CTFCU Blog

WBTW Living Local Carolina - All About Auto Loans

Written by August | Aug 14, 2020 4:35:43 PM

Last week on Living Local Carolina, we dove into Carolina Trust's Auto Loan options. As people are beginning to go back to work and school, we know that obtaining a means for transportation is becoming more prevalent, and we're here to help!

Carolina Trust offers a variety of different auto loan options that suit everyone's needs. Whether you're finally purchasing your dream car or just looking for something affordable that gets you from point A to point B, Carolina Trust wants to get you out on the road and to the places that you need to go.

Show Host, Rainee Romero and I, sat down with Carolina Trust Consumer Lending Manager, Jim Weigand, to get some advice on where to start the car buying process. When deciding what vehicle option is the best for you, there are a few factors to consider: what you need, what you want, and what you can afford.

What You Need

It's important to think practically and carefully consider what you need in a vehicle before making a selection. Will you be using this vehicle for long road trips or just short commutes to and from work? Will you need features like 4WD to make it through snowy winters or towing capabilities? Do you need extra seating for children and pets? Considering not only your day-to-day lifestyle but also future life plans can help you select the right car for you, as most individuals keep the same vehicle for several years.

What You Want

Everyone has certain preferences that they look for when shopping for a vehicle. Determining which things you can and can't live without can help narrow down your options when trying to select the perfect vehicle for you. Are leather seats a must? What about a sunroof or Bluetooth audio? As automakers are continually coming out with new technological features, you'll want to find a vehicle that is as tech-savvy as you are.

What You Can Afford

Finding a car with the right price is the first step, but you'll also need to consider your loan carefully. An auto loan calculator is a great tool to use as you analyze car loans. This tool allows you to input the vehicle's price, loan term, and interest rate, as well as other fees and costs, to see both the monthly payment and total cost of the loan over its lifetime. By using it well, you can avoid overpaying not only for the car itself, but also for the loan. Click here to check out Carolina Trust's Auto Loan Calculator.

Once you know exactly what vehicle is the right fit for you, it's time to start auto loan shopping. At Carolina Trust, we offer low rates for new vehicles and great low rates for used cars that are up to 7 model years old. Click here for more information about our different auto loan options.