Tips for First-Time Car Buyers

Trading in your car can be a smart way to reduce the cost of your new vehicle purchase. By applying the trade-in value to your next car, you can lower the loan amount, reduce monthly payments, and potentially get better loan terms. Here’s how to maximize your trade-in value and lower your loan amount. 1. Determine Your Car’s Trade-In Value Use online valuation tools like Kelley Blue Book to estimate your car’s worth. It’s important to get an in-person appraisal to get determine your vehicles value. 2. Prepare Your Vehicle for Trade-In Clean Inside and Out: A well-presented car can make a better impression and potentially increase its trade-in value. Fix Minor Repairs: Address minor issues like scratches, dents, or burnt-out lights to improve the appraisal value. Provide Maintenance Records: Showing a history of regular maintenance can reassure dealers that your car is in good condition. 3. Apply the Trade-In Value to Your New Car Loan Use the trade-in value as a down payment to reduce the loan amount. A lower loan amount can result in lower monthly payments and less interest paid over time. Ask about tax savings. Some states only tax the difference between the new car price and trade-in value. Final Thoughts Trading in your car can be a convenient way to lower your loan amount and simplify the car-buying process. By being prepared, you can get the best trade-in value and reduce your overall financing costs. Get KBB Trade Value The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.

Did you know FICO scores are utilized in over 90% of lending decisions? Here’s a quick breakdown of how the credit bureau determines the FICO score: 35% – Payment History: This is the biggest factor that affects your FICO credit score. Being a few days late on a couple payments won’t be damaging, but it does affect your current status rating. Credit agencies generally use a rating scale of 1-9 to rate your status – 1 being “Pays as Agreed”. This means you’ve been paying the agreed amount by the agreed date with you and your lender. One to thirty days late on a payment brings your status rating down to a 2. If you’re looking to build your credit, the best place to start would be to obtain a free credit report. It can tell you many things about your credit, and it is very easy to see what areas need improvement. You can usually get one free one a year, pay for a monthly service, or a one time fee. Speck Buick GMC pulls from Equifax, Transunion, and Experian, these scores can differ from each other so it’s important to see all of these – especially when buying a car. Beginning the car-buying process? Fill out our credit application online to get started! 30% – Amounts Owed: The amounts of debts you have left to pay are what the credit bureau looks at to determine whether you may have too much on your plate. When looking at your credit report, keep in mind that the report generally reflects the payment balance from your last statement. Typically it defines what the lender has reported to the credit bureau. The bureau will look at how many different accounts with a debt balance you carry, credit usage percentage on your credit cards, as well as how much of any installment loans (such as car loans) you’ve paid so far. To help your score, make sure you work towards getting your debts paid off and on time before you decide on another large purchase. 15% – Length of Credit History: Credit age is not everything that determines your FICO score, but sometimes it can be the difference whether you receive that loan or not. Lenders want to see credentials of payment with a history of credit. No credit history? It can be surprisingly easy with patience and commitment to payment. Apply for a basic credit card with your bank. It’s a good idea to ask what kind of credit card is best for someone just beginning a line of credit, and usually it also comes with a small starting limit, usually around $500. Only use your credit card for smaller items or services – or just choose one thing you can pay for monthly such as a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu. Regardless of what you decide, make sure it is something that you can easily pay back. As soon as you get your first statement, transfer that full owed amount right to your credit account by the date on the statement. If you’re a first-time car buyer with no credit history, doing this 6-8 months before you decide to buy is a great way to get a head start on the car-buying process. Finally paid off that card? Consider keeping the account, especially if it’s your oldest account, as it may be an important part of keeping your credit history a positive influence on your credit history. 10% – New Credit: Like mentioned previously, patience is a key factor to building credit. It’s very important to take it one credit line at a time, and don’t open up too many credit accounts in a short period. This can negatively influence your FICO score as it also affects your history. Inquiries from the last 12 months, such as hard pulls, are considered in your FICO score. Auto and mortgage usually pull multiple inquiries, but it is a myth that this heavily affects your credit score. It may drop a bit, but many times these are treated as single inquiries. 10% – Credit Mix: Auto installment loans, mortgages, retail accounts, credit cards, and more – how many different types of credit accounts do you manage? The credit bureau will consider your experience with various credit accounts. It’s important to know having too many accounts open can present a negative outlook on your FICO scores. Compared to those with a history of successfully managing a credit card, people who don’t have a credit line can be viewed as “higher risk”. Make sure all different accounts are managed responsibly in order to keep your credit in check. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.

If you are searching for a car dealership near Walla Walla, WA, Speck Buick GMC is worth the drive. We are the premier B uick dealer near Walla Walla and GMC dealer near Walla Walla serving southeast Washington. Walla Walla drivers consistently make the trip to Speck Buick GMC for our competitive pricing, wide selection, and outstanding customer service. Here is why so many Walla Walla drivers choose Speck Buick GMC for their next vehicle. Speck Buick GMC Serves Walla Walla Drivers At Speck Buick GMC, we proudly serve drivers from Walla Walla and the surrounding region every single day. We understand that making the drive from Walla Walla to Pasco is a commitment. That is exactly why we work hard to make every visit worth it. Our team offers competitive pricing, no-pressure sales, and a wide selection of new and used vehicles. Whether you are looking for a new GMC Sierra, a Buick Enclave, or a quality pre-owned vehicle, we have options for every driver and every budget. As the only Buick dealer near Walla Walla in the region, Speck Buick GMC is the natural choice for Buick buyers in southeast Washington. The next closest Buick dealership is located in Portland, Oregon or Idaho. That makes Speck Buick GMC the most convenient and accessible car dealership near Walla Walla for Buick and GMC buyers in the area. New GMC and Buick Vehicles for Walla Walla Drivers As your local GMC dealer near Walla Walla, we carry the full lineup of new GMC and Buick vehicles. Here is a quick look at what is available: New GMC Models Available: GMC Canyon: Mid-size truck with up to 7,700 lbs towing capacity GMC Sierra 1500: Full-size half-ton with up to 13,200 lbs towing capacity GMC Sierra 2500 HD: Heavy-duty truck with up to 22,100 lbs towing capacity GMC Sierra 3500 HD: Maximum capability with up to 36,000 lbs gooseneck towing GMC Terrain: Compact SUV with up to 30 MPG combined fuel economy GMC Acadia: Three-row SUV with seating for up to seven passengers GMC Yukon: Full-size SUV with three-row seating and up to 8,500 lbs towing New Buick Models Available: Buick Envista: Subcompact SUV starting from $24,000 MSRP Buick Encore GX: Subcompact SUV with available AWD starting from $28,000 MSRP Buick Envision: Compact SUV with standard AWD starting from $35,000 MSRP Buick Enclave: Three-row midsize SUV starting from $50,000 MSRP Used Cars Near Walla Walla at Speck Buick GMC Looking for a quality used car dealership near Walla Walla? Speck Buick GMC regularly carries a wide selection of pre-owned vehicles across all makes and models. Every used vehicle on our lot comes with a free CARFAX Vehicle History Report. That means full transparency on every pre-owned vehicle before you buy. Our used inventory spans a wide range of price points from budget-friendly options to low-mileage near-new vehicles. Our finance team works with a wide range of lenders to find a payment that fits every budget. Why Make the Drive from Walla Walla to Speck Buick GMC? Walla Walla drivers choose Speck Buick GMC for a number of important reasons. Here is what sets us apart from other dealerships in the region: We are the only authorized Buick dealer near Walla Walla in southeast Washington We offer competitive pricing with no markups on new GMC and Buick vehicles Our finance team works with multiple lenders to find the best payment for every buyer Every used vehicle comes with a free CARFAX Vehicle History Report Our service department is staffed with certified GMC and Buick technicians We are a locally owned business committed to serving our community for the long term Directions from Walla Walla to Speck Buick GMC in Pasco Getting to Speck Buick GMC from Walla Walla is easier than you might think. Here are step-by-step directions from Walla Walla to our dealership at 9610 Sandifur Pkwy in Pasco, WA: Step 1 Start by heading north on US-12 West from downtown Walla Walla toward the Tri-Cities area. Step 2 Follow US-12 West for approximately 45 miles toward the Tri-Cities area. You will pass through Waitsburg and Dayton along the way. Step 3 Continue on US-12 West as you enter the Pasco and Kennewick area. Stay on US-12 West toward Pasco. Step 4 Take the Broadmoor Street exit toward Pasco. Follow Broadmoor Street north toward Sandifur Parkway. Step 5 Turn left onto Sandifur Parkway and continue west. Speck Buick GMC will be on your right at 9610 Sandifur Pkwy, Pasco, WA. The drive from Walla Walla to Speck Buick GMC is approximately 50 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions. Our team is ready to welcome you when you arrive. What to Expect When You Arrive at Speck Buick GMC When you arrive at Speck Buick GMC, our team will greet you with a friendly and no-pressure experience. Our sales team is here to help you find the right vehicle at the right price. We will walk you through every available model, trim level, and current manufacturer offer. Our finance team is ready to find the best possible payment for your budget. There are no surprises and no hidden fees at Speck Buick GMC. Contact Speck Buick GMC Today Ready to make the drive from Walla Walla to Speck Buick GMC? Here is how to get in touch with our team before you visit: Online: Browse our full inventory of new GMC, Buick, and used vehicles at our website By Phone: Call our sales team directly to check availability and current offers Walk-In: Stop by 9610 Sandifur Pkwy, Pasco, WA during business hours Walla Walla drivers deserve the best car buying experience available. Speck Buick GMC is ready to deliver that experience every single time. Come see why so many Walla Walla drivers call Speck Buick GMC their favorite car dealership near Walla Walla, WA today. Shop New Vehicles The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.