Choosing and Finding a Car
Everyone’s needs are different based on their individual life stage, so basing your car choice on functionality is key.
Here are some questions to keep in mind when starting your search that will help you determine the type of car that will best fit your needs:
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How many passengers will you typically have with you?
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What type of driving do you do: highway, off-road, surface streets?
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Is fuel economy important because you have a long commute?
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What safety features are important to you?
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How much cargo space do you need?
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Do you prefer new or used?
- Need auto insurance for your teen driver? Check out the Parent Portal to learn more.
Choosing between a new or used car is a decision that only you can make. However here are some tips that may help you.
Completing the Transaction
When you’ve found your dream car, the next step is to sit down and talk numbers. If you decided to get pre-qualified for an auto loan, you’ll be able to tell the salesperson exactly what you can spend and that will leave little room for them to try to upsell items that you may not need. If the conversation does lead to a negotiation, stay firm on what you can spend and ask for the full purchase price breakdown of the car as there may be hidden fees, including car preparation or delivery fees.
Finally, as the paperwork begins, be sure to review it thoroughly, especially when it comes to your information and how it is typed on the forms. Keep copies of all paperwork, which the dealer should automatically provide, and ask questions about anything that you simply don’t understand.
After it’s all said and done, once those keys are in your hands, you’ll officially be a car owner. Congratulations!
1Subject to credit approval. Your actual rate will depend on your creditworthiness, term and collateral.
2Offer not available on internal refinances.