Buying a used car is a major financial decision. It’s a risky affair as you just never know what the car has undergone while with the previous owner. It’s more of a gamble and one has to tread cautiously while buying one. A used car doesn’t come with the warranties and frills of a new car. The buyer should be able to differentiate between a consistent, good quality car and a piece of junk. This is a Herculean task for buyers of used cars.

Factors to keep in mind when buying a used car:

• The car’s history: Rule out any form of misuse and abuse of the car by the previous owners. You can get a history report of the car by using its VIN number and tracking its report online. This will settle any risks associated with its improper use.
• Negotiate on the repairs: Before settling for a used car, try to get necessary repairs fixed by the seller. Check out the car properly to look for anything that might be out of order. Chances are the seller will oblige you with the repairs.
• Go for a test drive: Don’t rush into the decision of buying a car until and unless you are satisfied with every detail of it. Consider a test drive to test the power and brakes. Try the horn, indicators, lights and anything else that can be tested on a moving car.
• A mechanical inspection: Have a thorough mechanical inspection done on a car you are seriously interested in buying. You can take the help of a friend or relative for this. It is better that a qualified mechanic checks it. Such an inspection involves checking out the engine of the car, its mileage and the general body inspection.
• Overall condition of the car: Ensure that the tires of the car are not sagging. Check out the paint, rust spots and scratches if any. Look out for any masking by running your fingers between the panels of the edges. Even look under the car for any under body rusting. Inspect the engine for leaks or corrosion marks. Make sure the timing belt is in good condition too as it’s very expensive to replace.
• Mileage: The mileage of a car is a clear indicator of its age. The odometer in the car will let you know its mileage. 10000-15000 miles in a year is ideal. This is the best way to know the actual condition of a vehicle.

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

Lowest Used Car Loan - Auto Loan in Killeen, Tx - Secured Auto Loan

Auto loans have come as a savior to many over the decades, with them making cars easily affordable to all and sundry. Even those who have the complete amount required to buy the car usually opt for an auto lveoan, because they believe that they can generate a greater income by investing the capital amount, than the amount they will have to pay as interest over the years. Getting an auto loan can be a tricky process, with the technical jargon and overhead expenses making the situation more complex. Here, we shall discuss one of the major considerations that any car buyer will have to make- a secured loan versus an unsecured loan.

Just like any other personal loan, auto loans can also be of two types- secured and unsecured. The principle difference between these two loans is that, while the former loans require you to give collateral as security to the lender, the latter require no such security. Thus, unsecured loans are riskier for the lender, which is compensated for by an increase in the interest on the loan. These loans rely solely on the promise made by the borrower, and are rarely offered by auto companies, due to the risk involved.

The major advantage of a secured auto loan, is that such a loan involves a lower amount of interest, which is payable over a longer period. This makes it less stressful for the borrower to repay the loan, with the monthly installments being easily payable. Moreover, these loans are easily available, and are rarely turned down. The few disadvantages involved would be the large amount of paper work involved, the need to get an auto insurance, and submission of proof of income, which might be difficult for those who do not wish to project their actual income or does not have appreciable income to get a loan.

Unsecured auto loans, on the other hand, offer the advantage of not having to place collateral. A good credit history is enough to procure such a loan. Secondly, all that such a loan takes is a single-paper application, with no more paperwork required. This makes it less likely for a borrower to be spoofed with unfavorable clauses hidden between volumes of paperwork. Another major advantage is that the buyer does not need to furnish financial statements. This is especially beneficial for borrowers who wish to keep their income discreet. The major disadvantages of an unsecured loan are the greater rates of interest, and shorter periods for repayment.

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

Cheap Auto Loan - Secured Auto Loan

Getting a new car is a delighting experience but not all of us can afford such luxuries. Most of us would love to buy new cars but when we think of the huge sum of money involved, we sulk and let go of the project. Car loans are the perfect solution for those restricted in terms of money. Such loans operate just like any other loans and different institutions providing these loans have different rate of interest and terms.

Important tips to keep in mind before getting a car loan:

• Clean up your credit balance: A history of poor credit can close all avenues of your loan. So the best thing is to have a clear credit slate as this will make the lenders more willing to help you with a loan. Make it a point to clear all your outstanding bills and if you can, try to establish a savings pattern to increase your credibility.
• New or used car: Before opting for a loan, make up your mind on whether you want a new car or a used one. The requirements and interest rates of both types of cars differ. If you are interested in a hardy and strong built for your car then an old car could be a better choice. On the other hand, some financial institutions offer rebates and cost breaks for new cars. Consider all these factors and decide what’s best for you.
• Set a budget: One can be tempted to strike bigger deals than one thought of when with the dealer. It’s best to chalk out your budget before deciding on the car as this will keep you from overspending. Ascertaining your budget limits will help you get the car financing that suits your credit limits.
• Shop around for the loans: It’s wise to take a tour of various financial institutions as this will place you at a better footage to compare the difference in the loan packages. You can compare the rates of a credit institution and the banks. Better interest rates will go a long way in helping you stick within your budget and spend prudently.
• Look at the big picture: While looking for a car loan, you must consider important factors like the terms of payment and the number of installments. Less terms of credit do not necessarily imply less future implications. Some financial institutions lure customers with low down payments which eventually translate into high installments.

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

Cheap Auto Loan - Lowest Used Car Loan - Secured Auto Loan

A car is no more just a four-wheeled automobile but has become an owner’s passion and a source of great admiration. Though a majority of Americans own a car today, there are still people, especially the middle-income earners, who are unable to afford one. This is mainly because of two reasons- either their dream car is too expensive or they have less savings. But luckily, with the help of auto loans they can easily realize their dream and can own a brand new or a second hand car.

Auto loans are offered in different terms:

• On a short-term basis: In this case, a borrower is required to pay within a set amount of time, depending on the loan providing institution. This time period usually ranges from 2 to 5 years. The borrower will be paying the monthly installments along with the pre-decided rate of interest.
• On a long-term basis: In this case, the borrower usually pays a smaller amount of monthly payment as compared to short-term basis. But this proves to be much costlier in the overall amount. You end up paying more interests in the long-term loans.

Also important is to decide whether to opt for a secured or unsecured car loan. If you are willing to provide some security/collateral to obtain the car loan, then you can go for the secured car loans. The collateral may be anything of equal or greater value than the loan amount, for instance, your car, home or any other valuable.  And if you do not wish to keep collateral, you can opt for unsecured car loans.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you quick and cheapest car loans in Central Texas. Unlike banks and other financial institutions, we neither harass you by asking unnecessary questions nor make you wait for several days to sanction your auto loan. No matter which vehicle you want to buy - a car, truck, van etc, we provide cheapest auto loans for all vehicles (both new and used). All you need to do is fill in your details in the used auto loans application form. We will get back to you in 24 hours and provide you cheap auto loans.

To know more about auto loans or for any other related query, kindly visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

Cheap Auto Loan - 72 Month Auto Financing - Lowest Used Car Loan

More and more people are opting for auto loans these days. One of the main reasons behind this is the savings in terms of cash. The other reasons include low rates of interest, short term and low monthly payments offered by most of the lenders. When you start to look out for the best auto loan options, it becomes important to weigh various pros and cons of various lenders and the deals being offered by them. In such a scenario, the following tips may be of great help to you:

• The best way is to do some research beforehand. It will put you in a much better bargaining position and give you a greater flexibility while opting for an auto loan.
• It is wise to shop around for loans before you start shopping for your dream car. You can search for various loan proving institutions which almost always offer you a better rates of interest than the banks.
• Make sure that you know your affordability ahead of time. Find out the monthly payments which you can afford and then determine if it goes well with the price of the car. This will give you a clearer idea of which car you can afford to buy. It will also make sure you get the best deal for both the car as well as the financing.
• It is also noticed that the car dealer usually talks about the monthly cost rather than the total cost of the car. You must remember that you have to negotiate the total cost and not the monthly payments. It is advised to first agree on the total price of the car and then begin to discuss about the auto financing option.

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. We offer you flexible loans to suit your financial compatibility.

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.

Lowest Used Car Loan - Cheap Auto Loan - Secured Auto Loan

Having a car is more of a necessity than a luxury in the United States. Compared to public transport, it is cheaper, more convenient, and of course serves as a status symbol at all social gatherings. If you finally feel ready to realise one of the biggest dream of your life, do not let a lack of money stop you from realising it. That’s what auto loans are meant for! Put very simply, an auto tyle="text-align: justify;">We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you with quick and reliable car financing. Whether you want to purchase a new car or a used one, we have solutions for all your car loan needs. For more details, visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

When making the decision of buying a car, a major consideration that needs to be made is whether to buy a new car or a used one. This becomes even more important when getting a car loan, since loan terms can differ significantly for used cars and new ones. As a buyer, it is important to understand what these differences are, so as to decide which car loan would be better suited to your preferences. The following points highlight the major differences between a used auto loan and a new one-

• Since used cars have a reduced cost, these loans tend to be smaller than those on new cars, which are obviously longer.
• The rate of interest on a used car is likely to be higher than that on its new counterpart, owing to the higher risk involved in such a car. In this way, new car loans have the advantage of having lower interest rates.
• Used car loans are generally considered to be riskier than new auto loans from the lender’s perspective. This is because these loans run the risk of the car’s value falling below the loan’s value before repayment. It is for this reason that buyer’s might be required to pay a higher down payment on a used car than on a new one.
• It is usually difficult to get a loan on a car that is more than ten years old, since such cars are very risk for the lender.
• In the long run, the cost incurred on a used car is likely to be substantially less than that on a new car. This is due to the high level of depreciation of a new car when compared to a used car in good condition.
• As far as the interest rate is concerned, while the condition of the car and whether it is new or used definitely has a bearing, a greater role is played by other more important factors, such as the borrower’s credit rating and the amount being borrowed. This explains why the rate of interest should not be a major factor when deciding whether to buy a new car or a used one.
• It is a good idea to calculate how much you shall be paying at the end of the loan period in both cases, and take into account the depreciation in the car by then, while making a choice between a new car loan and a used car loan.

To obtain quick, cheap and secured auto loans, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union only. You can visit at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Buying a car is a major step for any buyer, and before taking the plunge into bringing a set of wheels home, it is important to have a clear understanding of how car loans work, and what is the best option for you. The length of a car loan is a critical decision, since it bears an effect on the next few years of your life, making it important to know what you are signing up for. Car loan terms can range from as less as 1 year to as long as 6 years.

There is no one perfect term that is ideal for all buyers, since the length of the car loan depends largely on one’s monthly income, and how much they can afford to pay towards the car loan each month. The car loan term is also influenced by the condition of the car, its price, the amount of down payment the buyer is willing to pay, and several other factors. So the question is, if you are buying a used car, what is the ideal term that you should settle on for your car loan?

Let us take a look at both sides of the coin-

• Short term auto loan- A short term loan, which is usually considered to be less than three years, can be a good way to save money in the long run, since this shall mean lower interest rates, as well as a lower total payment towards interest. Another advantage of getting a short term  used car loan is that you own the asset faster than you do with a long auto loan. However, the disadvantage of such a loan is the higher monthly payments, which put you at a risk of falling behind on payments.
• Long term auto loan- Loans that last up to around 72 months are considered to be long term auto loans, and are often the preferred option among buyers who wish to have lower monthly payments, even if this means making these payments for a longer period. Even though you will end up paying more towards interest with a long term loan, it will be easier on your pocket on a monthly/ weekly basis, which is a major advantage for those with low monthly incomes.

Whichever loan term you choose to go with for your auto loan, you can always pay it off before the period, albeit with an early termination fee. In addition to this, you can also refinance your car if you come across a more favorable loan.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide low interest loans for both new and old cars. For more information, you can visit us at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542 or call (254) 690-2274.

Everyone dreams of owning a car and being able to experience the independence that comes with it. So if you have finally decided that it’s time to make this dream come true and are all set to make the great purchase, you should take the next step after picking the right car loan. Even though almost all car loans seem similar to the layman, but when you dig deeper, you realize that there is a huge difference between car loans, and in some cases, these can add up to thousands of dollars in the long run.

The guidelines below help you with some useful tips for getting a cheap car loan-

• Credit union auto loans- The financial institution that you choose for your car loan can make the biggest difference in the amount you end up paying in the long run. Credit unions have been proved to be a lot cheaper than banks, when it comes to auto loans. So the first step to getting a cheap car loan would be to join a credit union if you aren’t already the member of one. These not-for-profit organizations function by giving back money to their members on cheaper interest rates and lower monthly payments.
• Evaluate your credit report- By using a free online service available to all US consumers, you can evaluate your credit report beforehand to be sure of what to expect and to have a clearer and more realistic perspective of what your options are.
• Decide your budget- A mistake that most buyers make is leaving the most important decision of which car to buy and how much to spend on it for the last moment. This often leads to overspending.  Hence you end up with larger monthly payments than you can afford.
• Look at the complete picture- Make sure that when you are finally negotiating an auto loan, you look beyond what’s being shown to you. At times, what might look great on paper can actually be a bad deal in the long run. Make sure that you do not end up paying more than the car’s actual worth. It is also wise to look carefully at other terms of the law, such as prepayment penalties.

For more tips, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

Buying a car is one of the costliest purchases most people make in their lifetime, which is why it is important to ensure that you thoroughly understand the process of car financing before taking the plunge. Unless you are one of those rare buyers who can afford to pay the entire price of the car upfront, you will probably have to consider all the financing options before you pick one. Credit unions have emerged as a popular option for auto loans, principally because of the significantly low interest rates that they offer. Here, we shall be discussing how car financing from a typical credit union works.

1. The first step, of course, is to become a member of a credit union, if you aren’t one already. This is important because most credit unions offer auto loans only to their members. In fact, this is how they are able to function as non-profit organizations, and give back to their members in the form of low interest rates. Be sure to take a look at the type of loans offered by the credit union you are considering before becoming a member.
2. Once you have secured a membership with a credit union in your area, it is a good idea to take a look at their specific requirements for auto loans, and make sure you have all the documentation required for the loan application process. The paperwork is more or less the same as it would be at a typical bank, the only difference being that you can expect much better assistance and customer care at a credit union. It is a good idea to obtain your credit score and fix and discrepancies that might be present in your record before submitting your application.
3. With the first two essential steps of your auto financing taken care of, you now need to make the critical decision of which car you wish to buy. It is advisable to decide on the budget beforehand, so as to narrow down your choices of cars you can actually afford. You also need to decide whether you will buy a new car or a used one.
4. Finally, you need to decide on the amount of down payment that you shall be making, and the loan period that you desire, both of which shall determine your monthly payments.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you quick and cheap car financing in Texas. For more details, you can visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

Are you wondering how to buy the car of your dream? Getting yourself a secured car loan is your best bet. It is a loan that you can avail by surrendering collateral which you can regain once you have paid back the loan with interest. Every year thousands of people apply for a secured car loan. It is uncomplicated and has many advantages for the borrower. In most of the cases, the car itself is the security. The lender considers the car as the security against the loan. He acquires the car in case the loan is not paid. But sometimes, the lender may ask security of a higher value. In such cases any financial asset such as house, another vehicle or jewelry can be used as collateral. There are three fundamental requirements to get a secured car loan. You should have regular monthly income and you should be able to prove it using bank slip or any other document. Lenders prefer to lend loan to people who are employed somewhere than to self-employed. Also, if you live in a rented apartment you should have proof that to have lived there for at least 12 months.

One of the biggest advantages of getting a secured loan is that the interest is low and the tenure to return the loan can be longer. Since lenders have the security of the collateral the terms are flexible. The borrower can enjoy easy payment of installments, which allows the borrower to plan his or her savings. The lenders are interested in getting their monthly installments on time. As long as you are able to prove that you have a regular income you can get a secured loan regardless of which income group you fall in. Borrowers of secured loan who are asked to surrender their house as collateral often can benefit from tax-deductions. In such a case, the monthly installment is deducted from the tax that one would otherwise pay. Another advantage about secured loan is that it allows a cordial relationship between the lender and the borrower because of the security of collateral. The lenders are not skeptical about getting their installments and they sometimes can even go easy on delay in payment of installment.
 
In these tough economic times choosing secured car loan is the most hassle-free option.

Everyone dreams of owning a car that they can proudly say has been bought from their hard-earned money. But you might feel the burden on your pocket since the car prices are high and the economy hasn’t yet stabilized. However, high prices should not dissuade you from buying a car for yourself. A good knowledge about car financing can go a long way in helping you decide which car can be bought within your budget.

Read on to know what are the dos and don’ts of car financing.
Basically, car financing means getting a loan from a bank, a credit union or any other source in order to buy a car. This way you can easily buy a car that you desire. The problem of limited budget can also be resolved with car financing.

1. Firstly, one must conduct a thorough research on the amount of money that needs to be borrowed. Prior research helps in determining whether a certain dealer is levying extra charges by means of additional costs and hidden interest rates. This groundwork needs to be done properly so that you get the best car financing deal.
2. Compare and contrast the financing terms of the various auto loan options available. This comparison can be done online by making use of an auto loan calculator. Have concrete information about the current interest rates and get a number of loan options in hand so that you can take a print out and go to a dealership authoritatively.
3. Never ever cross your budget limits. Always pre-decide on how much you can easily afford and then only go in for car financing. After all, it is you who has to return the money.
4. You must have a complete look at the manufacturer’s website in order to know what all factory incentives are available. If a financing deal does not suit your budget requirements, don’t hesitate to decline the offer.
5. Credit Unions offer one of the best car loan options. You need to become a member in order to be eligible for a credit union loan. The advantage here is that these unions are owned by their members and work on a no profit basis. They offer low interest rates and better financing terms. This in turn means your loan is going to be for a shorter period.
6. There is no need to go in for financing options for add-ons, extended warranties and rust protection etc. Most of the new cars are available inclusive of all these additions.
7. Don’t get attracted only to a specific model as the dealer might offer you a high price and high interest rate. Keep 2-3 options in mind before going in for car financing.

Keeping the above points in mind will definitely help you get the best car financing deal.

There are two steps to bring home the car of your dreams- first, finalizing the car that you want to buy and second, choosing the right loan lender. Even though deciding on the former could take a while (boiling down to one that is affordable and what you desire), choosing the latter is definitely tricky. There are various loan lending institutes and to decide upon one is quite a challenge.  Let us explore one of the most suited options.

Taking car loan from a credit union may prove to be most pocket friendly option for you. Credit unions are non-profitable finance organizations. They surely do make profits in order to run their management but their policies are not high on making money from the customers. They are, thus, able to provide loans at fairly low rates of interest, especially when compared to other traditional lending organizations. Most loan consultants will suggest you to make a large down payment. This helps in cutting down the rate of interest that you will be paying regularly. But for those who do not have access to hefty accumulated cash, the only option is to find a car loan lender who offers competitive rates.

Credit unions have hassle-free formalities and the loan gets cleared in as short a period as one day. They are community-friendly and provide great customer services. You get to talk to an agent who will explain all the car loan programs so you can make an informed decision. For example, if you are willing to pay high monthly installments against the loan taken, you may choose a short period loan. They have no hidden charges.

Credit unions often have close associations with local car dealers. Some of the best car deals provided by car dealers are exclusively offered to the credit union they are associated with. Try to find out about any such deals before making your purchase. Being non-profit entities, credit unions lack sufficient funds for marketing and advertising to create awareness about advantages of taking loans from credit unions. Therefore, you may need to research about the credit unions near you and the rates at which they are providing loans. You can find them through online advertisements or by enquiring from car dealers.

Legitimacy of a credit union can be checked on NCUA (National Credit Union Association) website. NCUA is a government body that guards all credit unions balancers. 

For more tips, kindly visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union.  We are located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

The thought of buying a new car can be very enticing, especially if it’s your first car. But before buying a car, you must bear certain important factors in mind. You cannot just go ahead and buy a car instantly. The car you ultimately go in for has to fit within your budget and suit your tastes. Read on to know certain dos and don’ts that you must be aware of before buying a car for yourself. At the end of the day, it is your hard-earned money that you are going to invest, so you have to make sure that it is spent in the best way.

• Firstly, you must research about the various options available in the market. You should have knowledge about the accessories as well, since they can add up to a significant cost in the end. This research will help you get the best possible price for your car.
• Do not go in for a luxury car if your budget does not allow you to do so. You should try not to get a loan spanning more than four years. Also, you must keep your monthly payment less than 10 percent of your income.
•  Remember to keep in mind the fuel costs and maintenance charges. Only if you can afford these, you should go in for a particular car that you desire.
• Get in touch with your insurance agent to get an idea on the interest rates beforehand.
• Do a thorough research on the auto loan options online and compare financing terms using an auto loan calculator. Take a print out and carry these documents whenever you make a visit to the car dealer.
• Also make sure to check your credit rating in advance. This will help you deal better later on. 
• Don’t fall flat for a vehicle while ignoring other options. Look for various models and then only choose the one that fits your bill.
• You should also know the incentives being offered by the car dealer. Therefore, researching on the Internet beforehand about these things can help you prepare in a better manner before you go out to buy a car.

These are some of the simple dos and don’ts which if kept in mind can definitely help you grab a better car deal that is light on your pocket and good for your taste! Make sure you take care of these things whenever you think of buying a new car and you will definitely be better prepared.