Looking for the right financing option while buying a new or used car can be a daunting process, especially with dealerships doing all that’s in their might to make their financing programs sound highly attractive. However, if you are looking for a cheap auto loan, it is highly advisable to get started at your local credit union, where there are high chances of getting the best auto loan rates. The Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union serves multiple locations across Central Texas, and can help you to get the lowest used car loan, as well as attractive rates on new cars. We have been serving Central Texas since our establishment in 1957, and ensure that we provide the best deals to our customers.

Below is a list of the top reasons to get a car loan from a credit union:

• Credit unions are more likely than a commercial bank to consider personal financial issues such as a mediocre credit or previous credit issues. Even though credit unions essentially follow the same process for a loan application and approval, they offer a greater degree of flexibility, making them more customer-friendly.
• The interest rates at a credit union are typically much lower than those at other financial institutions, which equates to substantial long-term savings for the borrower.
• Being non-profit organizations, credit unions are member-oriented, which is why they offer a high degree of personalized attention, providing members with the best possible customer service. Since a group of volunteer board members is responsible for making all operation decisions, the members of the credit union have a greater say in how the credit union works.
• Credit unions provide their members with useful educational resources that can help them to make the right financial decisions when assessing the value of their car purchase. Credit unions help you to look beyond the dealership value of the car, into a clear assessment of the car’s real value.
• Credit unions follow a non-sales approach, contrary to commercial banks which grant bonuses and compensations to employees for loans that get approved. On the other hand, all the proceedings gained from credit unions are returned to the members in the form of lower rates and flexible loan options.

To learn more about the membership requirements, and used/ new car loans at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, contact 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.