Resources for Auto Shoppers and Buyers

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Buying a car doesn't have to be stressful. The links on this page are a way to provide Provident Credit Union members with educational information and tools to assist in the process of shopping for and buying an automobile. We hope you find value with these handy resources.

Tools

• Payment Calculator
  Input the rate and payment to determine how much you can afford. Or put in the rate and total amount to determine how much it will cost you each month.
• Online Auto Shopping
  Through a partnership with AutoLand, this Provident Credit Union sub-site helps you search and price new or used autos, sell or trade in your old car, or arrange for the car of your choice to be delivered to your home or workplace.

Learning Library

• Buying a New Car (Starting, Financing, Trade-ins, Service Contracts)
  What you should know before you visit the dealer's lot.
• Understanding Vehicle Financing
  Includes tips on what an APR is and how it helps you, co-signing, determining how much you can afford, and more.
• Car Ads: Reading Between the Lines
  Find out how to tell if an advertised deal actually is a good deal or not.
• Why a Rebate May Be Better Than Dealer Financing
  Take the rebate instead, and you can get a better deal than zero percent.
• Finding a Used Car to Buy
  Good tips on deciding which car is right for you, and on narrowing down your choices.
• Evaluating a Used Car's Condition
  What to look for, once you have a likely prospect. Taking a test drive, avoiding potential problems.
• Quick Tips for Buying a Used Car
  A short checklist of things you should do when buying a used car.
• Automobile Service Contracts
  What you should know about automobile service contracts, which are roughly comparable to extended warranties. Includes how they compare to MBI.
• Auto Buying Glossary
  Definitions of common terms used during the auto shopping and auto financing process.

Other Sites

• California Department of Motor Vehicles
  Get extensive information on vehicle registration and title, personalized plates, and driver licenses. Download DMV forms and publications.
• Consumer Reports Online: Cars and Trucks
  Ratings of all types of cars, SUVs, mini-vans, and pickup trucks; frequency-of-repair records; and advice on buying and leasing. Subscription required for reviews.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  Get unbiased reports on auto safety problems & issues, testing results, regulations & standards, and research & development.
• Fuel Economy Guide
  This Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency site lets you compare MPG and pollution ratings of new and used cars and trucks, and has extensive consumer information on saving at the pump, comparing gas prices, hybrids and other advanced technology vehicles, and more.
• Smog Check Information from the State of California
  Everything you need to know about smogging your car in California, including where to find a Smog Check Station, and answers to questions about smog checks. Presented by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, this site also includes useful consumer information on buying and repairing cars in California.
• eHow Automotive Center
  Includes how-to's on after-market options and upgrades, buying and selling, driving and safety, finance and insurance, maintenance, other vehicles (boats, RVs, etc.), and repair