- Know the vehicle value before you shop or negotiate.
- Understand dealership financing.
- Be prepared to walk away.
- Utilize available resources.
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- Auto Solutions
- Alaska Air Group Credit Union
Buying a car can be a stressful and high stakes experience. From negotiating price to navigating dealers, we want to ensure you are armed with all of the information and resources you need to have the best experience and get the best price.
Before you even step foot to a dealership, you should know the following things:
Know the vehicle value before you shop or negotiate.
Visit the manufactures website to find the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The dealership is also required to have MSRP on the vehicle sticker.
MSRP is the “suggested” price, you are not obligated to pay it, and make sure you do not pay over the MSRP price.
Find the value for a used vehicle here: https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars
Understand dealership financing.
Dealerships are paid up to 2.5% of the amount financed from their lending partners when you finance through them. Be careful when making decisions on financing that your lender has your best interests in mind.
Alaska Air Group Credit Union can preapprove you for an auto loan to help prepare you and ensure you are not swayed by dealership financing.*
Be prepared to walk away.
Be prepared for a high pressure situation, and go to the dealership prepared to walk away if the price is too high or the financing is less favorable than you would receive with Alaska Air Group Credit Union.
Utilize available resources.
Auto Solutions
Auto Solutions is a trusted credit union partner. They are a professional car buying service able to locate most vehicles at or near value. They will provide useful information even if you don’t end up using them to locate a vehicle.
CU Auto Solution
In addition to the tips provided in this blog, Auto Solutions’ “Auto Buying 101” provides great information that can help you be better prepared for purchasing a vehicle. Read it here: Auto Buying 101 – CU Auto Solution
Alaska Air Group Credit Union
Our loan team is here to help you be successful in your car-buying experience, from helping you get the best loan rate, to answering any questions you may have. We can also help you with auto loan preapprovals, to ensure that you are prepared against potentially predatory dealership financing.
Apply for preapproval: Auto Loans – Alaska Air Group Credit Union (aagcu.org)
Contact the Alaska Air Group Credit Union loan department at [email protected] or call 206-824-9800 (option 1 for loans).
*Preapproval based on approval of credit, some restrictions apply.