
Car Buying Guide
Empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Your On-Ramp to Car Buying Success
Call Federal is your all-in-one guide for financing and purchasing your dream car.
Checklist
From check-in-hand to keys in ignition, use our checklist to navigate your next car purchase.
Research Your Vehicle
Be sure to take advantage of reports like TrueCar and CarFax when doing your research to negotiate your best. Check out our negotiating tips below too.
Apply for your Check-In-Hand Loan
Everyone’s reasons for buying a car differ, but staying within budget is crucial. Our process eliminates guesswork, showing you exactly what you can afford.
Understand the Conditions of Your Loan
You’re ready to buy from any dealership, but there’s still a few things you need to know. Check out “At the Dealership — Ready To Buy” below.
Know The Value of Your Trade-In
Finding out what your current vehicle is worth in trade is as important as the price of your new car.
Let Dealers Know You’re Financed
No need for an awkward visit to the finance manager. The “Instructions to Dealer” document with your check has all the necessary details.
Complete and Sign Your Check
As you might imagine, this is a very important step. Congratulations on your new car!
Calculators
Run some numbers to determine affordability, financing, and more with our free calculators.
Resources
Our car buying specialists are here to assist you at every stage of the process. When you’re ready to meet with a salesperson, keep these tips in mind for a smoother experience:
Tips:
- Know Your Needs: Identify the features you truly want in your new vehicle to avoid unnecessary costs.
- Shop Around: Visit multiple dealerships and request firm offers without revealing your financing limits.
- Stay Objective: Keep emotions out of the transaction to make sound financial decisions.
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush—be prepared to walk away from deals that don’t meet your expectations.
- Have Financing Ready: Let dealers know you’re pre-approved to avoid payment discussions.
- Seek Promotions: Watch for deals during holidays or end-of-year sales events.
- Request Repairs: If a vehicle needs touch-ups, ask for them to be included at no additional cost.
These strategies can help you navigate the car-buying process with confidence and success.
When you find the perfect car at the perfect price, completing the purchase is simple. Here’s what you need to know to make the process smooth and hassle-free:
Key Points:
- Payment Timeline: Your first payment is due 60 days after signing the check over to the dealership.
- Loan Terms: Your Check-In-Hand loan is approved for the terms outlined by your Call Federal representative. The final loan amount will match the check issued.
- Read Carefully: Review all information on your check, including dealer instructions and vehicle conditions.
- Loan-to-Value Limit: Ensure your selected vehicle does not exceed the maximum LTV specified in your loan disclosure.
Take the keys, snap a selfie, and enjoy the ride in your new car!
After you’ve driven off in your new car, we’re still here to assist. A loan consultant will reach out to discuss:
- Loan Details: Review your final terms, including balance, payment amount, due dates, and convenient payment options like automatic transfers.
- Your Experience: Share your car-buying feedback with us at any time by emailing greatloans@callfederal.org. We value your input to continually improve.
- Protection Options: Explore our well-priced insurance and payment protection products designed to safeguard you from life’s unexpected challenges.
With Call Federal, you’re never driving alone—we’re with you every step of the way.
If you’re purchasing your vehicle from a private (non-dealer) seller, be sure to complete and include a copy of the vehicle bill of sale with your loan documents.
Call Federal offers 3 free CARFAX® vehicle history reports for our members with a car loan in the works.
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Opportunities

Ready For The Next Ride
Outgrown your current vehicle? Celebrating a promotion? Need reliable, economical, or eco-friendly transportation? Use resources like TrueCar and our Check-In-Hand loan program for a quick, easy purchase.
Our car buying specialists are here to help with any questions.

A Better Way
Wondering if you’re getting a good deal? TrueCar provides quick, easy answers. Find great deals on new and pre-owned vehicles, see what others paid, and get real pricing and CARFAX® data.
On average, new car buyers save $1,824 off MSRP with TrueCar.

Insurance and Payment Protection Options
Call Federal offers great products and rates for unexpected events:
- Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) Plus
- Debt Protection
- Extended Vehicle Warranty
- Car Insurance
- Accidental Death (AD&D)
Have questions?
Call Federal is here to help with your car loan. Reach out to us today for more information and expert guidance to meet your needs.
Disclosures
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*All Call Federal loans are subject to income and credit verification; not all will qualify. Rates, terms, and conditions may vary. Other restrictions and conditions may apply.