Car manufacturers are beginning to showcase new-year models at this time of year. That incentivizes local dealers to offer better prices to get rid of the current year's inventory. It also gives buyers more negotiating power. You can get a better price while still having more choices for the model, color, and options you want.
How to get the best deal for a car.
- It's important to do your homework and research before you go to a dealer. Our auto shopping center, The Lot, is a great place to start your search. It's loaded with tools to help you understand the car-buying process and how to get the best deal on a new or pre-owned vehicle.
- Learn as much as you can about the vehicle you have in mind, including specs, tech features, and gas mileage.
- More importantly, research the value of the car (either on KBB or NADA) and what other dealers in your area are charging. This will give you an advantage when it is time to make a decision.
- Once you are ready to start visiting dealerships, talk to us for an easy pre-approval. This way, you understand exactly what you can pay. A pre-approval can also grant you additional bargaining power when it's time to negotiate a fair price for the vehicle. You can do that online or at one of our branch locations.
Expert tips for car buying.
The internet has made it easy for members to explore and compare different car dealers in their area or find available vehicles before they ever walk into a dealership. But while people do their homework when it comes to the make and model, they often neglect to do the math.
- Don't just start with the car - shopping for the car is usually the fun part, but it's important to start with a budget. One common mistake is thinking in terms of monthly payments as opposed to the overall cost of the car.
- Be flexible - try to be realistic about the features you need versus extras you might want but can live without. Plus, if you get pre-approved for a loan with us ahead of time, you'll start your car negotiations from a place of control.
- Do your research - your #1 tool is education. Use our auto shopping center, The Lot, to research your vehicle options and make an educated decision about your next big purchase.