Your Step-By-Step Car Buying Guide

car buying guide timeline
 

Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Calculate Your Budget.

Use our online auto loan calculators to determine your vehicle price range and how much of a monthly payment you can afford. If you have a vehicle to trade in, make sure you research the trade-in value and factor that into your budget as well.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved.

Complete an online loan application to get pre-approved before you start shopping. Having a pre-approval beforehand helps you stick to your budget and gives you a distinct advantage when negotiating with the dealership.

Step 3: Search For Your Car.

Use our Member Auto Center to search for your new vehicle from our preferred  car dealerships. You can browse vehicles online and even begin negotiating with a sales person before ever leaving your house.

Step 4: Make A Deal.

Once you find the perfect car, we’ll be ready to help you close the deal. Your personal loan officer can send you your loan documents to sign via email, and you can finance your new purchase without ever leaving your house.

Step 5: Add Car Warranty.

GCEFCU offers several vehicle protection plans to add to your loan. With five levels of coverage, our protection plan offers affordable options to ensure your vehicle is protected against costly mechanical and electrical repairs.

Step 6: Purchase Insurance.

With the help of Gulf Coast Educators Insurance Services, we can help you finance your car and have it insured all in one place.

 


Car Buying Guide Disclosures
Car Warranty: Restrictions & limitations may apply. Please see contract for complete details. Please refer to your Vehicle Service Agreement for a more comprehensive list of what’s covered with your plan options. Parts pricing listed in illustration is based on average of actual repairs at a retail rate for Parts & Labor. Actual repair costs may vary by repair facility, vehicle, and location. Warranty products are provided and administered by SWBC and not guaranteed by the credit union.

Purchase Insurance: Insurance offered through Gulf Coast Educators Insurance Services, LLC. Funds should not be considered a deposit or guaranteed by Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union. Funds are not insured by the NCUA or any federal government agency.