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Car-buying can be made easy with State Department Federal Credit
Union. You'll know what kind of vehicle price-range to look for when
you get your loan pre-approved from
SDFCU. We're here to help you with all
of your car-buying needs, whether it be finding your perfect car with our Auto Buying Services or financing a low rate auto loan.
Continue reading below to see all the added benefits of financing your car through State Department Federal Credit Union.
Vehicle Pricing
Visit our easy to use Vehicle Pricing page to search for a new or used vehicle, RV, Boat, Motorcycle, ATV, Personal Watercraft, or Limousine. You can also determine the value of your current vehicle. Search for your vehicle based on its make and model, or the payment you prefer. You'll also be able to compare the options and values of different automobiles.
Auto Buying Services
State Department Federal Credit Union has car buying services to help you save time and money. Our car buying services, great financing options, and low interest rates make it easy for you to drive away in your dream car today!
Carfax
Carfax, the only comprehensive nationwide vehicle history service, provides valuable information on used cars and light trucks to businesses and consumers.
GAP Insurance
Now you can protect yourself if you car is totally damaged
in an accident. The value your insurance company will place on your car may be substantially less than the amount you owe.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
Get all the protection you need with our Mechanical Repair Coverage from Mercury, Inc. This insurance provides repair cost protection beyond the manufacturer's warranty on new or used vehicles.
Touch-up on terms and receive advice on buying new and used vehicles.
Finding a used car
Finding a new car
Tips before buying
Purchasing your car
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Research vehicle safety issues
Better Business Bureau
Automobile section provides consumer information
- Ask people you know about their experiences and satisfaction with
their cars - would they buy the car again?
- Check auto and consumer magazines for information on the reliability
records of various models. The annual Consumer Reports Guide to Used
cars can be particularly helpful.
- Find out if the vehicle you're interested in has ever been recalled
for safety defects by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's web-site or call their toll-free hotline at
(800-424-9393).
- Find out the retail and wholesale price of the vehicle you're
interested in buying. This will improve your negotiating position.
- Test drive the vehicle you plan to buy and have a mechanic you trust
do an independent inspection.
- Ask the seller if the car has ever been in an accident. Check for
rust, dents, paint discolorations, etc. Also look for these signs of
odometer tampering: white lines between the numbers that do not line
up, or vibration of the 1/10-mile numbers while the car is moving.
- Keep the original or copy of the Buyer's Guide sticker when you
purchase the vehicle in case anything goes wrong and there is a
question regarding the dealer's liability.
- Make sure any oral promises made by the dealer are included in the
sales contract or your Buyer's Guide sticker.
- Decide which options you need and those you can live
without. Costly options can drive up the price and might not be worth
it in the long run.
- Compare the cost of extended warranty packages to the cost of
repairs you might realistically incur.
- Before you go to the dealer, try to arrange financing. Be sure to
check SDFCU's financing options first. You can get pre-approved for an
auto loan with our online loan application. We offer vehicle loans with low rates and low monthly payments.
- When you are ready to actually go look at cars, take someone with
you whose experience and judgment you trust.
- Do not sign any documents until you have read and understand them.
Make sure there are no blank spaces, all of the salesperson's verbal promises are included,
and the type of warranty that comes with the car is spelled out.
- If you are required to make a deposit, ask whether it is refundable
and under what circumstances, and make sure the information is also included in the
contract (the contract may be your only receipt).
- Make sure you read all contracts carefully and don't allow yourself
to be rushed.
- Make sure all the blanks are filled in before you sign.
- Don't accept a deal if there are added fees that you don't agree
with. Ask for a new contract to be prepared and check that one, too. If
at any time you don't like the deal, just walk away.
- If you've already financed your purchase and later
discover you could have gotten a better deal with your Credit Union,
simply call us. If you qualify, we'll help you
move your loan over to State Department Federal Credit Union!
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