments vs. total price: You love the lower monthly payments, but are you really considering how much a new car is going to cost you by the time you’ve paid it off in six years? Maybe you’re a big fan of the total price you’re getting, but you know the monthly payments are going to take some sacrifice in your budget. Is that something you really want to endure? Have you also factored in other costs like insurance, gas, oil changes, tires, and preventative maintenance? Take your time and make a list so you get a better idea of the true cost of your new vehicle.

Know your car before you buy: Do some research and see how other owners are feeling about their purchase.  Always take a test drive, and try riding through parking lots. How does it ride? Is it only smooth on smooth roads? What’s it like going over a speed bump? When it comes time to buy, it shouldn’t be a mystery and you should feel comfortable with your decision – this is a big purchase you will be using daily over at least the next several years.

In the market for a vehicle? If you’re just starting to shop, get preapproved and if you’re ready to make the purchase – apply for an auto loan online 24/7. We have quick approval decisions and same day closings!

APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Not all applicants will qualify, subject to credit approval. Additional terms & conditions may apply. Actual rate may vary based on credit worthiness and term. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a First Financial auto loan and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See credit union for details. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan.

Article Source: John Pettit for CUInsight.com

5 Ways to Get a New Car for Less

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Premium styling. Flawless paint. Glistening tires. That unmistakable new car smell. Everything about a new vehicle practically begs you to buy it. When you close your eyes and think about driving your brand new set of wheels off the lot, it quickens your pulse a little, doesn’t it? Shopping for your next vehicle is a uniquely exciting experience. Usually until you look at the price tag, that is.

If you haven’t priced cars recently, you may be surprised by the figures you find. According to a recent report by Edmunds, the average loan amount for a new car jumped to more than $32,000, and the average monthly payment rose to $558. Sure, the latest models may be nice, but facts are facts—that’s a lot of money to pay for a car.

Now, before we go any further, if you’ve been saving up for your dream car and figured out how to buy it without demolishing your budget, then by all means – go for it! But if you find yourself in the market for a new vehicle and you want to avoid overspending, we’ve got five tips to help you hang onto more of your hard earned money.

5 Ways to Save Money When Buying a Car

Do your research.

The last thing you want to do is show up to a car lot with no idea what you’re looking for. Lack of preparation puts you at the mercy of the salesperson. And while they may be genuinely nice people, sales professionals make their living by getting you to buy a product at the highest price possible. So, before you head to a dealership, narrow down your choices by doing your research. Thanks to the Internet, companies like NADA, Car and Driver, and CarsDirect can help you sort thousands of options by everything from location to price to trim packages.

Get preapproved. ​​

Once you’ve determined which vehicle fits your preferences and meets your needs, it’s smart to get preapproved for financing. There’s a good chance you’ll find better financing rates through your local credit union than through another lender. Once you’re preapproved, you’ll know how much you can afford, what interest rate you’ll pay, and what your monthly payments will be. This information gives you the upper hand in price negotiations and keeps you from getting distracted by dealer tactics that focus strictly on monthly payments. Preapproval lets you negotiate based on the most important aspect—price.

Shop for incentives.

When sales are lower than expected, automakers will often extend money saving incentives to encourage buyers to purchase their vehicles. This is an instance where the manufacturer’s loss can be your gain. If you’re not already loyal to a particular make or model, you may be able to take advantage of dealer incentives such as discounts, rebates, and lower APR on financing. If you are loyal to a specific type of car, that can work in your favor as well, as some car companies will offer customer loyalty incentives to encourage you to keep driving their cars.

Ask for a lower rate. 

There are plenty of books, websites, and podcasts that offer tips and tricks on negotiating more effectively. While most of their ideas have merit, there’s one suggestion that may seem a little too simple and straightforward—ask for a better deal. In most cases, a dealer or salesperson will start negotiations with an offer that benefits them the most. Asking them to do better is part of the game. To give yourself the best chance of success, be polite and be prepared to walk away. Some dealers will play hardball, but when they have an interested buyer (especially one with preapproved financing), most would rather sell a car for a little less than let it sit on the lot and hope another buyer comes along.

Choose a used car instead.

Maybe this tip isn’t exactly a way to “get a new car for less,” but it is an excellent way to save money on your next vehicle purchase. Since most new cars depreciate an average of 20% in the first year and nearly 50% after five years, buying a preowned vehicle is a smart way to steer clear of that depreciation. It’s also worth mentioning that in addition to their lower upfront prices, used cars usually cost less to insure. Save now. Save later. That’s a pretty convincing sales pitch, isn’t it?

When you’re ready to start shopping for your next car, we’re confident that you can handle the research portion. But when it comes to the financing and preapproval, do yourself a favor and contact us here at First Financial. We may be able to offer you a lower rate and more flexible terms than a traditional bank or lender.* Give us a call today. You’ve got nothing to lose — except months of unnecessary interest payments!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Not all applicants will qualify, subject to credit approval. Additional terms & conditions may apply. Actual rate may vary based on credit worthiness and term. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a First Financial auto loan and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See credit union for details. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan. 

 

How to Choose the Right Preowned Vehicle for You

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Shopping for any vehicle can be intimidating. And making a big purchase that has about 30,000 parts which need to be in safe working order is not a small feat, but here are a few important pointers on how to pick the right new-to-you vehicle.

First, before you hit the lot – understand your needs. To do this, think about your current car and why you are looking to give it up. What bothers you about it – is it too small, would you prefer a smoother ride? It’s also helpful to think about the next few years in the vehicle you are about to purchase. Are you going to be starting a family in the near future, do you have pets you transport to the dog park? Do you have a long commute? You want to make sure you will be buying a reliable vehicle that meets your personal needs. It might be a good idea to shop online prior to visiting the dealership. Be sure you are getting exactly what you want – this is a big purchase that you will need to live with for a number of years to come.

Get a friend. Or a family member who knows cars. Or does a coworker currently drive a car you like? If so, talk to them about their vehicle. Find out what they love (or don’t). See if they’ll let you test drive their vehicle. This is a big help when trying to find the right car for you.

Find a car that looks good. It’s hard to tell if an engine is in top condition, but a decent way to tell is by looking at the rest of the car. How has it been treated? If the previous owner cared for the paint, they probably cared for the bigger things as well. A used car should be as close to showroom condition as possible. A car never has to be damaged – regardless of its age. If it is, make an offer accordingly.

Fewer miles doesn’t necessarily mean fewer problems. Fewer miles is generally a good thing. Although city miles are much harder on a car than highway miles. This means a car with 10,000 miles that has lived its life in a big city may be in worse shape than a 20,000 mile car whose owner had a long highway commute each day. Miles are a good indicator of how many years are left in the car – but it’s also important to note how they may have been tallied, if possible.

Should you get an inspection? An inspection is always best if you’re serious about buying the car. It can save you thousands and give you great peace of mind. If you’re considering a used vehicle from a dealership, check out the Carfax report on the vehicle before you buy.

Always be ready to walk away. Do not fall in love with the car before you get to see it, because you may talk it up in your mind, instead of seeing the vehicle for what it truly is. Walk away if the car isn’t great. If it’s good but not as you expected, make a lower offer than what you were prepared to give. Price is always negotiable.

Price. Do you research beforehand, and make sure the dealership or private seller is in the ballpark. Most sellers are going to try to price the car higher and expect you to negotiate. Kelley Blue Book is a great resource for comparison.

Don’t be persuaded. Don’t let a pushy salesperson change your mind. Be sure you end up with the vehicle you want and are comfortable with. In the end, you’ll be the one who will be driving this car on a daily basis – so be sure you are 100% secure in your decision to purchase.

Some final pointers to consider:

  • Not all cosmetics matter. Minor dents/scratches on the exterior, a missing hub cap, a small upholstery stain – these can be easy negotiating points to lower the sticker price and simple (and inexpensive) enough for you to have fixed on your own later on.
  • Don’t get too caught up on mileage. A well maintained car can easily log 200,000 miles (maybe even more if it was a great, reliable car to begin with). Engines run for a very long time if they were properly maintained. You’ll need to do your research on the history of the used vehicle and weigh the following – is it better to buy a car that has been well taken care of with 150,000 miles or one that has only 75,000 miles but was poorly maintained?
  • Tires – another negotiation tool. It’s important to note how the tires are worn. If they are evenly worn, that’s a better sign. But if the treads are irregular, this could mean neglect or a mechanical issue. If the vehicle you are looking at needs new tires, this is another point you could try to negotiate off the sticker price.
  • Properly repaired accident damage isn’t always a deal breaker. This goes along with researching the vehicle’s history. Maybe the vehicle was in a small fender bender years ago and there’s a little dent in the body that doesn’t affect the safety or use of the car in any way. Or maybe the car had some body repairs made from a previous accident and it’s as good as new now. Just because the vehicle was in an accident, doesn’t always mean it’s damaged goods. Again, do your research and have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic if it will make you feel better.

In the market for a preowned vehicle? First Financial’s auto loan rates are the same whether you buy new or used! If you’re just starting to shop, get preapproved and if you’re ready to make the purchase – apply for an auto loan online 24/7. We have quick approval decisions and same day closings!

APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Not all applicants will qualify, subject to credit approval. Additional terms & conditions may apply. Actual rate may vary based on credit worthiness and term. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a First Financial auto loan and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See credit union for details. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan.

Article Source: Will Lipovsky for Moneyning.com

6 Things to Do Before You Buy Your Next Car

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1. Figure Out What You Need

It’s not always about what you want, but what you need. If it’s your first car, you may only need something that will get you from point A to point B and around town – and won’t need to spend a huge chunk of change.

2. Acknowledge What’s Practical

This is about tempering expectations. Before you buy, be realistic about your situation. Is your family growing? You may want to think about a larger vehicle like an SUV or mini van.

3. Check Into Your Credit

Do you know where you stand with your financial reputation? You’ll get better loan terms and be in a better position to negotiate if you have good credit. Look at your credit report to see if there are errors that could drag you down. Also, have a look at your consumer credit scores from free sites like Credit Karma and Credit Sesame. While they aren’t “official,” they can give you a good idea of where you stand.

4. Know Your Budget

You can use car loan calculators to figure out monthly payments versus total loan amounts ahead of time. Know your budget, and be prepared to stand firm. Once you get to the dealer, there’s a good chance they will try to nudge you a bit by focusing on a monthly payment and convincing you to get a 60-month or 72-month loan. Figure out a total price you want to pay for the car, and stick to that.

5. Research the Options

Do your homework.  Look into cost and vehicle reliability. Figure out what works best for you in terms of safety, fuel economy, and so on. Consider Certified Pre-Owned or a lease return if you’d like a newer “used” car. These are lower cost, but still come with warranties and other perks.

6. Look for Incentives and Sales

Look for deals like year-end clearance events and manufacturer incentives. Check to see what’s available before you get out there, then use that information to negotiate the best terms.

For more advice on buying a car – check out our guidebook: Buying a car in 5 easy steps and video. If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties in New Jersey – we can help you finance your next vehicle.* Learn more and get started here!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Not all applicants will qualify, subject to credit approval. Additional terms & conditions may apply. Actual rate may vary based on credit worthiness and term. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a First Financial auto loan and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See credit union for details. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan. Federally insured by NCUA.

Article Source: Miranda Marquit for Moneyning.com