--- title: Excite Credit Union Blog | Auto description: Auto | Helpful financial tips and community news from your local credit union – grow your knowledge and your savings. --- Quick Links - [Apply for a Loan](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?lenderref=alliancecu072715&list=VLPLCCHECBST&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614070041557.1614072156284.12&__hssc=252540758.1.1614072156284&__hsfp=1927552622&_ga=2.9158332.885728407.1614017764-121813073.1607694182) - [Become a Member](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?enc=Kw21Wblm1yxpjJabdoZaD0RL3d1qFbsgl3hCp93n027H1L7KzQZRI2Db4r0gTGgxv49ElHWJLJGUTrsAFeKZSpF43nMHP5vg6uO7xTE5xO8&_ga=2.1016631.788664191.1587659479-1211589023.1585243269&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614070041557.1614072156284.12&__hssc=252540758.1.1614072156284&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Make a Payment](https://excitecu.org/payment-options) - [Make an Appointment](https://apps.excitecu.org/appointments) Locations/Hours% Rates Contact [![branding-excitecu-header](https://blog.excitecu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20images/branding-excitecu-header.png?width=286&height=119&name=branding-excitecu-header.png "branding-excitecu-header")](https://excitecu.org/)   ### [Personal](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal) - 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Invest - [Investments](https://excitecu.cusonet.com/) - Insure - [Auto Protection](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans/Auto-Insurance) - [Insurance Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan/Insure/Insurance-Services) - [Learn](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn) - Education - [Financial Education](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Financial-Education) - [SavvyMoney®](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Credit-Score) - [Calculators](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Calculators) - About Us - [Why We're Here](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Why-Were-Here) - [Membership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Membership) - [Locations](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Locations) - [Leadership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Leadership) - [Media](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Media) - [Careers](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Careers) - [Fee Schedule](https://www.excitecu.org/ExciteCU/media/Documents/Fee-Schedule-rev-8-24-2020.pdf) - [Privacy](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Privacy) - [Give](https://www.excitecu.org/Give) - Community - [Community Events](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/Events) - [Excite Cares](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/ExciteCares) - [Apply for a Loan](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?lenderref=alliancecu072715&list=VLPLCCHECBST&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614104306112.1614149210007.14&__hssc=252540758.1.1614149210007&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Become a Member](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?enc=Kw21Wblm1yxpjJabdoZaD0RL3d1qFbsgl3hCp93n027H1L7KzQZRI2Db4r0gTGgxv49ElHWJLJGUTrsAFeKZSpF43nMHP5vg6uO7xTE5xO8&_ga=2.1016631.788664191.1587659479-1211589023.1585243269&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614104306112.1614149210007.14&__hssc=252540758.1.1614149210007&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Make a Payment](https://www.excitecu.org/Payment-Options) - [Make an Appointment](https://apps.excitecu.org/appointments) ## [Leasing vs. Buying a Car: Which Is Better for You?](https://blog.excitecu.org/leasing-vs.-buying-a-car-which-is-better-for-you?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) April 28, 2026 [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_May2026_Blog_Square%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/leasing-vs.-buying-a-car-which-is-better-for-you?hsLang=en) Trying to decide whether to lease or buy your next car? The right choice depends on how you drive, what you can afford, and what matters most to you long term. Leasing means paying to use a car for a set period—typically two to three years—with... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/leasing-vs.-buying-a-car-which-is-better-for-you?hsLang=en) --- ## [Drive Home Savings: Nine Reasons Excite Credit Union Auto Loans Are the Smart Choice](https://blog.excitecu.org/drive-home-savings-nine-reasons-excite-credit-union-auto-loans-are-the-smart-choice?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) January 13, 2026 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_January2026_Blog_Square_Final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/drive-home-savings-nine-reasons-excite-credit-union-auto-loans-are-the-smart-choice?hsLang=en) Figuring out vehicle financing on your own can be stressful—from auto loan terms and rates to pre-approvals, refinancing, and more. Fortunately, the team at Excite Credit Union is here to guide you through the entire process, helping you secure a... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/drive-home-savings-nine-reasons-excite-credit-union-auto-loans-are-the-smart-choice?hsLang=en) --- ## [Buying a Car from a Private Seller? Here’s How to Make It Happen!](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-from-a-private-seller?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) September 22, 2025 [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en), [Credit Unions are Different than Banks](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/Aug%202025%20blog%20square.jpeg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-from-a-private-seller?hsLang=en) Thinking about buying a car from a friend, neighbor, or someone you found on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist? Smart move! Buying from a private seller can often get you a better deal than going through a dealership. And the best part? You don’t... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-from-a-private-seller?hsLang=en) --- ## [Steer Clear of Auto Loan Scams](https://blog.excitecu.org/steer-clear-of-auto-loan-scams?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) November 18, 2024 [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_October_Blog_Square_Final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/steer-clear-of-auto-loan-scams?hsLang=en) Car shopping can be fun—comparing models, taking test drives, imagining future adventures. However, the whole experience can be ruined if you crash into an auto loan scam. Whether you’re buying a new or used vehicle, you need to watch out!The first... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/steer-clear-of-auto-loan-scams?hsLang=en) --- ## [Understanding How Much Car You Can Afford and the Impact of a Good Credit Score](https://blog.excitecu.org/understanding-how-much-car-you-can-afford?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) January 23, 2024 [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/JAN%20-%20square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/understanding-how-much-car-you-can-afford?hsLang=en) Let’s dive into two crucial aspects of car buying: understanding how much car you can afford and recognizing the impact of a good credit score. Welcome to the comprehensive guide on navigating the exciting journey of purchasing your dream car while... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/understanding-how-much-car-you-can-afford?hsLang=en) --- ## [How to Save Money on Car Insurance](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-save-money-on-car-insurance?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) December 11, 2023 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/car%20insurance%20square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-save-money-on-car-insurance?hsLang=en) Learning how to save money on car insurance is a must, and at Excite Credit Union, we're dedicated to assisting you in reducing expenses while maintaining the coverage you need. Discover how to trim your car insurance costs with us in a way that's... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-save-money-on-car-insurance?hsLang=en) --- ## [Tips for Choosing an Auto Loan Lender in San Jose, CA](https://blog.excitecu.org/choosing-an-auto-loan-lender-san-jose?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) May 03, 2022 [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_323489272.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/choosing-an-auto-loan-lender-san-jose?hsLang=en) Living in the beautiful and vibrant city of San Jose, CA comes with its perks. From the mysterious Winchester Mystery house to strolling down Santana Row. There’s no shortage of things to do and places to go—which means you’ll need to get around... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/choosing-an-auto-loan-lender-san-jose?hsLang=en) --- ## [Tips For Choosing an Auto Loan Lender in Wilmington, NC](https://blog.excitecu.org/choosing-an-auto-loan-lender-wilmington?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) May 03, 2022 [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_164973122.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/choosing-an-auto-loan-lender-wilmington?hsLang=en) If you are in the market for a new or used car, you may be looking for an auto loan lender in Wilmington, NC, to finance your new vehicle. There are several options to choose from, including banks, credit unions, and dealer financing. But, which... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/choosing-an-auto-loan-lender-wilmington?hsLang=en) --- ## [Buying a Car: What Terms Should You Get?](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-what-terms-should-you-get-excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) February 28, 2022 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_205799449.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-what-terms-should-you-get-excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) An auto loan is an affordable and convenient way to buy a car – but how can you decide what loan term to get? Both short and long auto loan terms have their pros and cons. Choosing the right term is important because it will impact your monthly... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-what-terms-should-you-get-excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) --- ## [How to Refinance an Auto Loan](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-refinance-an-auto-loan-with-calculator?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) February 25, 2022 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_196072019.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-refinance-an-auto-loan-with-calculator?hsLang=en) Refinancing your auto loan is a simple way to get a lower APR or change your term so you have the right monthly payment for your changing financial situation. To do an auto loan refinance, you follow similar steps as when you took out your... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-refinance-an-auto-loan-with-calculator?hsLang=en) --- - - [1](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/auto/page/1?hsLang=en) - ### Posts by Topic - [Talking About Money (51)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/talking-about-money?hsLang=en) - [Savings (28)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/savings?hsLang=en) - [Budgeting (23)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/budgeting?hsLang=en) - [Building Credit (12)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/building-credit?hsLang=en) - [Auto (10)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/auto) - [Credit Unions are Different than Banks (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks?hsLang=en) - [Retirement (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/retirement?hsLang=en) - [Security (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/security?hsLang=en) - [Business Services (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/business-services?hsLang=en) - [Emergency (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/emergency?hsLang=en) - [Parenting (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/parenting?hsLang=en) - [Small Business (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/small-business?hsLang=en) - [Credit Cards (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-cards?hsLang=en) - [Real Estate (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/real-estate?hsLang=en) - [Taxes (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/taxes?hsLang=en) - [Community Engagement (2)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/community-engagement?hsLang=en) - [Home Improvement (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/home-improvement?hsLang=en) - [Insurance (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/insurance?hsLang=en) - [Student Loans (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/student-loans?hsLang=en) see all ### About Excite - [About Us](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/locations) - [Careers](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/careers) - [Community](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/community/excitecares) - [Legal](https://www.excitecu.org/Legal) - [**Phone: 800.232.8669**](tel:8002328669) - **Routing: 321176804** - **NMLS #477592** ### Resources - [Forms](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Forms) - [Order Checks](https://www.deluxe.com/products-services/financial-checks-retail-linking.jsp) - [Opt Out](https://newapps.excitecu.org/MemberOptOuts/OptOutHome) - [Sitemap](https://www.excitecu.org/Sitemap) - [Privacy](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/privacy) - [Make a Payment](https://www.excitecu.org/Payment-Options) - [Homeowner Hardship Assistance](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Home-Loans/Home-Loan-Hardship-Assistance) ### Follow Us | [![Download on the App Store](https://www.excitecu.org/Content/Images/mobile-app-apple.png)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/excite-mobile-banking/id441879558) | [![Get it on Google Play](https://www.excitecu.org/Content/Images/mobile-app-google.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifs.banking.fiid5230) | | --- | --- | Equal Housing Opportunity Federally Insured by NCUA © 2021 **Excite Credit Union**. 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