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For many people, buying a new car is no fun at all. A dealership and its sales people negotiate car prices hundreds of times a month, while you do it only once every few years.

The good news is, you have experts on your side. Glacier Hills Credit Union is here to assist you in the auto buying process. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Decide what you can afford
Don’t pick a car or truck and try to cram it into your budget. Instead, figure out what you can afford and find the vehicle that fits. Use our Budget Blueprint to calculate your monthly income and expenses.

2. Get pre-approved
Before going to a car dealership, get loan pre-approval. With our NEW AutoDraft program, we can give you a check to take right to the dealer. Once you’ve agreed on a price, simply write the amount right on the check.

Never reveal the amount you’re pre-approved for to the dealer until price negotiations are complete.

Some dealerships advertise 0% financing, but only a small percentage of buyers qualify. In addition, you could save hundreds by taking a rebate and a Glacier Hills loan instead of dealership 0% financing.

3. Take your time and do your homework
Pick up a free Auto Buying Kit at Glacier Hills Credit Union, or utilize our online guides.

4. Make the most of your test drive
If you test drive at a dealership, tell the salesperson you are only there for a test-drive and product information. Don’t give out information about your job or income at this point. Have a checklist ready and make sure you test drive on various conditions, such as freeway, stop-and-go and rough pavement.

5. Complete the financing
With the Glacier Hills Ready Loan, we put your signature on file so that after the first time you take out a loan, all you need to do is call with your loan request and we can get your check to you the same day.

You may also want to consider mechanical breakdown coverage. Despite pressure from the dealer, you usually have up to 12 months to purchase this coverage. Glacier Hills offers a comparable package at a price much lower than what you'd typically pay at the dealer.