Welcome to Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union's
Auto Buying Guide
We hope this guide serves you well on your journey to purchase a vehicle or refinance a car loan. Together, let’s bring your financial goals to life.
We share a common thread
Empowering our communities with financial know-how
Our common thread is caring for the communities we serve, and empowering the people who call these communities home. We hope you are able to use these resources to make smart decisions about your next vehicle purchase.
FEATURED GUIDE
Car Shopping Online vs. At the Dealership
Online car sales have skyrocketed over recent years, and websites like Carvana, Car Gurus, and other notable platforms dominate the space. Buyers are being driven to these platforms because they may be intimidated by the experience in dealerships and may prefer the convenience of shopping online. In this article, we will break down the key advantages and disadvantages of both car shopping online and at the dealership.
No matter what stage you’re in, we have resources to help you along the way.
Factors That Determine Vehicle Interest Rates
To help you understand what determines the interest rate you get, we’ve outlined some of the critical factors. Learn More >
Finding A Good APR For Your Car Loan
We want to make this process simple for you, so we’ve laid out the best way to approach shopping for a car loan. Learn More >
6 Easy Steps to Refinance Your Car Loan
The process can seem confusing, but we’re here to make it straightforward. Learn More >
GUIDE: APR VS. Interest Rate
APR vs. Interest Rate: What’s the Difference?
When shopping for a car loan, many shoppers will come across two terms, interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR). It’s easy to confuse the two and use them interchangeably because your interest rate and your APR serve a similar function. However, there are a few differences that you need to know.
Interest Rate
The interest rate of an auto loan determines the yearly interest expense of borrowing money, excluding any extra fees.
Annual Percentage Rate
The APR of an auto loan reflects the total cost over the life of the loan. This includes additional fees that accompany the loan.
Car Buying Checklists
You deserve the best resources
Other Resources
- Estimate the value of your car with Kelly Blue Book.
- US News & World Report's Best New Cars
- Used Car Rankings by US News & World
Ready for what's next?
Talk to a loan specialist or apply today!
Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union is the very best!!! This is the reason I have been with them for over 50 years!!!
Ralph S.
New & Used Auto Loans
A new ride is just around the bend. We’ll help you get behind the wheel with our new and used auto loans.
Auto Refinance
If you’re looking to lower your monthly auto loan payments, we’re here to help with auto refinancing options.
Motorcycle, Boat & RV Loans
Got your eye on a motorcycle, boat, or RV? Explore our wide range of recreational vehicle loans.