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A. Slow Down
Speed in the vehicle-buying arena is a very dangerous thing.
When you rush, you don't think, and you don't compare. Use CAARS.org
to educate yourself, and never let yourself be hurried into
buying without thinking.
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B. Read "Your
Vehicle Buying Road Map" Handbook
This handbook takes you step-by-step through every phase of
a vehicle purchase.
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C. Select a Preferred Dealer/Fleet Manager/CUDL Representative
We've joined with three dealer networks to offer no-hassle,
no-haggle pricing. Dealers and their fleet managers in these
networks have agreed to the principles of our "Member Bill of
Rights" and are committed to serving our members fairly. Make
sure to call ahead for your preferred appointment time and let
the dealership know you are an AA Credit Union member.
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D. Do Your Homework
Our CUDL
AutoSMART online pricing tool provides new and used car
pricing, manufacturers warranty info, rebates, and more. If
you're close to one of our offices, check out the CAARS library.
Most of our libraries have dealer publications and other insider
materials to help you. Contact any AA Credit Union Loan Officer
for personal assistance.
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E. Never Buy on Your First Visit
Whether you're shopping online or on the showroom floor, you
should always make at least a second trip before buying. All
dealerships want to sell you the first time you contact them.
Dealers usually make more money if you don't take the time to
compare prices. The CAARS way is never to buy on the first visit!
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F. Never Leave a Deposit Until the Seller or Dealer
has Agreed to Your Price
Most sellers and dealers generally want deposits to create a
sense of commitment on your part and to discourage comparison
shopping.
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G. Don't Fall for On-The-Spot Delivery
Don't take a car home the first time you see it or "on the spot."
Impulsive vehicle purchasing like this indicates that your emotions
and not your pocketbook are ruling the transaction. When your
emotions rule, your money flies out the window.
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H. Stop the Transaction If You Feel Pressured or Confused
Even if you met the sales person through one of our Preferred
Dealer Networks, who have agreed to our "Member Bill of Rights,"
if you are unsure about anything ask before it becomes an issue.
Never buy if you're uncomfortable and feeling pressured.
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I. Shop Smart When It Comes to Financing
There's an easy way to land the cheapest financing: Place the
contracts side-by-side and compare the total financing cost.
Insist that any dealership or Web site give you an exact copy
of the contract they want you to sign. Fax it to us at (800)
727-5040 or bring it by any branch. We'll tell you if we can
beat their financing; if we can't, we'll send you back to them.
If finance representatives won't give you copies of proposed
contracts in advance, their financing is probably not the cheapest.
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J. The Price of New Cars Isn't Always Where Sellers
Make Money
Thousands of dealers and Internet services will sell you a car
"at cost." Many of those sellers will still make thousands on
you. Many give you less for your trade-in than it's really worth
or charge you more for financing than you need to pay. The price
of a car is only a small part of profits to dealerships and
Internet services.
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K. Remember AA Credit Union is Different from Any Internet
Site, Financial Institution, or Dealership
We don't care which car you buy, we just want it to be safe
and reliable. We do care that you get fair value for your trade-in.
We do care about finance charges you pay. We do care about the
price you pay for your car. We care about your financial well-being
because you own us. If you're not financially strong, responsible,
and informed, we won't be here. That's why our goal is always
to do what is BEST FOR YOU.
