UMe’s Guide for How to Buy a Car
We’re here to make your dream car a reality.
Your Roadmap to First Wheels and Dream Upgrades
Ready to snag your first set of wheels or upgrade your ride? UMe’s got your back. Our no-nonsense guide cuts through the fluff to give you the real deal on buying your perfect car. With expert tips and insider tricks, you’ll be cruising in no time. Let’s hit the road and make your car-buying journey epic!
Step 1: Budgeting & Planning
Jonesing to cruise through Magnolia Park with your perfect ride? Whether it’s your first car or an upgrade, UMe’s got you covered with smart planning and budgeting tips to make it happen.
Getting your new ride is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’re here to make sure your car-buying journey is smooth and stress-free. We’ll help you navigate budgeting, uncover hidden costs, and avoid any surprises along the way.
Step 1: Planning & Budgeting helps get you on the road to financial freedom. We’ll help you figure out exactly what car you can afford and still have cash left for epic road trips (and maybe even some avocado toast from Republik Coffee).
Sound good? Click below to unlock these secrets and get ready to cruise into freedom without draining your bank account. Trust us, your future self will thank U.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ride? Let’s Get Planning!
Step 2: Explore & Compare Vehicle Options
Now that you’ve got your budget, it’s time for the fun part — finding the perfect ride to cruise through your neighborhood or beyond. Whether you’re into sleek sedans, eco-friendly hybrids, or SUVs with plenty of room for weekend getaways, UMe is here to help you get ready to conquer all those California roads.
Step 2 is all about exploring your options and comparing cars like a pro. We’re not just talking about kicking tires and swooning over shiny paint jobs (though that’s cool too). Nah, we’re gonna show you how to dig deep, dodge those sneaky hidden costs, and find a car that’ll make your friends just a little jealous.
We’ll guide U through the process of choosing the right vehicle, from understanding the difference between a hatchback and an SUV (they’re pretty similar) to finding the best features that suit your lifestyle. Picture yourself behind the wheel of a car that meets your needs and makes every drive feel like an adventure.
Think sleek lines, tech-savvy dashboards, and enough space for all your weekend adventure gear (because #FOMO is a real thing). Plus, we’ll expose the reliability secrets car companies don’t want you to know (spoiler alert: some cars spend more time in the shop than on the road).
Let’s find the car that fits you perfectly, whether you’re taking it for a local spin or planning a road trip up the coast. No more settling for basic—it’s time to explore your options and find a ride that truly reflects you.
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for Your Car Loan!
Step 3 is where you make it happen: getting pre-approved for your car loan.
Pre-approval is like having your ticket to stress-free car shopping in hand. It sets your budget, locks in competitive rates, and gives you the confidence to say, “Yep, that’s my car,” without second-guessing.
With UMe, the process is simple, quick, and built with Burbank drivers in mind. We’ll guide U through the steps, so you can skip the stress and focus on finding the car that’ll make every trip down Olive Ave feel like a victory lap.
Ready to take control? Start your pre-approval today and let’s get you on the road to your dream ride.
Step 4: Buy Your Car!
Ready to seal the deal and drive off in your dream ride? Step 4 is where all your planning pays off: buying your car! Whether you’re cruising through the Media District or heading to theFarmer’s Market, this is your moment to shine.
Before you hit the road, there are a few key moves to make sure you score the best deal. From nailing down the total price (not just those tempting monthly payments) to leveraging your UMe pre-approval, we’ve got tips to help you navigate the process with confidence. And don’t forget to double-check the fine print—your wallet will thank you later.
Buying from a dealership? Use your research and pre-approval as power moves to negotiate like a pro. Going with a private seller? Take it for a spin and ask for maintenance records to keep things smooth.
At UMe, we’ve got your back with competitive rates, flexible terms, and even extras like affordable GAP insurance to protect your investment. You’ll feel confident knowing you got a deal as sweet as your new ride.
Let’s make it official. Start the engine on your car-buying journey today!
Step 5: Maintenance & Refinancing
You’re officially a car owner—congrats! Step 5 is all about keeping your ride running smoothly and your finances on track. Routine maintenance like oil changes, tire care, and brake checks will keep you cruising through Burbank without a hitch. Pro tip: A little upkeep now saves you big later.
Thinking about refinancing? If rates have dropped or your credit’s improved, refinancing could lower your payments or help you pay off your car faster. With UMe, it’s quick, easy, and tailored to your needs.
And don’t forget to review your insurance regularly—because protecting your ride is just as important as enjoying it. Let’s keep you and your car in top shape for all those adventures ahead!
— Valen R., Burbank, CAReally helped me out with an auto loan. It was a car I really wanted and they made it happen for me. Made my decade honestly. Very friendly and helpful staff.
Apply for a UMe Auto Loan in Three Easy Steps
Apply Online
Toss a few of your details into our quick and easy online application and we’ll quickly crunch the numbers.
Sign Your Loan
We’ll offer you a loan amount, rate, and range of terms so you can decide if it’s the deal of the century (it will be).
Get Your $$
Just like that, you’ll get a check to take to the dealership, where you can focus on buying your new wheels instead of stressing over financing.
Why choose UMe for your auto loan?
At UMe, our customers are members, which means you own part of UMe. We’re a not-for-profit so we can give you higher savings rates, better auto loan rates, and lower fees. Plus, friendly local service from our qualified professionals. But that’s not all.
As well as offering our members the best financial tools and tips they need to succeed, we do our best to support our community in every way we can. We strive to help everyone in Burbank thrive and flourish — not just survive and scrape by.
A few more reasons to choose UMe, in case you’re sitting on the fence:
- We know you’re more than just a number. This means you can count on us to support your financial needs.
- We love dogs. You can bring Bowser when you visit our branch and we’ll even have a snack ready.
- We heart tech. That’s why our online and mobile banking lets you access your UMe accounts anytime.
Here’s a quick quiz to see if you can join us:
- Do you live in, work, worship, or belong to an organization in Burbank? You’re in.
- Do you go to school in Burbank? You’re welcome to join.
- Do you think UMe sounds awesome but you didn’t answer yes to 1 or 2? You can still become a member! Simply make a $10 donation to the Burbank Arts & Education Foundation and you’re good to go. We’ll even help you do it!