Zero down! Zero payments for six months! Zero percent! Hey, let's all rush down to the dealerships and jump on the zero bandwagon. What can go wrong with a deal like that?

Just about everything. By using word games and by deliberately obscuring details, the promotions hurt unwary consumers' pocketbooks in big ways. Read the fine print and you'll see this:

Zero down payment doesn't mean zero dollars – Every buyer still has to pay tax, tag, and license, which can cost over a thousand dollars.

Zero payments for six months means paying more later – Are the finance companies being nice and making your first six payments for you? Of course not! They are doing one of two things: either adding the six payments to the end of your contract, or, even worse, financing those first six payments. Either way means you pay more interest.

Zero percent is for few customers – Most people who are drawn to a dealership because of 0% financing don't actually get it. To make matters worse, consumers may not negotiate on the actual price of the car when they go to dealerships for 0%. They don't realize the price of the car and the cost of financing are two separate issues. Those consumers can pay thousands more than they need to pay.

Compare any dealer's financing offer to DCU's. Ask the dealer to completely fill out a copy of their finance contract, but don't sign it. If the dealership refuses to give you a completed copy of the contract to take with you, chances are, they aren't cheaper.

Bring the unsigned contract to any DCU branch or fax it to us at 508.263.6392. DCU will assess their loan and tell you if we can beat their financing. If we can't beat their offer, we will tell you so, and send you back to the dealership.

Every one of these members thought they were getting a cheaper rate at the dealership, and found out they were wrong. Let us assess your current auto loan. Find your old finance contract, loan agreement, or payment booklet or anything that has the following information:

• How much money you financed.
• How much your payments are.
• How many payments you have remaining.

Fax the above information to us at 508.263.6392. Please include your name, member number, and a way to contact you. You can also email us or visit any DCU branch.

Every day we save members money over dealer financing – often even when 0% financing is offered. What should you do if you're in the market for a vehicle and see one of these ads? Slow down! Remember that speed in the car business can cost you thousands. Use StreetWise to help you save money!