Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Planning To Buy A Used Car?

Buying a used car is a great option if you’re looking to save a few dollars, but it can be a tricky process. The car you select may have some hidden problems that you might not notice when you test-drive. Though the minor problems can be easily fixed, but these cars can also have major problems that may make you consider another car sooner than you expected!

The following points can help you to make more informed decision when purchasing a used car:

  • Check car history: Even though no one can give you a guarantee that the car is perfect, it is worth the money that you will spend. The history report can help you find out problems the used car might have in the past, such as reported accidents, damage, rental use, etc.
  • Inspect for common problems: Make notes about the VIN number, price, mileage, car’s features, what you like and what you don't like in every car you check. These notes will greatly help you in selecting as well as in the final deal negotiation.
  • Check the car body: Take a walk around the car and look at the overall appearance of car. Look from all sides and check if the car sits at level or not. Often if the car is driven with a full load, the rear springs sag over time. And over the time, the wheel alignment may change, as the suspension parts wear out, which means tires will wear faster.
  • Check the windshield: Check for cracks, scratches and other damages. These damages, if large enough, can cause the vehicle to fail the safety inspection and also the replacement may prove to be heavy on your pockets.
  • Check the interiors: The condition of the vehicle interior is a good indicator of how well the car was taken care of. Mark any defects that you find like scratches, tears in the seat fabric, broken door handles, loose sun visors, etc. Be alert if you notice excessive use of the air freshener as these could be used to hide a bad odor. A bad odor in a car could be very hard to get rid of for a long time.

For more details, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We provide cheap and secured used car loans throughout central Texas. You can visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Tips For Finding The Cheapest Auto Loans In Texas

Finding and selecting the best Auto Loan deal can be quite tiresome. The difference in terms and conditions on auto loans as well as in interest rates can be shocking for a new buyer. Before you settle for an auto loan in Texas, you need to ensure that you have done your research, and are well aware of what the competitors are offering. It is definitely worth the wait to hang on a little longer and wait for the perfect auto loan to come your way, instead of signing up for the first loan offer that you get. The following tips will guide you on how you can get the cheapest possible auto loan-

  • It is always advisable to seek the assistance of a community-oriented loan provider like a credit union to guide you through the process of getting a loan, as this can ensure that you get the most competitive interest rates, and are well-informed of the nuances of an auto loan.
  • Choose a discount instead of 0% interest. Do not get deceived by the 0% interest claims, since the dealer offering it is likely to have already made up for that sum in the price of the car.
  • It is unlikely that you will get a dealer in Texas who will be willing to offer you a rebate as well as a low interest rate on an auto loan. A smart way to get both would be to get a low-interest auto loan from a bank/ credit union, and then avail a rebate from the dealer.
  • An obvious tip to get a cheap auto loan is to make use of services that offer free credit reports, and use them to review your credit and make any changes that can negatively affect your auto loan.
  • You can also use a car payment calculator to get a clear idea of what the ideal monthly installments will be for you. This is useful in choosing the right car for your budget, as well as in making you come across as a well-informed buyer, which is critical to getting a favorable interest rate.

To obtain cheap auto loans easily and quickly in Texas, you can count on Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. You can visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Ride Your Dream Car With Secured Loan

If you have an image of your dream car and have done your research on the available models within your budget, it might be just the perfect time to make that purchase, and bring your gleaming set of wheels home! The last thing that needs to be a deterrent in achieving this dream is the lack of sufficient funds. After all, that is what auto loans are all about, and by fulfilling just a few requirements, you can get your dream car financed in a way that’s easier than you can imagine. When faced with a choice between secured car loans and unsecured ones, most buyers find themselves confused, and unable to make a choice between the two.

Let’s start by seeing how these two loans differ from each other. A secured car loan requires you to offer some “security” to the lender, which is usually the car itself. By putting your car up as collateral against your loan, you give the lender the right to claim your car if you fail to make the payments in time. On the other hand, an unsecured car loan does not require you to have any collateral, and compensates for that with a higher rate of interest, and less flexible payment options.

It is thus evident, that if you intend to pay back your loan (which should be the case anyhow), a secured auto loan is the better option to go by. Such a loan offers much better rates of interest, and also allows you to decide on a repayment period and payment interval that is convenient for you. The reason why the lender is more flexible in such a loan, is that he is more secure that you shall repay the loan, since your car is put up as collateral. The end result is a situation in which both parties are happy, with the lender being secure, and you having to pay lower monthly installments.

Even though different lenders have different requirements, the basic requirements that you shall have to fulfill to qualify for a secured car loan are-

  • Proof of monthly income (pay stubs and bank statements/ income tax returns if you are self employed)
  • Proof of employment (employment certificate for the last 12 months/ proof of steady income in case you are self employed),
  • Residential proof (should prove that you have resided at your current residence/ a past residence for a period of at least 12 months.)

To avail cheap auto loans for both used and new cars in Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We are located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

Benefits Of Buying A Used Car

With more used cars than new ones being sold in the US every year, it is wise to consider buying a used car instead of a new one, for the several benefits that this offers. Here’s a look at what’s making car buyers go for the second-hand ones instead of bringing home a gleaming new set of wheels.

  • The top advantage of buying a used car is of course that you save money. Considering that the value of a car drops by around 30% every 3 years, you are saving a lot by choosing to buy a used car instead of a new one.
  • The saving does not end at the price that you have to pay for the car, but also extends to the ancillary costs like insurance. By buying a used car, you have to pay less for insurance than you would have to pay for a new vehicle, which will result in considerable annual savings.
  • While buying a used car, you can get a clear picture of the car’s performance and reliability by taking a look at its service history.
  • You will also save on accessories, since most used cars are equipped with the basic accessories that you will need, like a music system and air-conditioning.
  • Since most of the depreciation on a car’s value takes place during the first three years of purchase, you are likely to get a better resale value on a used car than you would on a new one.
  • With the introduction of CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) programs by most companies, used cars undergo a rigorous inspection procedure, which ensures that the certified cars have high-mileage and no record of major damage. Such cars are available at lower rates of interest than new cars.
  • Buying a used car is a great way to get a relatively old model of a luxury car in excellent condition, at just a fraction of its original price.
  • Buying a used car gives you a much wider variety to choose from, in terms of price, mileage, features, condition, and models.
  • If you are buying a used car from an individual user, you might find it easier to negotiate and get a better deal, than if you were buying a new car from a dealer.

When you are finally ready to buy a used car, be sure to hire a mechanic to inspect it thoroughly. It is also advisable to get a written deal and to negotiate the price, starting at a price lower than what you are willing to pay.

To avail cheap auto loans for both used and new cars or to know more about the benefits of buying a used car, kindly visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We provide you quick and cheapest auto loans in Texas. For more details, visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Requirements For A Secured Car Loan

A secured car loan is one in which the borrower puts up a collateral against the loan. This is usually the item for which the loan is being taken, which in this case is the car. Depending on various factors, the lender might also ask for collateral beyond the vehicle, in the form of a house, property, or any other valuable possession. In case the borrower forfeits any of the loan’s requirements, the lender is entitled to take legal action against the borrower, and claim the collateral.

The major advantages that a secured loan offers to the borrower are a lower rate of interest, and a more flexible repayment period.  Enlisted below are the basic requirements that you shall have to fulfill to be eligible for a secured car loan:

  • A verifiable income- You should be able to prove a regular source of income on paper. This could be in the form of paycheck stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. It is advisable not to resort to any false claims on income, as this could badly affect your credit record for life. However, do not fret if your income does not show well on paper, since secured car loans usually have more flexible terms, owing to the security offered by collateral.
  • Steady employment- A key requirement that most secured auto loan lenders seek in prospective borrowers is a steady employment. If you have had the same job for over six months, your proof of employment should suffice. In case of self-employment or an alternate source of income, you need to find a way to demonstrate the generation of regular income.
  • Stable residency- Most lenders require that you should have lived in your present home for at least one year. If you have moved in recently, you might consider using a previous proof of residence, of a home where you lived for a longer period in the past.
  • A high credit score- Even though this is not an essential requirement for most car loans, but it definitely helps to have a record of good credit in the past. You can consider using some quick ways to improve your credit score before applying for a secured car loan, to reduce your chances of rejection.

With these simple requirements intact, you should have no trouble in getting a secured car loan.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you with fastest and reliable secured auto loans. Whether you want to purchase a new car or a used one, we have solutions for all your car loan needs. We offer you flexible loans to suit your financial situation. For more details, visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Cheap Auto Loan - 72 Month Auto Financing

How To Get Approved Of A Car Loan

The first step of getting an approval for your loan is to carry out a research of the auto finance options being offered by different companies. You don’t just need to consider the basic facts like the interest rate and repayment period, but should also have a look at the other terms and conditions of the loan.

It is advisable to discuss the loan directly with the finance company, instead of going through an auto dealer, since the latter is likely to direct you to a financier who offers him a lucrative deal.

When you apply for the loan, you shall need to provide verifiable claims for all the sources of income that you have stated. Previous tax forms can come in handy at this stage. You should also collect any pay stubs and proof of utilities or a lease in your name.

You shall also need to provide a proof of your residence, which shall be verified by the finance company. Your landline phone bill or even a cell phone bill address should suffice for this. You might also need to provide an additional residence proof, like business correspondence to your residential address.

As a proof of your current monthly income and job stability, you need to provide your employer’s name, as well as the phone number of a reference who can verify the post that you are working at, your joining date at the company, and the salary that you are drawing.

If you are self-employed, it might be slightly trickier to verify your income. It is helpful to have tax returns for the past two years to present to the financing company.

In case you need more income to qualify for the loan, you can consider getting a cosigner for the loan.

You must ensure that all the information that you provide is accurate and verifiable. Providing inaccurate information can make you face legal problems. Any source of income that cannot be verified on paper is of no use while applying for a car loan, since the company will need to verify all the information that you provide.

It is not a good idea to apply at multiple companies for a car loan, since each application that is processed results in 2 points being deducted from your credit score. Do your research before applying for a loan, and once you do, do not switch loyalties.

To For more tips or to avail cheap auto loans in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union.  We are situated at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

Secured Auto Loan - 72 Month Auto Financing

Secured Car Loan: Own Your Car With Security

Owning a car may be a dream for many but not everyone can easily achieve it. Secured car loans are specially designed for those short of sufficient funds to purchase their own car. The principle on which such loans work is pretty simple. The borrower has to pledge the car he or she wishes to purchase as collateral against the loan amount. Such loans suit the needs of any kind of buyer. One can purchase a new or used car depending on the budget and choice.

A borrower can attain up to 90% of the value of the car and that too for a period of 2 to 7 years. Lending companies are quite flexible when it comes to secured car loans. They are ready to negotiate on the down payment and rates of interest. Talking of the rate of interest, it varies from car to car and is generally lower in such loans because the car is being used as security against the loan. This makes it easier for the borrower to stretch the repayment to a longer span of time.

You can even get a loan on a used car provided it is in good condition and not very old. Lending companies usually prefer cars that are not older than three years. The rate of interest on the loan will also depend on the condition of the car. Interest rates may be fixed or variable depending on what suits the borrower best. Fixed rates of interest are great for those who want to know exactly how much they are expected to pay each month.
The best thing about these loans is that they are very easy on the borrower. As a borrower, you get to decide whether you would like to repay the loan on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis. You can negotiate on virtually anything with the lender. If you happen to have some spare cash and wish to repay an extra sum of money, you can easily do so and save on the interest to be paid.

A secured car loan is definitely the best bet for owning a car easily and quickly. It’s got immense benefits to offer to the borrower, the biggest being the ease and flexibility with which it gets repaid. However, as a borrower, it would be wise if you clarify some important points with the lender before entering into a contract. The most important things to confirm would be:-

  • The rate of interest
  • The duration of repayment
  • The total cost over the entire term of the loan
  • Provision for extra repayments
  • Penalties on failure to repay etc.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you quick and cheapest secured car loans in Texas. For more information about our services, visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274

Secured Auto Loan - Cheap Auto Loan

Auto Loans In Texas

Finding yourself desperate for cash is quite common scenario in these tough economic times. From small expenses like paying utility bills to really big expenses like purchasing a new car, it can be stressful to find yourself in need of cash with only a few money lending avenues available. And on top of that, banks continue to tighten their lending policies, making it difficult for many people to get approvals for personal loans and auto loans.

However, an auto loan is different from most other loans, because in this case, you are automatically putting your car up as collateral. It means that the lender is assured that if you do not pay the loan, he can make up for the lost amount by claiming your car. Such a loan will especially work to your advantage in case the car that you are purchasing is a brand-new one. 

One might wonder what the catch is for the person/ financial institution giving you the loan. The answer is that they are assured of getting the loan amount and the interest associated with it as they have collateral against the loan. When you are opting for a loan without the backup of a good credit history, you should be well aware of the fact that you shall need to pay a higher interest than you would in a regular loan.

There are still a few things that you can do to make the stakes more favorable for you as a borrower:

  • To start with, you must ensure that you have enough money for the down payment, because the higher the down payment, the lesser will be interest on the loan amount. It will also lead to lower monthly installments. 
  • Secondly, convince someone to be a cosigner in your loan. This could be your parents, or anyone else with a good credit history. 

With all this done, you are on your way to driving home a set of wheels, without having to worry about paying more interest than is necessary.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you with fastest and reliable auto loans in Central Texas, for both new car as well as used cars. For more details on secured auto loans and car financing, visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Secured Auto Loan - 72 Month Auto Financing

No Cosigner Auto Loans

Stringent loan regulations and tough lending policies make it difficult for a regular new car buyer to cope with the situation. One of the biggest challenges as a car buyer without a credit history worth boasting of, might be to get a cosigner for your loan. Put simply, a cosigner is a person who signs your loan along with you, taking shared responsibility of you paying the loan, and the consequences that would follow if you do not.

Getting an auto loan without a cosigner might be difficult but is definitely not impossible. The main thing that you need to focus on is saving enough money to pay up high upfront. With that taken care of, you can easily get a loan, with your car as the collateral. However, if you are considering getting an auto loan without a cosigner, you need to be careful about the following-

  • The car should not be more than 5 years old
  •  The down payment should be a fairly large amount.
  •  You should be ready to repay the loan in a relatively less amount of time (around 4 years)

If you have no/bad/low credit history, and are looking for a no-cosigner auto loan, you might have to compromise on the rate of interest, which is bound to be higher than it would otherwise be. To ensure that this does not happen, you need to work on the above factors, each of which can help to significantly decrease the interest that you need to pay. 

If you cannot afford sufficient down payment, a good idea would be to ask a close friend or relative to pitch in. That way, you can end up with a low interest rate, eventually saving money, which you can repay to your personal lender. You can also seek professional assistance to improve your credit score. This can be done by searching for discrepancies in your credit report, as well as reporting positive credit that might have gone missing.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you with fastest and reliable auto loans in Central Texas. No matter you want to purchase a new car or a used one, we have solutions for all your loan needs. For more details on secured auto loans and car financing, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

Secured Auto Loan - Cheap Auto Loan

No Money Down Auto Loans

No money down auto loan is a financing option for those buyers who have no cash to bring to the transaction. They are mainly meant for individuals with good credit. They are generally used by those who cannot afford a down payment, or simply don’t want to block their cash in a vehicle that depreciates.

A good credit score is the gateway to accessing a no money down loan easily. Many car dealers and auto financing institutions have no money down programs for buyers with a good credit score. Having a trade-in makes it even easier to get a no money down loan from a dealer. They can easily manipulate the amount they give you for the trade-in to make a profitable deal for them. Those who pay too high a price for the vehicle may end up getting a no money down financing at the dealership they are dealing with.

Regardless of your credit score, you are required to produce the standard auto loan paperwork to get the no money down auto loan. You will have to show the total amount that you have earned for the year. If you are self employed, you will have to produce the tax returns for the past two to three years. You will also need important information about the vehicle in question. You will have to mention the VIN, the purchase price on the dealer’s sheet, the year, make, model and the mileage. The car title and proof of insurance are crucial requirements when seeking a no money down auto loan.

Those with bad credit will have a tough time getting such a loan. They will end up paying a higher rate of interest than if they were making a down payment. They may be required to have a co-signer on a loan. Such borrowers should steer clear of lenders with “buy here, pay here” policies.  These lenders usually charge exorbitant interest rates. They also have very aggressive repossession policies and little leniency in late payments. It’s essential to check these things out before striking a deal with a lender. Be sure you clearly understand the terms of the agreement before you sign.  Make sure you understand the terms, the payments, the duration of the loan, the late penalties and other details.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union always recommend maintaining a good credit score to get a quick and low interest loans in Texas. For more information about our services, kindly visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Secured Auto Loan - Cheap Auto Loan