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HOW TO BUY A CAR

Leave Nothing Uncovered in Auto Buying Benefits

AUTO LOANS ARE A SIGNATURE CREDIT UNION SERVICE. MILLIONS OF consumers have joined their first credit union via their auto loan, whether it was through an employer program, direct lending from a dealer, taking up an offer for an unbelievably low rate, or just being sensible enough to know to check out a credit union first. What do credit unions offer that traditional financial services companies miss that has consumers lining up at the door? It's more than just low rates.

Credit unions tend to offer flexible loan programs for a wide variety of borrowers. For example, nuVision Financial Federal Credit Union offers loans for new and used cars, with terms up to 7 years to keep payments low. They also encourage and offer pre-approvals so that members go shopping armed with the power of capital. There's nothing a dealer wants to see more than that pre-approval certificate when a shopper walks in the door--and the consumer can shop on real price and features and the sales person knows he/she is a qualified buyer.

Also at nuVision Financial, members and prospective members have numerous options for applying for their loan. It's as easy as calling (800) 444-6327 or visiting www.nuvision.coop to apply by phone or online, for a loan decision in 15 minutes. Numerous dealerships also around the Los Angeles/Orange County area offer direct financing through nuVision Financial. If a member is not sure how much car they can afford or whether they should take the 0% financing or $2,500 rebate, they can always visit nuVision Financial's website for free loan/payment and loan comparison calculators.

Says nuVision Financial member Maher Girgis, "nuVision Financial's service is A+ and rates are second to none. I was looking to purchase a car and shopped

around for the best rates. Not only did nuVision Financial provide the best rate, but also I couldn't have asked for a smoother loan process. Thank you, nuVision Financial."

An auto loan is more than just a monthly payment. It comes attached with a vehicle! But you can buy a car without the hassles--by buying, financing and insuring your new car with the help of Financial Partners Credit Union. Financial Partners will help with low rates, flexible terms and financing options--all designed to help make the monthly payments affordable. Friendly and knowledgeable service advisors make it easy to get started. Financial Partners wants members to be able to focus on negotiating the best price for their car without having to worry about dealer financing. Going one step further, Financial Partners * helps protect members' investment with lower costs on mechanical breakdown repairs. And best of all, just go online at www.fpcu.org to get started. Use payment calculators to determine how much car you can afford, and then apply online for your loan and get pre-approved.

Financial Partners also knows that understanding how your credit score works is the first step to securing the best financing. Financial Partners offers complimentary one-on-one credit consultation to help members improve their credit score and save more money in the future. Membership is open to the community in most areas of Los Angeles and Orange County. Visit any Financial Partners branch or call (800) 950-7328 for more information.

Some credit unions are uniquely focused on serving a particular group of people, and tailor their products and services to the unique needs of its members. One such example of this is AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union.

AFTRA-SAG FCU--which serves the substantial community of performers-offers a number of money-saving alternatives to high cost dealer financing or restrictive manufacture financing terms. AFTRA-SAG FCU's lending practices treat self-employed applicants no differently than other applicants so members are provided a comfortable loan process they can go through with confidence. For auto loans, AFTRA-SAG FCU encourages qualified borrowers to give them an opportunity to match a rate offered by the auto dealers/manufacturers. The credit union may be able to offer more flexible terms such as 72 months on auto loans over $20,000, so performers can fulfill their dreams with a low monthly payment.

Because of their non-profit, member owned structure, credit unions are dedicated to serving member needs, not profiting from them.

Member service is at a whole new level at Southland Credit Union, where from the CEO to every employee, member satisfaction is the priority. Member Shirley Dampeer-Worsham, a real estate investor and budgeter, has been a member for more than 30 years. Shirley has utilized Southland Credit Union's services ranging from Southland's car buying services, to checking accounts, to a multitude of loan products. "I shop around and compare, read terms and rates carefully, and go to the place that's most competitive. Once I financed my car through a big bank because of the low rate, and ended up refinancing the car at Southland Credit Union because their rate on my used car was lower than the rate I received on it new. Repeatedly, I go back to Southland Credit Union." Shirley lives 50 miles from the closest Southland branch, but says through the credit union network and online services, it's never a problem. "The service is excellent. Every time I walk in or call Southland, there's someone that will respond to me in a timely basis and get right to the point without hassles or extensive paperwork." Ed Fox, Southland's President/CEO, says "Our Southland Credit Union team is committed to creating a service experience for every member that's second to none. We invite you to experience the special care we give every member of our Southland family and hope you'll visit us soon to experience the Southland Credit Union difference!"

Other credit unions have grown beyond their initial field of membership, but have continued to serve similar members with the same set of unique needs. A credit union that may have been established to serve grocery workers, for example, has grown to continue to serve retail workers broadly and remains aware of the unique challenges of that group.

American First Credit Union serves the Orange County community with a full line of financial services, including real estate lending. With today's median home price in Orange County of $445,000, a 20% down payment would be $89,000. American First has designed a zero down home loan program to help first time buyers. And because they do all of their own underwriting, American First is able to assist members with credit challenges and offer the flexibility of a stated income loan. With their commitment to providing personalized service, you will feel like a VIP all the time at American First Credit Union.

Credit union membership always holds a treasure chest of additional services beyond basic financial products. One service uniquely available only to credit unions members is the hassle-free auto buying service of Autoland, where experienced consultants have helped more than 200,000 people find and finance the car of their dreams.

More than just a car-buying service--Autoland is a complete one-stop resource for car buyers. Expert consultants meet with members and educate them on every step of the car buying process, and help them select the exact make and model vehicle they want, right down to the color.

Once the car is chosen, a personal Autoland consultant will get at least three quotes from dealers in the area, and provide the best price and even work to arrange delivery of the new vehicle. It's that easy!

Autoland is just part of the full range of banking and investment services available at Wescom Credit Union. With free online bill paying, a wide selection of home loans, branches all over Southern California and a network of over 17,000 nationwide ATMs, Wescom gives consumers all the advantages of the big banks plus the credit union focus on personal service and satisfaction. Anyone who lives, works, or goes to school or church in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, or San Bernardino counties can open an account at Wescom, in person or online at www.wescom.org. More information is available at (888) 893-7266.

If you haven't joined a credit union yet, you don't know what you're missing. Use the directory of credit unions here, or visit www.creditunions-la.com, to find a credit union that's perfect for you!

"I had an opportunity to purchase the exact car I was looking for, but needed to act quickly. Needing to secure financing in a hurry, a friend recommended nuVision Financial. I logged onto their website, filled our an application, and within 15 minutes was approved for my loan! The process couldn't have been easier. Thanks to nuVision Financial. not only do I have the car I wanted, but I have a payment I can afford."

--Kendall Morimoto--member since 2002

CREDIT UNION DIRECTORY

AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union

www.aftrasagfcu.org