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

Questions To Ask Before Getting An Auto Loan In Central Texas

Getting an auto loan from a credit union can take you one step closer towards buying your new car. However, you need to do a comprehensive research before choosing a credit union for your auto loan requirements in Central Texas. If anything is not clear, you can consider making a list of questions to clear your doubts. Below are some questions that you should ask before getting an auto loan from a credit union:

Q: What is the interest rate on the loan?
It is imperative to ask about the interest rate being charged on your loan. The interest rate should be competitive and the total cost of the loan should be in your budget. Be clear about the monthly installments because you should be able to repay them easily. Affordability is the key to decide the exact loan amount you should borrow.

Q: Is the interest rate fixed or variable?
A fixed rate of interest on your loan means the rate will remain the same throughout the loan term. On the other hand, it may keep on altering in case of variable interest rate. Before deciding on a specific type of interest rate, take a closer look at your budget and determine if you will be able to cope up with changing rates of interest.

Q: What is the loan term?
Although lower monthly installments may seem to be a bit easier to repay but they will increase the length of your loan term. On the other hand, a higher EMI will decrease your loan term but can be overbearing on your finances. Therefore, you need to decide what suits you best and only then settle for the loan term.

Q: Is there a possibility of any penalties being levied on my loan?
In certain instances, repaying the loan before the end of your loan term may entail penalties. Apart from this, there are many extra charges that you might have to pay during the term of your loan period. It is best to clarify all these aspects before signing the loan agreement.

Q: What about credit insurance?
You may be offered insurance by your credit union or you may have to get it on the insistence of your lender. Before opting for credit insurance, you need to have a thorough look at your finances. You also need to check if it is mandatory to get the credit insurance as per the state laws so that you can make the decision accordingly.

For affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We are located at 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.
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GCTFCU Blog | Questions To Ask Before Applying For A Secured Auto Loan
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Questions To Ask Before Applying For A Secured Auto Loan

With so many financial institutions offering secured loans and financing options for vehicles, choosing one can be a daunting task. To make the process less confusing, it is better to understand the stages of the loan process, right from submitting the application to its final repayment and hence, planning well in advance for your financial liabilities.

Seeking answers for the following questions can help you make an informed decision while applying for a secured auto loan:

  • What is the applicable nature of interest rate: You may borrow a loan under fixed or variable interest policy. In the former, the amount you need to pay each month will be fixed and thus enables you to plan your expenses. In the latter, the monthly payment may differ as interest rate may fluctuate based on market trends.
  • Am I required to buy my vehicle from a licensed dealership: Some lenders insist that you buy your vehicle from a particular dealer. Ask them if there is any such pre-condition so you can decide beforehand if you are willing to be flexible regarding the dealer’s choice.
  • Are there any penalties on my loan: You should ask the lender if there are any additional charges levied if you pay off the entire loan amount ahead of its tenure. Also, in case you are facing some temporary financial crisis, verify if they allow you to skip a payment. Do inquire about the terms and conditions for all such conveniences.  
  • What is the precise price that I will be paying at the end of the loan term: It is advisable to know the exact amount that you will end up paying (including the rate of interest) at the termination of loan term. This will help you determine if the loan is reasonably priced or not.
  • What is the exact amount that is being financed: You must know the correct breakup of the amount, both which is being financed and that required from your end as down payment. Some financial institutions require a fixed percentage of the vehicle’s value as down payment.
  • What are the finance charges: Another important part of the loan amount are the additional charges like handling fee, paperwork fee etc. Ask your lender if they have included all the charges in the amount quoted or you need to pay them separately.
If you are looking for a secured auto loan in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer customized loan plans with low interest rates and easy repayment options. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.
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