United Poles Federal Credit Union

? HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST CAR FOR ME? Before you step out to look at potential vehicles, you need to have some idea of what you're looking for. That includes whether you will buy new or used, the type of vehicle you want, what your price range is and more. There are a lot of factors to consider here, and there are pros and cons to each. Obviously, safety should always come first. Then you have to think about what type of vehicle will best suit your needs. You'll want to keep your lifestyle in mind. Are you outdoorsy? Will you need something that you can take off-roading? Or something you can easily attach a bicycle or a kayak to? Or perhaps something big enough to pull a boat or a camper? Do you take a lot of trips? Or do you just need something dependable to get you to and from work and for running errands on the weekends? Consider all your options. Will you buy new or used? Do you want a sedan, SUV, crossover or truck? What make, model and color do you prefer? With the volatile gas prices, you may want to consider the gas mileage a vehicle gets. Is it economical? Are you looking for something environmentally friendly, such as a hybrid? Do you want to go to a dealership, buy online or purchase from an individual? Do you have a trade-in, or are you putting down a down payment? How much can you afford to spend on a vehicle, and what rate are you willing to pay? Are you prequalified? You may have more bargaining power if you are prequalified. And soon, we may have to add deciding if we want a self-driving vehicle or not. It's mind-boggling! According to YourMechanic.com, the biggest pro when buying a used car is not paying for the initial depreciation, so you can get a decent car at a fraction of the cost. YourMechanic.com suggests a certified pre-owned vehicle with lower mileage. Be leery of older vehicles with high mileage and no evidence of a maintenance history. YourMechanic.com also points out that most new cars come with a warranty, so if something does go wrong, you may not have to pay out of pocket to get it repaired. Other things like new technology, advanced features, being able to customize your vehicle and special financing may be enough to put you in the driver's seat of a new vehicle. But keep in mind when you opt for a new car, you're paying top dollar, and the minute you drive it off the lot, the car's value can take a serious dip. Whether new or used, always get a pre-purchase vehicle inspection on any car by a trusted, third- party mechanic before you make a purchase. One thing that could impact your car deal is timing. Kelley Blue Book indicates some of the best times to buy a vehicle include: End-of-year sales events End of month Model changeovers – new models usually arrive in September/October Holiday sales events 5

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