19
February
2009
|
14:01 PM
America/Chicago

TrueCredit.com Helps Consumers Navigate Smart Auto Purchases

CHICAGO, February 19, 2009 – January marked the worst month for auto sales in more than 25 years and now, auto manufacturers and the U.S. government are doing their best to entice consumers to help the ailing industry by purchasing a car. Many manufactures are offering zero percent interest rate loans, while the Senate recently passed a measure that would allow tax write-offs for auto-loan interest and sales taxes.


While times are tight, consumers should gain a clear understanding of their credit and financial standing, as they may be in a position to take advantage of very favorable auto deals. In fact, experts like automotive analyst Edmunds.com say now may actually be the best time to buy a car.


“Through a simple check of their credit reports and scores, many consumers are likely to find that they’re in a solid position when it comes to cashing in on these troubled economy car deals,” said Lucy Duni, vice president of consumer education at TrueCredit.com by TransUnion. “At the same time, it’s important for consumers to set their limits based on their credit position and their overall finances because there are many costs associated with making a car purchase, including regular maintenance fees and insurance.”


Many consumers may not realize that their credit history can effect not only the terms of their auto loan but also how they may be viewed by insurers, many of which utilize insurance scores in determining policyholder premiums, With this in mind, TrueCredit.com offers a unique tool called Insurance Scores. For a small one-time fee, TrueCredit.com Insurance Scores bundles together both a consumer’s automotive and property scores in one straight-forward report. Each score includes a population comparison and qualitative analysis.


TrueCredit.com is offering simple tips to guide consumers on the path to making a car purchase: 



  • Rev-up your report knowledge. Review your three credit reports on an ongoing basis to ensure they accurately reflect your credit history.  Your history will dictate your credit score and your score affects your loan rates. Always know where you stand by signing up for the TrueCredit Messenger, a free application that is downloaded to your desktop and lets you know when there’s been a critical change to your report.                            

  • Make necessary tune-ups. Whether or not you’re in the market for a new car now, keep a close eye on your credit reports.  If you spot something that doesn’t look right, you should first contact the creditor involved.  If that doesn’t solve the problem or if the issue doesn’t involve a specific credit or loan account, contact the appropriate credit reporting company directly. If you have significant issues with your reports, consider delaying your purchase until those issues are resolved to help you get the best rate available.

  • Protect Yourself. Your credit behavior influences more than just your loan rate.  It often plays a role in determining the monthly insurance premiums for your home and car. If you’re getting ready to shop for insurance, Truecredit.com Insurance Scores let you see, ahead of time, how you’ll likely be viewed, allowing you to take proactive steps to improve your own credit health that could result in lower premiums.

  • Make an age-defying purchase. Decide if you want to buy a new or used car. Buying a used car can save you a heap of money if you do your research. Since new cars generally depreciate 10-35% during the first two years, it's a good idea to check the depreciation rate on the car you're interested in by looking up the current price and the price for the same car made two years earlier. On the other hand, many of the factory incentives are on new models, so you may get a better deal with a new car right now. It’s important to shop around to find the best deal for you.

  • Luxury versus economy: calculate how much you can afford. Before you decide that a car is right for you, it's a good idea to evaluate your balance of debts and assets to see how much you can really afford. Also determine if you have a trade-in or down payment to help you pay for the car. These assets can help you negotiate a better rate with lenders and can be especially important if you have problem credit.

  • Navigate your options. When you're ready to talk to lenders it's a good idea to shop around for the best available interest rate. Visit your local bank or credit union to discuss applying for an auto loan. Financing with the car dealer can sometimes be more expensive, so pricing out your options is a good idea. And don’t worry because shopping your loan with multiple lenders over a few week period will generally have the same net effect on your credit score as checking only with one lender.


For more about the TrueCredit.com Insurance Scores, to download TrueCredit Messenger and for tips about managing your credit, log onto www.gotruecredit.com