Lending Services

Buy a Car

Auto Buying Center

Ascentra Credit Union's Auto Buying Center makes purchasing an automobile easier than ever before. This step-by-step program will walk you through the automobile research and loan process from the comfort of your home.

Step one:  Where Can I Get a Low Rate on My Car Loan?

Our rates for new and used automobiles are some of the lowest in the market. While reviewing our rates, be sure to write down the interest rate applicable to the year of the automobile and the term of the loan. You will need the interest rate in step two to easily calculate your loan payment. You will often save more money by taking a dealer's rebate and financing a new car at Ascentra Credit Union (as opposed to taking a dealer's low finance rate). Check out our Rate vs. Rebate Calculator to get the facts.

Step two:  Loan Calculator

Our loan calculator lets you instantly compute your new loan payment and determine the amount you can spend on your automobile.

Step three:  Visit our Loan Desk

Now that you know the amount you need to finance and your affordable monthly payments, it's time to get your loan pre-approved. We always recommend that our members get their credit union financing arranged first, before shopping for their next automobile. When you click on "Visit our Loan Desk," you will be taken to our easy on-line loan application. To visit our loan desk and apply for your pre-approved loan you must be using a Web browser that supports encryption such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. This is necessary for the protection of your confidential financial and personal information. Our friendly and professional staff will process your application fast and call you to review your loan request. If you are unable to apply online you can call the credit union to get your loan pre-approved at, (563) 355-0152 or (800) 426-5241, Ext. 1; or stop by any of our offices in Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, LeClairem, Moline or Muscatine during regular business hours. After you get your loan pre-approved, you can return here and go on to step four!

Step four: Test Drive

This is where the rubber meets the road! Now that your financing is arranged, you can familiarize yourself with the vehicle of your choice.

Check out Car and Driver Buyers Guide. It is full of data on every vehicle sold in America. Their extensive and informative vehicle testing allows you to find the perfect automobile that meets your needs.

It's here and it's free - the most timely and accurate prices on new cars, trucks, and vans. N.A.D.A. gives you the very latest dealer invoice, manufacturer's suggested retail, options, and equipment for every vehicle on the market today.

Buy a safer vehicle by checking out the N.H.T.S.A. web site. You can access crash test scores, safety features, or theft ratings for vehicles through this site.

If you want to buy a used car, check out the vehicles for sale by Ascentra Credit Union, review a buying guide, or check out Carfax to see if a particular vehicle has been turned in as a lemon, incurred flood damage or fire damage, and more (VIN needed to run report, fee may apply).

Step five: Let's Get You into Your New Car

Now that you have the information you need, go out and make the best deal you can on the automobile of your choice. Your financing is already arranged through the credit union. If you are buying from a dealer, we need a copy of the purchase agreement. Learn how car dealerships work and how to successfully negotiate with them. If you are buying from a private party, we will need a copy of the registration or title. You are now ready to stop by the nearest credit union office to finalize financing and pick up your check.