Before You Buy
Here are a few basic steps that MUST be followed to facilitate the buying
process:
Submit an application to the lending institution of your choice
Here are a few basic steps that MUST be followed to facilitate the buying
process:
Submit an application to the lending institution of your choice
- Make an appointment ONLY with the representatives listed on our Dealer List
- SPEAK ONLY WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE LISTED!
- He/She is the only person authorized to offer credit union pricing
- Select the car, truck or van of your choice
- Ask the representative to fax both the purchase order AND the factory invoice to the lending institution
- Return to the lending institution and finalize the contract
- DO NOT discuss financing with the dealer
- Visit a dealership on the day they are closed (you can then decide on a car you can afford)
- Always take someone with you who can talk you out of an impulsive purchase
- NEVER get emotionally involved in the transaction
- Do your homework BEFORE you shop
- Make use of all the tools at your disposal (Consumer Reports, PC Carbook etc.)
- Never bring in your trade until AFTER you have negotiated your best price ALWAYS clean up your trade-in before the dealer sees it
- Consider selling your trade outright
- Demos are not always the best deals
- Consider buying last years’ model
- You can usually save money by ordering your new vehicle
- Taking the rebate is usually a better deal than the lower interest rate
- Don’t always believe the dealer’s computer printout as the true invoice cost
- Always be careful and negotiate when buying after market items (alarms, tint , etc.)
- NEVER tell a salesman the price you would pay for a vehicle or what monthly payment you can afford
- The cost of service contracts or extended warranties ARE negotiable
- NEVER sign a blank contract and ALWAYS read what you sign - don’t trust the dealer to look out for your best interest
- NEVER drive the car home overnight until AFTER the deal is signed and sealed
- NEVER allow a salesman to bully or intimidate you into buying a vehicle - it’s your money
- Don’t be afraid to shop and Never buy a vehicle because you are tired of shopping
- ALWAYS use the Auto Connection Plus Dealer list of dealers and contacts
- ALWAYS be sure to speak ONLY with the contacts listed
- ALWAYS have your loan pre-approved