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

If you are looking for a home loan, then there are a number of reasons that you should consider home loan from a credit union. For all those who are not aware about this option, credit unions are financial, non-profit organizations that offer checking and saving accounts, accept deposits, and provide credits for buying vehicles, homes, etc. The credit unions are member owned financial cooperatives that are entrusted with the responsibility of building up the local community. These unions do not have to pay taxes or other operating costs like other profit earning organizations.

Credit unions are exempted from most of the federal and state taxes and are carefully regulated.  These unions do not have to pay taxes or other operating costs, unlike other profit earning organizations, which helps them provide better services to their members. The National Credit Union Administration keeps a watch on all the credit unions and insures that the interest of the members is safeguarded. Credit unions have minimum operating costs and this makes them offer home loans at low mortgage rates as well as low closing costs which provides them a competitive edge over other organizations.

There are a number of benefits of getting home loan from credit unions and some of them are

•  No fee
• Low mortgage interest rates
• Quick closings
• Personalized service

Most of the credit unions offer a full range of mortgage solutions for buying a home, refinancing and even renovating a home. The credit union does a credit check once you join it and if you have a consistent income and maintain good credit then you can easily qualify for a home loan. Unlike conventional loans, the credit unions do not indulge in many formalities and follow lenient underwriting guidelines. To avail home loan from a credit union, firstly you will need to find a union that can offer you a reliable banking experience. You should research extensively to find a union that can help you and suit your requirements. You can enquire and find out about all the services offered by the credit union. Once you become a member of the credit union you will be provided with financial support and personalized services. By applying for a loan at a credit union you can be sure of easier credit check, low interest rates and personalized customer interaction.

 To avail home loan from a credit union, first you need to find a union that can offer you a reliable banking experience. Research extensively to find a union that can help you and suit your requirements. Find out about all the services offered by the credit union. Once you become a member of the credit union, you can get financial support and personalized services. Unlike conventional loans, the credit unions do not indulge in many formalities and follow lenient underwriting guidelines.

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.

• 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.