Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Used Car

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

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GCTFCU Blog | Credit Unions For Affordable Home Loans
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Credit Unions For Affordable Home Loans

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.

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GCTFCU Blog | Is Buying A Used Car A Good Idea?
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Is Buying A Used Car A Good Idea?

Almost everyone dreams of owning a high-end car but in most of the cases financial constraints doesn’t let them own one. Fortunately, there is a solution to it. If you can’t afford buying a new car, then go for a used one!
Used cars are known to give the best value for money. It is a fact that a new car depreciates faster, usually in first three or four years. After this time period, a car is worth only around 60% of its original price. So you get a chance of owning a late-model car at relatively low prices.

But while buying a used vehicle, you need to consider various factors to avoid any kind of problem later on. These factors are:

  • Reliability: Buying a late-model used car is not much of a risk than the older ones. If you maintain the car, it will give a great performance with no major breakdowns.
  • Warranties: Car usually faces very few problems in its early years and all the minor problems are covered by the warranty provided. But the case is completely different with a used car. It either is coming off warranty or is already off. You may have to pay for repairs from your pocket.
  • Repair: The tires, brakes and battery are needed to be considered first as these are the high-wear items in the car. Inspect the car well before purchasing and make sure that the car does not need much repair.
  • Depreciation: It depends on various factors such as the popularity of a model, its quality, supply etc. A car tends to depreciate in value in its early years.
  • Safety: Always look for safety features such as antilock brakes, traction control, and side air bags are add on features.
  • Rate of interest: If you are opting for auto loan, you may get lowest interest rates if you choose a reliable loan providing source.

Always remember that you should not look for the cheapest car. Particularly when you are buying a used car, you must go for the best deal keeping in mind the good condition, least repairs, fewer troubles etc.

To avail cheap and secured used auto loans, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Lowest Used Car Loan - Cheap Auto Loan

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GCTFCU Blog | What Are Credit Builder Loans
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

What Are Credit Builder Loans

A credit builder loan is a type of loan that helps to improve one’s credit profile and resolve a low credit score. The loan consists of a small amount that can easily be repaid by an individual. This helps in establishing one’s credit worthiness and qualifying for higher loan amounts in future.

Following are some things to know about credit builder loans:

  • Types of Credit Builder Loans: The types of loans offered by most lenders include Pure Credit Builder Loan, Secured Credit Builder Loan and Unsecured Credit Builder Loan. In the first type, the amount of the loan is locked away in a savings account until the amount is paid. In the second, an amount in one’s savings account is used as security against the loan. The last type works as a normal loan and is easily available.
  • Where to Get the Loan: You can get these loans from financial institutions like credit unions. Such institutions offer a variety of loans at low interest rates. Consider researching credit unions in your area and contact an official for more information on the benefits of these loans.
  • The Process: A financial institution offering the loan will consider things such as your bank transactions, work contracts, financials, etc. to determine your credit worthiness. The amount of loan offered is usually a small one and lasts for a term of 6 months to one year. Upon the disbursement of the loan, one can start paying regular EMIs as in the case of normal loans.
  • How It Works: In this type of loan, the amount if loan offered is deposited into the borrower’s savings account. The amount deposited cannot be accessed till the amount of loan is paid back. So, on repaying the loan, one gets back the money deposited into a savings account. Ask your lender whether there is a provision for prepayment in case you need to access your funds for an emergency.
  • What to Consider: When buying a credit builder loan, some things to consider are administrative fee (for setting up an account), amount of money to deposit in a savings account, monthly payment, APR, whether the interest will be refunded, etc. Get in touch with the customer care department of a credit union in your area for these details.
  • Managing the Loan: When getting a credit builder loan, it is important to understand its terms and conditions before making a commitment. Pay attention to details like the term of loan, amount of payments to be made, due dates, APR and more. Also, consider the affordability of the loan and be disciplined with paying your installments in full and on time to improve your creditworthiness. 
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers Credit Builder Loans in Killeen, TX. To know more, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  - 76542 or call at (254) 690 – 2274.
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