So the new car smell is gone and it seems you are spending more on repair bills than you might on a car payment. Or maybe you are just in the mood for a change of pace, and a new car seems the place to start. Do a little research before you buy to get the best deal on the car of your dreams.

Credit Unions have long been known as the place to go when you are in the market for a new or used car. Today’s credit union pairs its long history of car financing with technological and bargaining tools that help consumers every step of the way.

Of course, programs vary among credit union, but generally your credit union makes the old get out the paper and go through the ads routine a thing of the past.

If you are in the market for a new or used car try your credit union’s car locator service. Simply call your representative and give information about the car of your dreams (Kiplinger’s Buyers Guide to New Cars & Trucks provides extensive information and articles, and can help narrow your choices). Include such preferences as color, make, model, seat types (i.e. leather, cloth, vinyl), and let your credit union do the rest. Backed by the power of reputation and volume, your credit union negotiates the best prices with local dealers and sometimes even surrounding states.

With a pre-approved car loan your credit union may even be able to arrange for delivery of your car to their location where you can close the deal and drive home. This convenient service eliminates the hassle, confusion and stress of approaching a local car dealer directly.

If you would like a more hands on approach, many credit unions also offer an onsite database program, which allows you to conduct your own search. An added bonus, the database even has information about the price paid by the dealer for the car you are considering. This can be important information for negotiating the best price.

Stop in to check out the database or other information sources such as bulletin board listings from other members and notebooks compiled by staff.

For additional options, combine credit union services with the Internet. Check out sites such as Edmunds.com and Carprices.com to learn about retail prices or Autobytel.com and CarsDirect.com for haggle-free pricing and buying.

No matter which options you choose your credit union may be just the place to find the best deal at the best value.