Frequently Asked Questions

Can CU Auto Advocate really get me a better deal upfront than I could get on my own?

Absolutely!  First, what is your time worth?  For many people there is a huge savings with that aspect alone.  Second, CU Auto Advocate typically works with channels in a dealership that are not normally available to a consumer who works with the sales people on the show floor or within the internet department.  Our contacts will offer a simplified buying process through us and they sell vehicles based on the dealer’s cost with a lower profit per vehicle.  We also work with the owners of several independent dealers that provide quality used vehicles at a great price.  CU Auto Advocate will save you the time and headaches involved in negotiation.  After all, what is your time worth?

Can CU Auto Advocate help me with my trade-in vehicle?

Of course!  We’ll assess the condition of your trade-in and research the market to determine the actual cash value of your trade-in.  Then CU Auto Advocate will contact several dealers and wholesalers to get the top trade-in value possible for you.  We’ll coordinate getting your trade-in to the dealer or wholesaler and subtract it from your new vehicle purchase to maximize your sales tax savings.  No games will be played with the value of the trade in or the price of the new vehicle.

Can CU Auto Advocate help me find a used vehicle?

Yes!!  Click on Buy a Used Vehicle at the bottom of each page on this web site.  Whenever possible, we partner with an independent dealership to provide the finest used vehicles available in MN.  There is a good chance you will find a match to what you want - but if not, please use our Request Vehicle Info and we can try to locate it through our other sources.

Is CU Auto Advocate able to assist me with finance options?

Since we partner with several credit unions we have access to some of the best people and lowest rates available to you - and best of all, you don't have to work with the finance department in a dealership in order to finance your new car.  We also have years of experience setting up attractive lease options for people and we provide full disclosure on the calculation of the lease.

Can I still take advantage of the rebates and incentives I see advertised?

Yes you can!  We’ll review and explain all of the available incentives on the vehicle you choose.  In addition, CU Auto Advocate is aware of incentives given to the dealer by the manufacturer so we’ll make sure you benefit from those as well.

How does CU Auto Advocate get paid?

The final purchase price of almost every vehicle includes dollars set aside by the dealership to cover their business expenses such as facility costs, utilities, administrative and operations staff, etc.  The dealership pays CU Auto Advocate a fee out of these funds for the service we provide to you and for bringing business to them while providing you with a fair and low price upfront.  We are happy to explain this further when we are completing the transaction for you.

Does CU Auto Advocate assist with special manufacturer purchase programs such as Ford Family plans, General Motors GMS Employee Plans and Chrysler Employee Pricing?

Certainly!  Since you are buying your new vehicle from a licensed, franchised auto dealer, all programs like this are available through us.