--- title: Auto Buying Guide | Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union --- # 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. ![car-salesman-showing-features-mcti1](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/landing-page/car-salesman-showing-features-mcti1.jpg "car-salesman-showing-features-mcti1") ## We share a common thread ### Empowering our communities with financial know-how ![thread graphic](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/landing-page/we-share-common-thread.png "thread graphic") 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 ![online-v-dealership-thumbnail-1-1](https://info.jdcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/online-v-dealership-thumbnail-1-1.png?width=400&height=296&name=online-v-dealership-thumbnail-1-1.png "online-v-dealership-thumbnail-1-1") ## 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. [Download Guide](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/JDCU_Car_Shopping_Online_vs_Dealership-1.pdf) No matter what stage you’re in, we have resources to help you along the way. ![bigstock-Man-Giving-Surprise-To-Woman-B-395652611](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/bigstock-Man-Giving-Surprise-To-Woman-B-395652611.jpg "bigstock-Man-Giving-Surprise-To-Woman-B-395652611") ### [Factors That Determine Vehicle Interest Rates](https://www.jdcu.org/blog/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 >](https://www.jdcu.org/blog/factors-that-determine-vehicle-interest-rates/) ![good-apr-thumbnail](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/good-apr-thumbnail.jpg "good-apr-thumbnail") ### [Finding A Good APR For Your Car Loan](https://www.jdcu.org/blog/finding-a-good-apr-for-your-car/) 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 >](https://www.jdcu.org/blog/finding-a-good-apr-for-your-car/) ![bigstock-Magnifying-Glass-And-Toy-Red-C-404806712](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/bigstock-Magnifying-Glass-And-Toy-Red-C-404806712.jpg "bigstock-Magnifying-Glass-And-Toy-Red-C-404806712") ### [6 Easy Steps to Refinance Your Car Loan ](https://www.jdcu.org/blog/how-to-refinance-auto-loans/) The process can seem confusing, but we’re here to make it straightforward. [Learn More >](https://www.jdcu.org/blog/how-to-refinance-auto-loans/) ![rates thread](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/landing-page/rates-thread.png "rates thread") ## GUIDE: APR VS. Interest Rate ![apr-vs-interest-thumbnail-1-1](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/apr-vs-interest-thumbnail-1-1.png "apr-vs-interest-thumbnail-1-1") ## 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. [Download Guide](https://info.jdcu.org/auto-buying-guide#) ## Car Buying Checklists [![new-car-checklist-thumbnail](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/new-car-checklist-thumbnail.png "new-car-checklist-thumbnail")](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/Car%20Buying/JDCU_New_Car_Checklist.pdf) [Download Full Checklist](https://info.jdcu.org/auto-buying-guide#) [![used-car-checklist-thumbnail](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/used-car-checklist-thumbnail.png "used-car-checklist-thumbnail")](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/Car%20Buying/JDCU_Used_Car_Checklist.pdf) [Download Guide](https://info.jdcu.org/auto-buying-guide#) ## You deserve the best resources ### Calculator Your Monthly Payment [![jdcu-auto-calculator](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/jdcu-auto-calculator.png "jdcu-auto-calculator")](https://www.jdcu.org/personal/buy-borrow/vehicle-loans/new-and-used-auto-loans/#carpaymentcalculator) [Estimate Your Payment](https://www.jdcu.org/personal/buy-borrow/vehicle-loans/new-and-used-auto-loans/#carpaymentcalculator) ![glamour-hero-overlay](https://info.jdcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/landing-page/glamour-hero-overlay.png?width=75&height=261&name=glamour-hero-overlay.png "glamour-hero-overlay") ### Other Resources - Estimate the value of your car with [Kelly Blue Book](https://www.kbb.com/). - US News & World Report's [Best New Cars](https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/rankings) - [Used Car Rankings](https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/used) by US News & World     ![glamour hero overlay](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/landing-page/glamour-hero-overlay-1.png "glamour hero overlay") ### Ready for what's next? ## Talk to a loan specialist or apply today! ### Apply online [Apply today](https://www.jdcu.org/personal/buy-borrow/apply-for-a-loan/) ![vertical_thread_left](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/vertical_thread_left.svg "vertical_thread_left") ### Come swing by [Find a location](https://www.jdcu.org/locations-atms/) ![vertical_thread_left](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/vertical_thread_left.svg "vertical_thread_left") ### Call or email [Get in touch today](https://www.jdcu.org/contact/) > Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union is the very best!!! This is the reason I have been with them for over 50 years!!! > > > > Ralph S. ![car salesman showing features](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/landing-page/car-salesman-showing-features-mcti1.jpg "car salesman showing features") ### 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](https://www.jdcu.org/personal/buy-borrow/vehicle-loans/new-and-used-auto-loans/). ![man driving with windown down](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/landing-page/man-driving-with-windown-down-mcti2.jpg "man driving with windown down") ### Auto Refinance If you’re looking to lower your monthly auto loan payments, we’re here to help with [auto refinancing options](https://www.jdcu.org/personal/buy-borrow/vehicle-loans/auto-refinance/). ![couple smiling on motorcycle](https://info.jdcu.org/hubfs/landing-page/couple-smiling-on-motorcycle.jpg "couple smiling on motorcycle") ### Motorcycle, Boat & RV Loans Got your eye on a motorcycle, boat, or RV? Explore our wide [range of recreational vehicle loans](https://www.jdcu.org/personal/buy-borrow/vehicle-loans/motorcycle-boat-and-rv-loans/).