Getting a new vehicle isn’t as simple as going to a single dealership on the weekend, picking one off the lot, and driving home. There’s no getting around the fact that buying a car is a large financial commitment so it’s important to do your homework and shop around to get the best deal on your next vehicle.
Members Trust provides a free auto shopping tool to help you streamline the car buying process. Taking time upfront to do as much research as possible, including browsing multiple dealerships, can help you save money overall! You can conveniently do this without leaving your home with our free auto-shopping tool.
Get Your Best Deal on Your Next Vehicle With Our Auto Shopping Website:
- Research over 4 million vehicles nationwide.
- Save time and money with pre-approval.
- Refinance your existing auto loan and save.
- Find your car’s worth with accurate reports.
- Access free CarFax®, comparisons, and more!
The Ultimate Car Shopping Checklist
Set a Budget
Before you start shopping for a car, it’s important to know how much you can afford to spend. Consider creating a budget that includes all of your expenses and savings goals. This will give you an idea of how much you can realistically afford to pay each month for your car loan.
SHOPPING TIP – Most car shoppers have a general idea of how much they can afford to spend each month. If that’s you, use our Search by Payment tool to find vehicles to match your budget. Simply use the slider to select your desired monthly payment, and we’ll show you all of the available inventory at local dealerships that fits your budget. It’s that easy!
Do Your Research
Once you’ve established your budget, it’s time to start researching different vehicles. Consider the type of car that will suit your lifestyle and needs. Look up expert reviews, ratings, and consumer feedback to narrow down your choices.
SHOPPING TIP – With so many vehicles available to you, don’t forget to save your car searches on our car shopping website. Simply click SAVE CAR or the little heart icon on any vehicle detail page. Never lose a favorite again or waste time having to rebuild your dream car!
Get Pre-Approved with Us
Before you visit any dealership, talk to us to get preapproved for an auto loan. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend on a vehicle and help you avoid any financing surprises. A pre-approval will also give you leverage in negotiating with the dealership when it comes to financing options.
It’s OK to Bargain with the Dealer
The sticker price is just a starting point. Research the numbers in advance so you know the price of the vehicle, your trade-in value, incentives, and any dealer fees. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the dealer to get a better price. At the dealership, ask to see the out-the-door price for your desired vehicle. The out-the-door price is the total price of the car, before financing, including any taxes and fees. You can also ask for an itemized breakdown of the costs so you can see exactly how the dealer arrived at that figure.
Take Your Time
Buying a car is a big decision. Don’t feel pressured to buy a car right away – you have the upper hand. If you’re uncomfortable with the vehicle, the price tag, the salesperson, or the dealership – DO NOT be afraid to walk away. Although it may not be easy, take your time and make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
If you have any questions, contact us for help.