Take Five Steps to Save BEFORE You Shop for a
New Vehicle

Yes, you read that headline correctly. If you are thinking of buying a new or used vehicle and you want to save money, you should take five steps before you even think of heading to a dealership showroom or web site to shop. Many of us feel that first itch for a new vehicle and decide to drop by a dealership to browse – not a good idea! Instead, when that itch strikes, stop and take these five steps. Your wallet will thank you.

1. Do a little homework using our StreetWise Auto Buying Guide.

• How much money do you actually have to spend on a new vehicle? How much is your trade-in worth? Is there a rebate on the vehicle? What about an additional cash down payment? Answers to all of these questions can help you calculate your real budget for car buying. The Guide shows you how.
• Our Auto Buying Guide prepares you for the pressure tactics dealers use to sell vehicles. You'll know which ones are the most common and dangerous to your pocketbook.
• Do you know how to negotiate for a vehicle in a way that controls the bargaining in your favor? The Guide shows you those techniques.

2. Research potential vehicles online.
Now it's time to do some "window shopping" online. Try to use only major sites that don't require registration or personal information. Remember, you're just looking! Once you find a few vehicles that you like, ask these questions:

• Does the vehicle fit your budget?
• What's the vehicle's safety test record?
• What are the insurance and driving costs for the vehicle?

3. Decide whether you'll buy new or used.
For many individuals, buying a good used vehicle can be a great choice – if you carefully check out the specific vehicle and buy it the right way.

4. Apply for your financing at DCU before you shop.
Arranging your auto loan at DCU before you start shopping makes you a cash buyer. DCU offers the same low rates for new and used cars. You can get a DCU Auto Loan Check that is good for up to your approved loan amount. Call us at 508.263.6700 or 800.328.8797, visit us online at dcu.org, or stop by any branch to apply.

5. Consider selling your old
vehicle yourself.
By selling your old vehicle yourself, rather than trading it in at a dealership, you can get more money for it. Dealerships buy (trade-in) your old vehicle at a "wholesale" price (often well below average wholesale). If you sell your vehicle yourself, you can sell it for "retail," a much higher price. If the value is low, consider donating your car to a charity that accepts vehicles for a tax deduction.*

Learn More Money-Saving Techniques
Head to StreetWise at dcu.org right now and check out our Auto Buying Guide, or request a copy at any DCU branch.