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

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Auto Financing relates to the financing of the auto vehicles, especially for those buyers who are not able to buy the vehicle of their choice due to the high prices of the vehicle. Auto financing provides them with the auto loans, thereby enabling them to own the cars of their choice instantly and pay for it later. These auto loans help in managing the monthly budget by taking off the burden of paying the huge amount of the vehicle instantly. This is done by levying a reasonable rate of interest which is paid as monthly installments for a pre-decided period of time to the auto loan provider.

Though, auto financing provides you with an easy option of getting the vehicle without worrying about its high prices, there are some do’s and don’ts about auto financing which you should always keep in mind. Some of these do’s and don’ts can be described as under:

Some Do’s about Auto Financing

• Do introspect and try to analyze your personal financial strength and the credit history, before you could decide about taking an auto loan. It is essential to know what your pocket allows without difficulty at a later stage.
• Do research well beforehand and decide about the vehicle you intend to buy and the respective prices that are available in the market. Also research about the rate of interests that are offered by the different financial institutions and banks for the auto loans.
• Do negotiate and try to bargain with the interest rates with the auto loan service providers. Many banks offer low interest rates to grab the attention of the customers but levy hidden charges. Therefore, it becomes important to check and negotiate properly.
• Do verify the documentations of the auto loans you are applying for and the respective legal formalities related to it. It is also necessary to verify the loan provider which may be a bank, financial institution or private company.

Some Don’ts about Auto Financing  

• Don’t overdo your budget as it would prove to be a bad deal later on. It is necessary to keep aside some cash or funds for the times of emergency or financial ups and downs.
• Don’t go for very high rates of interest as it would create problems in the long run.
• Don’t make decisions in a hurry as it would hamper your loan process as well as your financial position, which may suffer losses.
• Don’t settle over a deal without thinking over its pros and cons. The deal may look good for a while but it is should be workable in the long run as well.  

For more details on wide range of auto loans and auto financing in all credit situations, you can contact us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

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• Borrow Wisely: A thumb rule is to borrow what you can pay back easily. Create a budget based on your monthly income and expenditures to have a clear picture of how much you should spend with your credit card.
• Check The Interest Rate: While applying for a credit card do make sure that you research the market and get a card which offers lowest rate of interest. Do pay attention to the annual fee and reward system offered by the lender. You may consider getting a credit card from a credit union for a competitive rate of interest.
• Pay Off Debts On A Monthly Basis: Restrict your interest charges from growing exponentially by paying off your balance every month. Avoid skipping a payment, as this will lead to higher expenses due to late fee and will negatively impact your credit score.
• Maintain A Low Credit Utilization Ratio: Use less than the credit utilization ratio i.e. borrow less than what you are authorized to borrow. Experts recommend keeping this ratio under 30 percent.
• Keep Checking Your Credit Reports: Keep a tab on your credit reports by asking for a copy from a credit reporting company annually. The report will provide you an insight into your credit history and also throw light on fraudulent accounts, incorrect information, if any and more.
• Beware Of Hidden Fees: Ask the lender for any hidden fees such as late payment fees, processing fees, balance transfer fees, credit limit fees etc. before applying for the credit card.
• Limit The Number Of Cards: Limiting the number of credit cards you own, makes it easier to manage them. Having more cards may translate into higher debts which can affect your credit score. Once you have decided the cards that you want to keep, hold onto them. Sticking to your credit card, keeping the account active and maintaining a good payment history can build your credit score.
• Use Technology: It is much easier to manage accounts now as most financial institutions offer free online tools to enable clients to keep a tab on their accounts.