Save Time, Save Money; Get Pre-Approved Before Visiting a Car Dealer

Published: August 27, 2018

Save Time, Save Money; Get Pre-Approved Before Visiting a Car Dealer

Buying a new vehicle is an exciting experience. Yet, if you want to get the best possible deal (and save significant money in the long run) it's important to do your due diligence before making a purchase.

To do so, you'll need to do more than just research vehicles -- you'll also need to find the best financing options. That means securing an auto loan pre-approval before visiting the dealership. With that in mind, let's take a closer look at the advantages of a pre-approved loan.

Pre-approval helps put you in a stronger negotiating position

You've probably heard that cash buyers are attractive to sellers, as there is no red tape or uncertainty about whether the purchase will go through. The same is true for a buyer with a loan pre-approval in hand.

Instead of having to work with a salesperson to determine what you can afford (or what you'll qualify for), you can choose a vehicle knowing precisely the amount of money you have to spend. Because your loan amount is already defined, if you don't like the deal, simply walk away.

Pre-approval helps you set a realistic loan budget

An auto loan is a significant expense for most people, so it's very important to avoid borrowing more than you can afford. Doing so can have a negative impact on your finances.

In the heat of the moment, it's easy to spend more than you want to -- especially if a salesperson wants to sell you a more expensive car. By working with County Federal to secure a pre-approval, you can arrive at a figure that works well within your budget.

Contact County Federal

If you're in the market for a new car, it makes sense to get an auto loan pre-approval. Contact us today at Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union and we'd be happy to help get you started.