--- title: 4 Tips for Buying a Car from the Dealer description: Our very own Mike Noyes has some tips for buying from a dealership. Here are some of his best tips to find the best deal to get you on the road. image: https://rmcu.net/hubfs/RMCU-Tips-for-Buying-a-Car-from-the-Dealer-blog-Header.jpg --- [![RMCULogoColor.jpg](https://rmcu.net/hubfs/RMCU-logo.svg "RMCULogoColor.jpg")](https://rmcu.net) [Online Banking Login](https://banking.rmcu.net/auth/signin) [Online Banking Login](https://banking.rmcu.net/auth/signin) [![RMCULogoColor.jpg](https://rmcu.net/hubfs/RMCU-logo.svg "RMCULogoColor.jpg")](https://rmcu.net) - - [Home Loans](https://rmcu.net/home-loans) - [Personal](https://rmcu.net/personal) - [Business](https://rmcu.net/business) - [Membership](https://rmcu.net/membership) - [Careers](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/careers) - [Contact Us](https://rmcu.net/contact-us) - Search - [Financial Education ▾](https://rmcu.net/blog/4-tips-for-buying-a-car-from-the-dealer#financial-education-nav) - [About RMCU ▾](https://rmcu.net/blog/4-tips-for-buying-a-car-from-the-dealer#about-rmcu-nav) - [Security](https://rmcu.net/membership/security) - [TruStage: Security Alert](https://rmcu.net/trustage-security-alert) - [Money Mastermind](https://rmcu.net/money-mastermind-lessons) - [Financial Counseling](https://rmcu.net/financial-counseling) - [Savvy Money](https://rmcu.net/membership/financial-education/savvy-money) - [Blog](https://rmcu.net/blog) - [Resources](https://rmcu.net/resources) - [RMCU Team](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/rmcu-team) - [Member Information](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/member-information) - [Annual Meeting](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/annual-meeting) - [Community](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/community) - [Our History](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/history) [back to blog](https://rmcu.net/blog) [Loans](https://rmcu.net/blog/topic/loans) # 4 Tips for Buying a Car from the Dealer Read Time **2 mins** | Written by: Rocky Mountain Credit Union [mailto:?subject=4%20Tips%20for%20Buying%20a%20Car%20from%20the%20Dealer&body=https%3A%2F%2Frmcu.net%2Fblog%2F4-tips-for-buying-a-car-from-the-dealer](mailto:?subject=4%20Tips%20for%20Buying%20a%20Car%20from%20the%20Dealer&body=https%3A%2F%2Frmcu.net%2Fblog%2F4-tips-for-buying-a-car-from-the-dealer) ## Use your local resources Mike is your man! Utilize Mike and other personal loan officers at RMCU as resources throughout the car-buying process. Mike can book out the vehicle for you—this is a detailed invoice process that compares the car's details—like current condition, odometer reading, and location—to make sure the price you’re paying matches the vehicle's value. When you know the actual value, you can better decide what you are willing to pay. This way, you know if the dealership is giving you a fair price on the vehicle.    ## Apply to prequalify Have you had the experience of spending hours at the dealership while they process financing, upsell you with products and warranties, and take those special "trips to see the manager" so they can get you the best deal? You can cut out a lot of that back-and-forth with prequalified financing. Mike recommends getting prequalified before stepping foot in the dealership.    If you work with Mike at the credit union, he will pull your credit score and let you know what rate you qualify for, so when the dealer does the same thing, you already know what to expect. This way, you can get the best rate on your loan and hit the easy button on buying the car at the dealer.    ![Car loan application](https://rmcu.net/hs-fs/hubfs/RMCU-Tips-for-Buying-a-Car-from-the-Dealer-blog-2.jpg?width=2894&height=1929&name=RMCU-Tips-for-Buying-a-Car-from-the-Dealer-blog-2.jpg) ## Get the Details on the Vehicle Get a [Carfax](https://www.carfax.com/) report and call Mike to talk about it. Where did it come from? How many owners? Any accidents? When was it purchased? Did it come from an auction? All these factors will help you decide whether or not the vehicle is right for you. The [Carfax](https://www.carfax.com/) report will also tell you how long the dealer has had the car. This gives you more bargaining power. They will be much more eager to bargain when it’s been sitting on the lot for months or longer.    ## Mind the GAP Dealerships offer many products to protect your purchase, but so does your financial institution—usually for less money. For example, GAP insurance is about half the price with your financial institution instead of getting it through the dealer. Financial institutions also offer auto warranties, and they usually cost less too.    Buying a car can seem overwhelming. There is so much information to know, and it seems impossible to learn everything. The best thing to do is to come into your neighborhood RMCU branch or call in and talk to a loan officer. They will answer all your questions and help you get on the right track to purchasing your new vehicle. [Reach out to RMCU](https://www.rmcu.net/about/rmcu-team) before buying your next car from the dealership, and get your keys with way less hassle.    ![Woman with keys to a new car](https://rmcu.net/hs-fs/hubfs/RMCU-Tips-for-Buying-a-Car-from-the-Dealer-blog-3.jpg?width=2894&height=1929&name=RMCU-Tips-for-Buying-a-Car-from-the-Dealer-blog-3.jpg)   ##### Rocky Mountain Credit Union Share the Love [mailto:?subject=4%20Tips%20for%20Buying%20a%20Car%20from%20the%20Dealer&body=https%3A%2F%2Frmcu.net%2Fblog%2F4-tips-for-buying-a-car-from-the-dealer](mailto:?subject=4%20Tips%20for%20Buying%20a%20Car%20from%20the%20Dealer&body=https%3A%2F%2Frmcu.net%2Fblog%2F4-tips-for-buying-a-car-from-the-dealer) You May Like These ## Related Articles ![](https://rmcu.net/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1156321607_c.jpg?width=700&name=iStock-1156321607_c.jpg) Financial Literacy ### [Four Tips for Buying a Car from the Dealer](https://rmcu.net/blog/three-tips-for-buying-a-car-from-the-dealer) Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Not sure if you should go to a private seller or a dealersh... Keep Reading ![](https://rmcu.net/hs-fs/hubfs/RMCU_WhatCC4U_Blog_Images_1.jpg?width=700&name=RMCU_WhatCC4U_Blog_Images_1.jpg) Build Credit ### [How to Pick the Best Credit Card For You](https://rmcu.net/blog/how-to-pick-the-best-credit-card-for-you) Picking a credit card can be overwhelming with so many options to consider. Here are some tips to he... Keep Reading ![](https://rmcu.net/hs-fs/hubfs/1(7).jpg?width=700&name=1(7).jpg) Budgeting and Saving ### [6 Tips for Building Your Emergency Fund](https://rmcu.net/blog/6-tips-for-building-your-emergency-fund) Building an emergency fund can seem easier said than done. Here are some tips to start saving for th... 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