| It always pays to do a little research. This is equally | | | | was substantially higher. Due to the complete depletion |
| true in all aspects of one's life, from schools, to | | | | of mental and emotional resources, I choose to be |
| personal and professional relationships, to holidays, let | | | | difficult, haughtily explained that I still need a word with |
| alone making big purchases. Over a decade ago, as I | | | | my non-existent financial adviser, walked out, and |
| was struggling to make some important decision | | | | headed for the bank. I needed a Volkswagen loan. |
| (these things don't come easy to me, I struggle, I break | | | | After visiting two banks, it finally dawned on me that |
| my head, I get sick etc.) a friend of mine told me "You | | | | walking just might not be the fastest way to do the |
| don't have enough information. | | | | research, and that I might have better luck online. The |
| Find out more about each of your options, than it will | | | | other option still open was settling for a cheaper car, |
| be much easier to decide what you want and to know | | | | but after hours and hours of research, my very being |
| which option is really best." This advice served me well | | | | rebelled at such a thought. Volkswagen loan!-became |
| over the years. Although I cannot claim that I've carried | | | | my personal battle-cry of the day, Volkswagen loan! |
| it around tenderly in my bosom, but every time I got | | | | Much faster than originally expected, I had my options |
| really and thoroughly stuck, I'd eventually remember it | | | | lined up for me. |
| and act upon it. This bit of conventional wisdom almost | | | | The interest rate the dealership was offering turned |
| backfired when last time used. I needed a car. Or not. | | | | out to be not the most expensive option, yet the term |
| My budget was around ten thousand. Or twenty five. I | | | | of repayment remained a trifle stiff for my liking. 15000 |
| had no idea what car I wanted, which maker, and | | | | car loan, taken out for a seven year term was |
| whether comfort, mileage for gas, speed, color of the | | | | available at the following interests rates; good old |
| car, or safely was my priority. The more information | | | | Abbey wanted 7.9% (read 231.02 per month), Eskimo |
| I've acquired, the more muddled it all seemed. To make | | | | Loans, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland conspired to |
| the long story short, I've eventually settled for | | | | accommodate my needs at a mere 6.9% (read |
| Volkswagen. The vicious cycle began anew. Do I want | | | | 224.20 per month), Northern Rock's offer at 6.2 % |
| financing from the dealer or not? If yes, how much | | | | came across as actually generous. Volkswagen loan! |
| was I willing (which was not the same as how much it | | | | I've ended up accepting a loan quote offered through |
| would be comfortable for me financially) to give as a | | | | an on-line broker, and thankfully, when I walked back |
| down payment? | | | | into Volkswagen dealership a few days later, it was a |
| Should I take a car loan from the bank? If so, which | | | | different, slightly less friendly, but more courteous |
| bank? The salesman at the dealership was awfully | | | | salesman who've handled the paperwork and gave |
| helpful, and made at least a dozen of honest attempts | | | | me the keys. Next time I plan to buy a car? Certainly, |
| to simplify the matter by offering me to sign a contract | | | | not for some time. While I do not intend to get a |
| and to let them take care of the rest. Although I was | | | | mechanic's license in any foreseeable future, thanks to |
| initially told that the typical annual percentage rate for a | | | | shopping around for vehicles and prices, I will have a |
| Volkswagen car loan is 6.3, after factoring in the actual | | | | better idea exactly what should I get, where, and for |
| amounts, including the car price, taxes, and the desired | | | | how much. Volkswagen Loan! |
| term of repayment, needless to say, the quoted APR | | | | |