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February 08, 2023 · Budget, Credit, Insurance, Vehicles
Buying a car—new or used—can be exciting, fun, tiring and frustrating, depending upon how much time and effort is required to research and search to find either exactly the right vehicle or a car that has almost, but not quite, everything that’s on a wish list of desired features. A car is often the second-largest purchase after a home for many people, and while its most basic function is as a form of transportation, it can also be both representative of an individual’s lifestyle needs and a very visible, public expression of personal taste and style.
Looking for a car can be a tedious and drawn-out process as the buyer is searching to get the right combination of model, features, price and even color—an important characteristic for many people. However, the car search process can be made considerably faster and easier with a variety of online tools or services that may speed up the process. A number of these services provide detailed information on car features, prices, the condition of used cars, and act as a database for inventories of vehicles held by car dealers and other sellers. A few car services sell cars directly to buyers and can provide auto loans. For some of these services there is no cost, while others may have an upfront fee for their use, and some services may have a financial charge if a vehicle is purchased through the service. Different services provide different benefits, and it’s important to understand what they offer and for what cost—always research carefully and compare prices. So what are examples these types of car services and what do they offer?
The Credit Union does not endorse or recommend any of these organizations and services; they are included below as limited, representative examples of just some of the numerous services available to anyone interested in buying a new or used car.
Depending on a consumer’s needs and preferences, some of the types of services listed above may provide useful assistance during the search for a car. Again, it’s helpful to consult a variety of information sources, carefully compare information and prices, and thoroughly consider choices before making a final car-buying decision. All cars require insurance, and the purchase of a new automobile may be the right time to look at your insurance coverage and policy and consider whether a new policy from a different carrier could be a money-saving—and smart—move. Members Insurance Advisors, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Community Credit Union, provides several types of insurance, including automobile insurance.
For more helpful financial information, remember to check out the free Delta Community Financial Education Center webinars on a range of money-related topics, including saving, spending, and investing. You can visit the Financial Education Center's Events & Seminars page to register for its no-cost, on-demand webinars.
The Credit Union’s blog has more posts that may be educational and helpful:
*Delta Community Credit Union uses valuation services from Kelley Blue Book and J.D. Power.