Auto Loans: Where Will I Find the Best Rates?

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Car buyers looking for the best financing deal on their next vehicle might have the answer right under their noses.

According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, dealerships across the country are meeting or beating auto loan offers from competing banks or credit unions. Today, more customers are walking into a dealership with pre-approved financing, thinking they already have the best deal.

The truth is that dealerships can almost always find a better financing deal because they send applicants’ credit applications to multiple lending institutions. By financing through the dealership, consumers can also get additional incentives like cash-back rebates or zero-percent loan offers, and since the dealership is hoping to get parts and service business from their customers in the years to come, they will work harder to get their customers a competitive deal.

For more information on how to obtain a loan, contact a sales rep at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  We have a wide selection of new and used vehicles to look at with competitive financing offered.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to see more financing tips and for special monthly offers.

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Interest Rates Remain Low as Auto Sales Increase

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Comerica Bank releases a report every three months known as the “Auto Affordability Index.”  What the report does is take the median income for a family in the US and the average price of a new car and compares them to see how many weeks it would take to finance the purchase.  The most recent one brings good news to people who are having a difficult time due to having bad credit.

Auto Credit Express breaks down the report in their latest blog.  An averaged-priced new vehicle took 23.6 weeks of income to buy.  Buyer spent $900 more on new vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2012 than in the third of the same year.

Even though there was a rise of late in prices, sales continue to be very good.  Some of that is due to an up-tick because of Hurricane Sandy forcing many drivers back into dealership to replace destroyed cars.

What that means is that demand is rising and so will be interest rates.  As of right now, you can still get yourself a great deal.  If you’ve needed to purchase a vehicle but have been holding off, now is the time to take advantage of the affordability before it goes up.

Contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge and see why we love to say yes.  We’ll help you find the new or pre-owned vehicle that suits your life-style.  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all our monthly vehicle incentives.

How to Spot ID Theft on Your Credit Report

ID-10060832An important aspect of qualifying for an auto loan, even with troubled credit, is your credit score.  One of the best ways an applicant can prepare for the process is to go over their report and ensure that everything listed is correct.  Any number of things can work against you, which is why everyone always recommends a look over before making any major financial decisions.  Be on the lookout for anything that doesn’t match up with your own records.  If you see something wrong, get it taken care of.  Another thing to be aware of if you see something unfamiliar on your credit report is that you may be a victim of identity theft.

TransUnion has some tips to help make sure you can avoid being a victim.  There are certain signs in your report that may point to fraud.  Here’s what you need to keep an eye out for:

  • If you see any accounts, payment histories, addresses, inquires, or Social Security Numbers that you don’t recognize.
  • If an unknown creditor tells you they got an application with your name and Social Security on it that you were unaware of.
  • If you’re getting calls or letters informing you of being approved or denied for credit but never applied.
  • If you have gotten credit card, utility, or telephone statements that are in your name but you never applied.
  • If you notice that your mail, including credit card statements, is not always being delivered to you.
  • If there are credit card purchases you don’t recognize.
  • If a collection agency contacts you about collecting on an account you never opened.

These are all important signs that someone has gotten ahold of your information and are using it for malicious purposes.  Make sure you are aware so that you can work to protect yourself.  Don’t let a thief drag down your credit and along with it the ability to apply for credit.

If you’re in the market for a vehicle then contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge and find out how we can help.  We love to say yes!  Browse our new and pre-owned inventory online.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more news and monthly offers.