UCU’s Consumer Lending Team Adds Extra Value to Your Loan

By Abbey Ramsay, Consumer Lending Manager, AVP.

November 20, 2023

In Consumer Lending here at UCU, we work with you through some of your biggest purchases, whether that be an auto, boat, camper loan, you name it. From an everyday Chevy to a Porsche 911, or a Mercedes to a motor home, we probably have helped a member buy it. These are all big purchases, no doubt, but what we do in addition to the loan itself, often has an even larger impact. Here are some of the ways we’ve helped our members this year that that have added value, and made an impact outside of what you may expect from a lending department:

• We walk first time auto buyers through the purchasing process step by step and help them gain a thorough understanding to avoid being over charged at the dealer. 
• Negotiating a price, understanding value, and coaching how to get the best deal at the dealer. Encouraging shopping around and other options for dealers who are overpriced and unwilling to budge.
• We look for random fees added to the purchase agreements, such as a “market adjustment fee”, or get this – a $75 fee so the dealer will plant a tree in your name. That sounds nice and all, but you’re just trying to buy a vehicle. We always go the extra mile to make sure at the very least our members are aware of these fees. If our member doesn’t want this fee, we will help guide you in this discussion with the dealer to have them removed.
• We discuss dealer warranty and GAP pricing compared to ours. We often go over details of coverage with our members that are offered by UCU AND the dealer to ensure members are receiving the best value for their money for cost and coverage.

These are just some of the many ways we are here for U!

Got a loan question? Reach out today at 207.866.8608 and ask to speak to our awesome Consumer Lending team!