By Regan Carlo, VP of Operations
Back-to-school season isn’t just about backpacks and school supplies—it’s also a time when reliable transportation becomes more important than ever. Whether you’re buying your first vehicle, replacing an aging car, or upgrading before fall, Metco Credit Union can help you find an auto loan that fits your budget and your goals.
For students and young adults financing a vehicle for the first time, building credit can feel like a catch-22: you need credit to get a loan, but you need a loan to build credit. Metco’s First Car Loan program is designed to help break that cycle.
Here’s how it works: a parent or trusted adult co-signs the loan, and the borrower receives a rate based on the co-signer’s credit score. That means a student with little to no credit history can still access a competitive rate. At the same time, the loan is structured to report to credit bureaus in the student’s name, actively working to build their credit profile from day one.
It’s a practical arrangement that benefits both parties: the co-signer provides a financial foundation, and the student begins establishing the credit history they’ll rely on for years to come — for future car loans, apartment leases, and beyond.
For first-time buyers and budget-conscious shoppers alike, a used vehicle is often the most sensible starting point. Lower purchase prices mean lower loan amounts, which translates to more manageable monthly payments while still building equity and credit.
Late summer also happens to be a particularly active time in the used car market. As dealerships receive new model year inventory, customers trading in their current vehicles add to the pool of available used cars. More supply generally means more options across different makes, models, and price points — and potentially more room to negotiate.
Metco finances used vehicles as well as new ones, with the same competitive rates and flexible terms available regardless of which direction a buyer goes.
For those in the market for a brand-new vehicle, the late summer window offers a couple of distinct paths. Some buyers will want to be among the first to drive a 2027 model off the lot. Others may prefer to let the arrival of new inventory work in their favor — dealerships looking to move remaining 2026 models sometimes offer incentives or reduced prices to clear space.
Getting pre-approved through Metco before visiting a dealership puts buyers in a stronger position either way. Knowing your approved loan amount and terms in advance means you can focus on finding the right vehicle rather than sorting out financing at the dealership.
Whether it’s a first car, a used vehicle, or a new model year purchase, Metco Credit Union offers a range of features that make financing straightforward:
Visit our vehicle loans page to learn more about all of Metco’s auto loan options, or contact one of our loan officers to get pre-approved and ready for the road ahead.
