Auto Services FAQs

General

Financing

Leasing

Auto Locating Concierge Service

Used Cars

Vehicle Protection Services

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General

How do I apply for an NWFCU loan or lease?
Applying for an NWFCU loan or lease is fast and easy, you can:

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What are the current rates on your new and used auto loans and leases?
For the current NWFCU lease and loan rates:

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How do I get preapproved for an auto loan?
Getting preapproved for an NWFCU auto loan is smart and easy. We offer three convenient options to get preapproved:

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Does NWFCU finance boats, RVs, trailers and motorcycles?
Yes! NWFCU finances a variety of vehicles, including: cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, jet skis, trailers, RVs and medium/heavy weight trucks.

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What is the difference between a lease and a loan and what is the right option for me?
There are several differences between an auto loan and lease. One is not inherently better or worse than the other – to help you decide between the two, we suggest you use our free Calculators, as well as review our lease vs. purchase comparison chart to research the best option for your particular needs.  If you're still undecided, call our Auto Resource Branch to discuss your options with one of our representatives.  They can be reached at 703-709-8900 (1-800-336-3384) ext. 6001, Mon.-Fri. from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm ET.

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If I payoff my loan early, is there a penalty?
No, we do not penalize our members for early payoffs.

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What is a PAL check?
A PAL check is a Preapproved Auto Loan which allows you to shop for your new vehicle with “cash” in hand. With an NWFCU PAL check, you'll know exactly how much money you can spend, so you won't be delayed at the dealership filling out financing paperwork. Click here to learn more.

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Does NWFCU currently have any vehicles for sale?
NWFCU has an Online Vehicle Auction. Click here to see what we currently have available.

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Financing FAQs

Can I arrange my financing before I go car shopping?
Yes, and we encourage all members to do so. To apply today, click here.  To apply by phone, call 703-709-8901 (1-866-709-8901).  Loan officers are available to assist you Mon.-Fri. from 8:30am-3:30pm and Sat. from 8am-1pm ET.  A preapproved loan puts you in a better bargaining position by keeping financing details out of the negotiations.

For maximum convenience, take an NWFCU Preapproved Auto Loan (PAL) check to the dealer. When you've found the auto you'd like to purchase and have negotiated a price, you simply complete and endorse the PAL check to the dealer – it's like paying with cash!  

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What does it mean to be “upside down” on my loan?
If you're “upside down” on your auto loan, it means you owe more on your car than it's worth. A combination of making either a low or no downpayment when you purchased your car, choosing a longer repayment term or normal new car depreciation may cause you to be upside down on your auto loan.

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Where can I find unbiased auto purchasing tips and information?
A wealth of unbiased information about car buying can be found in our online Tools section. In this section, you'll find direct links to several helpful websites, as well as tips on how to negotiate a great price on your next car, a lease vs. loan comparison and so much more.

You can also stop by any branch's Auto Resource Center to access our extensive collection of resource materials or contact our Auto Services Department.

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Leasing FAQs

Do you lease to members who live outside the D.C. Metro area?
At this time, NWFCU is licensed to lease in the following states: D.C., MD, VA, NC, TX, GA, FL, PA, WV, CO and CA.

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How do I determine if leasing is right for me?
Our Auto Resources staff can help you determine which kind of financing – a lease or a loan – is right for you. Contact our Auto Services Department for more information.

We also encourage you to use our free Calculators, as well as review our lease vs. loan comparison chart to research the best option for your particular needs.

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Can I lease a used car through NWFCU?
Yes, you can lease a used car for up to 36 months.

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Auto Locating Concierge Service FAQs

Do I have to pay for the Auto Locating Concierge Service?
This service is free of charge if you finance the vehicle at NWFCU. If you finance the vehicle elsewhere or pay cash, you will be charged a nominal $50 fee.

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Can I use the Free Auto Locating Concierge Service if I live outside of the D.C. Metro area?
This service is available for members within the Washington D.C. metro area only, as delivery is arranged at our Herndon Branch.

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Are rebates and manufacturer's incentives taken into the Auto Locating Concierge Service price quote?
Yes. The quote you'll receive includes all rebates, incentives and price negotiations done on your behalf.        

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Can you locate a used car for me?
No, the Auto Locating Concierge Service is reserved for finding new cars only. If you are interested in purchasing a used vehicle, you can try our online auto auction or our online car buying service.

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How long does it usually take to find the vehicle that I'm looking for?
Please allow one business day for the search.  

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What makes of vehicle can you locate?
We can locate most makes and models. 

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Used Car FAQs

How can I determine a fair price for my trade-in?
Research the value of your car through a variety of online resources including Kelley Blue Book, NADA and Edmunds. You can also visit the Auto Resource Library in any NWFCU branch to view the latest print edition of the NADA books as well as other helpful publications such as MotorTrend, Auto Week, Consumer Reports and more.  

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I want to sell my car, can NWFCU help?
Yes. NWFCU has partnered with Ed Scherl Enterprises, Inc., a local wholesaler who will buy our members' used vehicles for a competitive price. To learn more, click here.

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Vehicle Protection Services FAQs

What is GAP insurance?
If your car is totaled or stolen, your insurance company may only pay the actual cash value of your vehicle, an amount often less than your loan balance. With Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP), offered through our subsidiary, Northwest Financial LLC, you won't have to come up with the out-of-pocket cash to pay the loan principal deficit.

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What is an extended warranty?
An extended warranty is an extended service contract covering the cost of certain repairs and problems.  If you're buying from a dealer, be sure to comparison shop to make sure you're getting the best warranty for your money. Extended warranties are offered on both new and used cars through our subsidiary, Northwest Financial LLC.      

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