Jul 21, 2025 / Uncategorized

How Do I Use My Auto Loan at a Car Dealership?

Ready to buy a car and pay for it like a total pro? When you’re rolling with a credit union like Utah First, you’ve got two solid ways to finance at the car dealership: Get pre-approved before you shop for extra negotiating power, or let the dealership work with a credit union on your behalf. Both ways get the job done, but only one puts you in the driver’s seat from the start. 

If you’ve never bought a car this way before, don’t worry! Here’s exactly how to use your Utah First auto loan at the dealership without breaking a sweat.

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved & Show Up Ready

Dealership financing can come with hidden fees, high rates, and surprise markups. So, before you even think about test-driving anything red and flashy, do yourself a favor and get pre-approved for an auto loan from Utah First. 

When you do, you’ll have a clear idea of:

  • How much car you can afford, so you’re not falling in love with something way out of budget
  • Your interest rate — AKA, what it’ll cost you to borrow the cash
  • Your estimated monthly payment, so you can leave room in the budget for a car wash membership, some sweet seat covers, or an upgraded sound system.

With a pre-approval in hand, you can walk into any dealership with leverage to stay in control — major power move.

Step 2: Shop Like a Boss

Now comes the fun part: car shopping! Whether you’re looking for a sleek sedan, a family-friendly SUV, or a rugged truck, your pre-approved loan gives you the flexibility to shop at any dealership. Bring a copy of your pre-approval letter with you to show you’re a serious buyer. It might help you score a better deal!

As you shop, keep in mind:

  • The total vehicle price, which includes the sticker price plus taxes, fees, and any tempting extras they might try to upsell you on
  • Your loan amount and what fits within your budget
  • Other expenses, like what it might cost to insure and register your perfect ride

Once you’ve found “the one,” it’s time to seal the deal!

Step 3: Let the Dealer Know You Have an Auto Loan Lined Up

When you sit down with the dealership’s finance team, they might offer to run their own numbers and pitch you on a dealership loan. Cute, but you came prepared. Your pre-approved rate from us is most likely better and comes with way fewer strings attached. Feel free to hit ‘em with a friendly “Thanks, but I’m already rolling with Utah First!” 

Don’t have your pre-approval letter on you? No stress. Just give us a quick call! We’ll send everything straight to the dealership so you can stay in the driver’s seat — literally and financially.

Step 4: Double-Check the Details

Before you get caught up in the excitement and mentally name your ride, take a beat to review the purchase agreement like the financially savvy human you are. 

Here’s what you should eyeball before you sign:

  • The final sale price. Does it match what you agreed to?
  • Any dealership fees. A few are normal. A bunch you don’t understand? Ask questions.
  • The loan terms. Make sure they match what Utah First approved. If anything looks off, pump the brakes.
  • Sneaky dealer add-ons like extended warranties, service plans, or high-margin fluff you didn’t ask for. 

Once everything looks good, it’s time to sign and celebrate! Your new car is officially yours.

Step 5: Drive Away & Pay Like a Pro

With your car keys in hand, you’re ready to hit the road! But before you blast your victory playlist and ride off into the sunset, let’s make sure you’re set up for smooth financial cruising. 

Here’s your post-deal checklist:

  • Know your payment schedule. When’s it due? How much? Don’t guess. Know it!
  • Set up automatic payments. Remembering due dates is so last season. Log in to Utah First Digital Banking and outsource the remembering by setting up recurring payments through AutoPay.
  • Enjoy the heck out of your new ride! You made a smart financing move that can make every mile feel a little sweeter!

No matter where your new car takes you, enjoy the well-deserved feeling of driving with confidence and a killer loan to match.

Why Ride With Utah First?

Still shopping around for the right loan? Let’s cut to it. Here’s why Utah First the best place to finance your next car:

  • Seriously sweet rates. Get an affordable loan with lower interest than most dealerships.
  • Flexible terms to fit your life. Choose a repayment plan that works for your budget.
  • Quick & painless preapprovals. Skip the wait and hit the lot with confidence!
  • Local love from local people. Bot-free service around the clock to help at every step of the process.

 

Ready to Get Pre-Approved? Let’s Make It Happen!

If car shopping’s on your mind, let’s get your pre-approval in gear. At Utah First, we make the auto loan process fast, friendly, and doable for your budget. Here’s how we can get you rolling:

Get financed today and on to the fun part: hitting the town in style!