With any large investment, it is important to establish your budget first. If you're looking to finance, our auto loan payment calculator is available to help you get a sense of various monthly loan payment amounts and the amount you could be paying over the term of your loan. With your budget and personal preferences in mind, you can then decide how much you want to spend on a new or used vehicle. If you receive an Eglin FCU pre-approved auto loan (PAL) by mail or through our online banking platforms, be sure to have it readily available as you shop for your next vehicle. PALs outline how much you can spend when auto shopping and can essentially place bargaining power right in the palm of your hands.
If you do not have a PAL, you can apply for an auto loan directly from our website. It may also help if you review your credit history before you begin shopping, you can get a free credit report at annualcreditreport.com.
It is important to take your time and look to multiple sources to find the vehicle you want at the right price. When you're ready to begin your search, take advantage of the hassle-free AutoSMART online purchasing program. Here you can search streamlined inventories of participating dealers in our network right from your home. You can also visit any of our participating 5 Star Dealers. Regardless of your preference, your Eglin FCU auto loan can be financed on the spot through any of these participating dealerships - even after-hours and on weekends!
When you find a vehicle you like, do some investigation. Research new and used auto values through the J. D. Power Values Pricing Guide. This pricing guide will help determine what a vehicle is worth and can also serve as a powerful negotiation tool. The annual percentage rate (APR), term and maximum loan amount on your Eglin FCU auto loan is based on the vehicle's model year, MSRP Value (new vehicles), J. D. Power Values Retail Value (Used vehicles up to 1 year old) and J. D. Power Values Clean Trade Value (Used vehicles 2 to 15 years old). We also offer Eglin FCU members a discounted CARFAX to assist with determining a used vehicle's history.
You may also find the information available through the Consumer Reports website helpful. Reading what vehicle experts and owners have to say about safety features and performance regarding your potential purchase can provide excellent insight before you buy. If you plan to trade in a vehicle, you should also research its value before you begin negotiations.
When you find the vehicle you want, it is important to use all the information you've researched in order to obtain the best deal. If you've done your research, you'll know if the seller is asking a fair price or offering a fair price for your trade-in. Be sure to use your pre-approved auto loan from Eglin FCU. If you are financing with Eglin FCU and purchasing at a dealership participating in the AutoCash program, remember to submit your AutoCash coupon for a $50 gift card.
Once you receive the keys to your vehicle, do your happy dance!
Afterwards, think what you can do to protect yourself and your new investment. WE've partnered with TruStage to provide auto insurance quotes for your new or used vehicle so that you, your investment and passengers are protected in the event of collision, injury, and/or loss. As an added benefit, your membership with Eglin FCU can result in some sweet savings on auto insurance.
Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) can help fill the gap between what your vehicle insurance will pay and what you owe on your loan, to cushion you against sudden out of pocket expenses if your vehicle is totaled or stolen. GAP can help lighten the financial burden for you and the people you care about. Get GAP today so you can worry a little less about tomorrow. GAP is voluntary, competitively priced, and can be added to your auto loan at any time.
Debt Protection is another voluntary loan protection product that may be added to your auto loan at any time. Debt Protection could cancel your loan balance or payments up to the contract maximums if a protected event such as sickness or injury, loss of life, or involuntary unemployment occurs.
We're here to help you through all stages of the auto buying process so you can be prepared, informed, and enjoy the road ahead. Give us a call at 850.862.0111 or stop by any Eglin FCU branch to get started.
When considering your next vehicle purchase, visit these dealerships for Eglin FCU financing on the spot.
Routing Number: 263178070
*APR = Annual Percentage Rate.
