Getting a new car financed has become the norm of the day as many people find it a convenient way of getting a car of their dreams regardless of whether they have the money required for the purchase. However, most of the people take the plunge into auto financing without understanding the intricacies related to it or having any basic knowledge of how such loans operate. Loans can be either short-term ones or long-term ones depending on their period of repayment. Loans for which the repayment period is stretched over a long period are the long-term ones whereas short-term loans are those that are paid off quickly usually within 24 to 36 months.

Long-term loans last for 48 months or longer and can stretch up to 72 months in some cases. Such loans might seem more lucrative than the short-term ones but prove to be more expensive in the long run. The interest rates for such loans are lower than those for short-term loans but considering the long periods over which the monthly installments are spread out, they end up being much more expensive. Short–term loans on the other hand have slightly higher rates of interest which could be a bit discouraging for some but take less time to get repaid and save on costs too.

If you are keen on getting a short-term loan at very competitive rates of interest, credit unions could be a better option than other financial institutions. Credit unions are financial institutions formed by people with some common bond who pool in their assets for providing loans to members. Credit unions are usually smaller organizations than other financial institutions, which means that you are sure to enjoy faster services and personalized attention. There is always some scope for negotiating on the rates of interest in credit unions, which gives more flexibility to a borrower.

So, if you are looking for a loan repayment plan in which you get to repay the amount borrowed within the warranty period to avoid paying for repairs out of your pocket, getting a short-term loan from a credit union could be the smartest option. You can also get an extended warranty on long-term loans but this will only lead to an increase in your monthly payments and defeat the purpose for which you got such a loan. Therefore, before getting an auto loan, always consider the repayment period and the effect it will have on your overall expenses.

If you want to procure 72 month auto loans or short term loans in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union only. We are located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542.

An auto loan is one of the best ways of buying the car of your dreams irrespective of your present financial status. However, before getting your car financed, it is important to be well-versed with all aspects of such loans. You must have knowledge of how the interest rates work, number of installments involved, terms and conditions, etc. Before finalizing on an auto loan, it would be good to consult a financial expert who can throw light on common problems that are encountered in auto loans and what can be done about them. Such advice will be helpful in letting you know what to expect and how to avoid potential problems.

Auto loan issues and their solutions

• Overspending: The ease with which you can buy a car through auto loans tempts some people to go for cars that are very expensive. They fail to see what the future implications of such a step could be and end up being stuck in a situation where the monthly payments they have to pay are higher than their monthly net income. To prevent such pitfalls, always stick to your budget and no matter how lucrative the deal seems to be, stick to a plan in which the monthly payments you have to make do not exceed 20% of your monthly income.
• Research on the current interest rates: Some consumers get auto loans without having a clue about the current interest rates and are not even aware whether the interest rates being offered to them are competitive or not. Prepare yourself well in advance with some knowledge about the prevailing interest rates.
• Review the contract before signing: Looking for an appropriate car loan can take its toll on the borrower to such an extent that he ends up signing the contract without going through it. Such a faux pas could lead to accepting terms and conditions that one is not even aware of. You can thus end up agreeing to get an extended warranty, rustproofing, etc. Such things can escalate your expenditure, so make it a point to crosscheck the contract carefully before signing.
• Pressure tactics: The dealership staff is well trained at pressurizing consumers into accepting their deals and this can be quite baffling at times. The pressure and confusion clouds your thinking and in the rush of the moment, you end up signing the deal despite having second thoughts about it. Always resist such pressure and take your time to understand what you are getting into even if it means walking away at that time and coming back after a few days with a sorted mind.

For more information about auto loans in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We are located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. We can also be contacted at 254-690-2274.

Credit unions refer to the member owned cooperatives that provide financial assistance to a specific group of individuals. They are the best choice for those who want to purchase a new or used car as they help you save on a lot of money. The credit union members enjoy added benefits of reduced fees or costs related to the loan application or documentation. It is essential to be a member of the credit union to avail its services and for this you will have to fulfill the requirements of the specific credit union you wish to be a part of.

Financing your new or used car through a credit union could be beneficial in the following ways:

• Availability of money in spite of the prevalent economic condition: Credit unions are extremely reliable for monetary assistance to their members as they always have money, even in times of an economic crisis. During such times, most of the financial institutions make their policies very stringent while giving funds and offer as few loans as possible. On the other hand, credit unions never face such a crunch situation and have healthy relations with most of the car dealers. Lending money is never an issue with the unions. 
• Member oriented: Being member oriented is one such attribute, courtesy which, credit unions score an edge over other financial institutions. If at any point, their member faces any difficulties in repaying the loan, the credit union offers to assist in finding a way of dealing with the problem.
• Competitive rates of interest and terms: Credit unions offer very competitive rates of interest to its members, which help in saving on a substantial amount of money in the long run. Their interest rates are comparatively lower because their main aim is to serve the members as against making profits. The terms and conditions of offering the loans are such that offer maximum convenience to the borrower. The service provided is instant as there is no requirement for approval from unending organizational levels as is in the case of other financial institutions.
• Prompt loans: As soon as you complete the formalities of becoming a member, you are entitled to get a loan from a credit union. This is not the case with other financial institutions, in which there is a waiting period between becoming a member and being able to avail the benefits of membership.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you quick and cheap car loans 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.

When going for a car loan, one of the most important factors to take into consideration is the term of the loan. Going for a short-term loan or a long-term loan is a personal choice that has to be made as per your current financial position. If you are able to pay higher rates of interest over a short period of time, then short term loans are a good option for you. On the other hand, if you earn a fixed income every month and feel you cannot pay huge amounts of interest every month and would prefer to pay smaller installments over a long period, then long term loans are the way to go.

Short-term loans are generally those that stretch from 12 months to 36 months whereas long-term loans are those that go up to 72 months. Nowadays, considering that the prices of cars are escalating due to better technology and durability, it is advisable to go for 72 Month Auto Financing as an economical option. These loans also let you set your hands on some of the most expensive cars in the automobile market as you can easily pay them off without affecting your day-to-day life.

Benefits of opting for 72-month car loans:

• These loans significantly cut down on your monthly payments as they are spread over a long period with low interest rates.
• You can always re-finance such a loan to reduce your costs, as it will cut down on the interest payments you have to make.
• Today’s cars are far more reliable than those of the yesteryears and come with longer warranties than before. This means that even after five to six years, your car will be in great shape even if you are still repaying your car loan. This is a great relaxation for those under the misconception that long-term loans extend beyond a cars useful life.
• Another great advantage of opting for these loans is that you get to buy the car of your dreams without worrying about whether you can afford it or not. The reason for this is the ease with which you can make your payments by installments spread over up to 6 years.

So,  next time if you are confused as to which term length to choose for a car loan, you can safely opt for a long-term one as it is economical and comes along with many more benefits. If you are interested in procuring 72 month auto loan, visit us 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.

Anyone who has ever applied for a car loan knows how confusing and intimidating the terminology used can be. The jargons used by auto financiers are terms they find convenient for putting across their points to the consumer. Most of the consumers find these terms very complicated and fail to understand the working of the auto loan due to which they end up striking deals, the consequences of which they might not be aware of. This is the reason for which anyone intending to get a vehicle financed should at least be aware of what commonly used auto financing jargons mean.

Here is an explanation of common jargons used in the world of auto financing:

1. Annual percentage rate (APR)-  This rate refers to the fixed or variable interest rate at which the lender is prepared to lend the loan amount over a specific period of time. A low APR does not necessarily mean a cheap loan especially if the term of the loan is a long one. A long term of loan will mean you have to pay a higher number of monthly installments, which will lead to more interest.
2. Loan term- This refers to the total period before your loan matures and is usually stated in months ranging from 24 to 84 months at the most. The significance of letting you know the loan term is to give you an idea as to when you are expected to pay off the loan.
3. Down payments- Down payment refers to an initial deposit that you make to your car seller and it is usually in the form of cash, a check, or a trade-in. It has an impact on your loan as the bigger the amount of down payment you make, the smaller your auto loan will be, and the more you will end up saving.
4. Trade-in- This term is used when you trade-in your old vehicle with the seller as a down payment for the new vehicle that you wish to purchase. However, it is subject to the condition as to whether the seller is ready to accept a trade-in or not.
5. Upside down- This term is used to describe a situation in which you owe more on the car you are purchasing than its fair market value. The cause for such a situation is the depreciation a car goes through within the first few months of its usage. The best way to avoid an upside down situation is to deposit a good amount of down payment.

To know more about Auto Financing in Texas, kindly visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Everyone loves buying a new car but very few consider the option of a used car as a smart move. Of course, nothing compares to the feeling of driving a new car out of the showroom, but the moment it is out, it has already depreciated in value. A used car on the other hand holds longer to its value thus giving you much more value for your money. It is an economically viable option as you can get it financed for much less as compared to a new car without compromising on the features and its life.

However, buying a used car can be a tricky choice to make, as you will have to ensure the dealer you are dealing has high credibility. You should also be good at negotiating, as this will help you strike a deal that will be beneficial to you in terms of the cost. When it comes to buying used cars, your assessment of its condition is very important and for this, you should have at least some basic knowledge about vehicles. You may also need to ask your dealer a number of questions to clarify any doubts that you have without any hesitation knowing that it is your right as a buyer,

After you have finally settled for a car, it is important to get it checked thoroughly by a mechanic for any defects. Sometimes, a vehicle might look spic and span from the exteriors, but within, it could be having a host of problems that are difficult for a layman to assess. You should also ask for the vehicles history as such details will give you an insight into who owned the car previously, whether it had an accident or any other problem. If your mechanic passes the vehicle and you have no problem with its history, you will now have to bargain to the best of your ability.

In economic times as unpredictable as today’s, it is a smarter choice to opt for a used car as opposed to a new one in every respect. Car dealers these days stress a lot on the condition of the car and make the most of the latest technology to ensure that a used car looks as good as a new one. For you as a buyer, it is a win win situation as you get the best for a very reasonable amount of money.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide cheap and quick secured car loans, for used car as well as the new ones. For more details, kindly visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Credit unions are financial institutions that are formed by a group of people with some similar interests. This group might be of business partners, members of a church, etc. Such a group pools in its assets to form capital that can be lent to members of the union as a loan. Many people prefer credit union loans to loans from regular financial institutions because their interest rates are very competitive, making them a cheaper option in the long-run. Low interest rates are a boon for borrowers especially when it comes to auto loans.

Auto loans from credit unions are very convenient for the borrower due to the following reasons:

• Easy availability of money: Most of the financial institutions make their terms and policies stringent especially when the economic conditions are not favorable and this becomes a major handicap for borrowers. Credit unions do not suffer from such issues as they have enough funds at all times and enjoy good relationships with most of the car dealers making them a reliable source of loans. The process of getting loans from credit unions has been further simplified as you can now get a loan online or even over the phone.
• Flexibility: Credit unions are very flexible when it comes to the terms and conditions for offering loans. It lets the borrower switch from a long-term loan to a short-term loan at his convenience and he can even extend the period of the loan in case of non-payment. You can also negotiate on the interest rates and settle for one that is comfortable for you.
• Lower interest rates: This is probably the biggest advantage of opting for auto loans from credit unions as it cuts down on your expenditure in the long-run. Credit unions are non-profit organizations due to which their main motive is to help those in need of money without focusing on how much they end up gaining. This is the main reason for which auto loans offered by them have very reasonable interest rates as compared to those of other financial institutions.
• Easy membership and perks: The process of becoming a member of a credit union is uncomplicated and once a member, you get additional perks that non-members do not enjoy. Members enjoy a further slash on the interest rates coupled with other offers that make it easier for them to clear their loan.

For more information on how to secure an Auto Loan in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union located at - 3305 E. Elms Rd. Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

72 month auto loans come as a welcome option for those who wish to have low monthly installments, and wish to keep the same car for a long period of time. The duration of auto loans ranges from an average of 36 months to as long as 120 months. Even though, most of the Auto Loan companies only provide 60 month auto loans, you can avail a low EMI 72 month auto loan with financial institutions like Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. If you aren’t sure about what to expect from a 72-month auto loan, we have put together a list of pros and cons of such a loan, from a buyer’s perspective-

Pros-

• The most obvious advantage of a long-term loan is the low monthly payments. If you have a steady, yet low monthly income, and would not like to spend 2-3 years on a meager income due to loan payments, this option might be the right one for you.
• If you have a strong credit and income that shows well on papers, you might even get low interest rates on a 72-month auto loan, making it a win-win situation for you.
• A 72-month auto loan is ideal when you badly want a dream car but cannot afford it just yet. The long period of repayment might be the price that you’ll have to pay, but it’s eventually worth it, especially considering that your financial condition might improve over the years.
• Another scenario in which such a loan is favorable is when you are buying a vintage car, the value of which will not depreciate over the years.

Cons-

• As the loan is of longer tenure the total interest paid in 72 months would be more in comparison to 2 years or 3 years auto loan.
• It is important to check the terms and conditions of such long tenure loans as you might want to pre-pay the whole loan amount before 72 months.

To procure instant 72 Month Auto Loan in Central 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.

With banks gaining a notorious reputation for charging obscenely high amounts of interests and being money-minting organizations, most people are seeking more economical avenues for getting auto loans. What better organization could there be for this purpose than an institution owned by the very people who need the loan- the local credit unions. Credit unions are rampant in Texas, and are emerging as an ideal option for borrowing money as they offer better loan terms.

Another key feature that sets credit unions apart from banks is the fact that they operate as member-oriented institutions. As a member of a credit union, you will have a say in its operation and the major decisions made in the credit union. This is widely contrasting to banks, in which the members have no ownership rights, and are simply workers of the shareholders running the bank. In addition, credit unions are exempted from various taxes, which make them even more affordable with much lower interest rates on auto and other loans.

Even though it might be initially difficult to secure membership in a credit union, it definitely is worth it once you do. The way a credit union works is distinctly different from a bank, since these unions generally have a small membership, making the service much more efficient and personalized. You might be surprised to find that the staff at the credit union recognizes you by your face in just a few visits, and you might even have one person completely dedicated to your service.

Another major advantage of credit unions over banks is that these organizations are more flexible in the terms and conditions of accepting a loan. While a bank might simply strike out your name if you do not match the criteria for an auto loan, a credit union is much more likely to work out a way to get your loan through.

For more information on how to secure an Auto Loan in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union located at - 3305 E. Elms Rd.Killeen, TX 76542.

Purchasing a vehicle is a major event in the lives of many and involves a huge sum of money that is usually not easy to pay instantly. Auto financing is an option that you can adopt by which you get to take home the car of your choice on the very day of purchase irrespective of whether you can pay the whole amount or not. It eases of the burden of making lump sum payments and lets you pay for the vehicle as per your comfort within a span of time that suits you best. If you are considering getting your vehicle financed, the following are some steps that will help you go about it easily:

• Determine your mode of action: The first step is to decide whether you would like to get the loan from a financial institution or from a dealer. Both methods of financing are equally good provided you understand the terms and conditions of each.  Financial institutions are great for those who have prior associations with them as they will help through all the formalities and make the whole process easier. Dealer financing is good for those who want everything to be dealt with by those selling the car as it takes less time and can be quite convenient.
• Understand the concepts: Before leaping into the realm of financing, be very clear about everything it encompasses. Understand the concepts of down payment, interest rates, the terms of loans, etc, as they are the foundation stones of the whole deal. It is best to settle for larger amounts of down payments and consequently lesser installments. Compare the interest rates of various dealers before settling on one as you can greatly save by cutting down on this expense and also try bargaining for a slash in the rates.
• Formalities: When getting a vehicle financed, you may be asked to furnish some important documents and adhere to some requirements such as producing sources of identification, bank statements, income tax returns, etc. It is best if you keep all this ready beforehand, as it will make the whole process less confusing for you. After this, you will be required to sign a couple of documents and paperwork to seal the deal and it would be wise to thoroughly go through what you are signing. Do not hesitate to ask about anything that you are not able to understand so as to avoid complications in the future.

To avail cheap and quick auto loans in Texas, kindly visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We have amazing deals on auto loans for our customers. We are located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.