Auto

Buying a new car was not a new experience for longtime International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) member Gary Reinsberg, but his latest purchase process was unlike any of his previous endeavors.

Reinsberg, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) inspector for the City of St. Paul, Minnesota, used the Union Plus Auto Buying Service in June 2021 and has rave reviews.

“This was by far the easiest vehicle purchase I’ve ever experienced,” Reinsberg says. “I provided some basic information and the type of vehicle I was looking for, and at least five dealerships I connected with said they could get the vehicle for me. It was a fabulous experience.”

The Union Plus Auto Buying Service¹, powered by TrueCar, provides union members with helpful tools to navigate the car buying process and find the perfect new or used vehicle, including the ability to research top brands, compare features, read reviews, find special member deals, and connect with certified dealers.

Additionally, union members get a $100 rebate2 on a new union-made car purchased through the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, and can enjoy post-purchase benefits up to $2,000.³

“The $100 rebate was the icing on the cake,” Reinsberg says. “Looking for a vehicle that you want can sometimes be a daunting task. With the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, it was done within hours, and it saved me a lot of time. The whole process was very pleasing and simple.”

To learn more about the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, visit unionplus.org/autobuying.

Pro: No More Gasoline

For many people, ditching gasoline is plenty enough reason to go electric. It’s the most obvious of ways to save money with an EV, with a much lower cost per mile—regardless of whether you charge at home or at a public charging station. According to Consumer Reports, the average EV owner can save $800 to $1,000 each year on fuel costs alone. There are other side benefits to a vehicle that doesn’t run on gasoline. EVs are driven by an electric motor and battery, which means fewer moving parts for mechanics to worry about. Historically, that means less maintenance for powertrain-related components. You won’t have to worry about replacing your oil or transmission fluid, so you can expect to spend less time at the dealer and less money on maintenance.

Con: Finding a Charging Station

Have access to a charging station where you live or work? You may not need to think much about finding a place to plug in, especially when it comes to your daily commute. But you may also want to take the occasional road trip or run a few errands. When you’re low on battery, you’ll need to find a public charging station. That can take some planning and coordination. Especially compared to the early days of electric vehicles, it’s now easier to find a charging station. If you live in a major metropolitan area, you may already be used to seeing stations around town. Other areas may have fewer charging stations, so it’s smart to plan ahead if you’re driving long distances. We recommend using an app like PlugShare, which can help you find charging stations near you or along your intended route.

Pro: Lower Carbon Footprint

Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions produced from transportation. And with new vehicles such as the Hummer EV and Ford Mustang Mach-E, you can find EVs in more shapes and sizes than ever. You can go even further if your home is powered by renewable energy. Solar panels are becoming increasingly affordable and efficient, making them a perfect pairing for EV owners. It’s true that building a vehicle produces emission, regardless of whether it’s powered by gas or electricity. Buying used is a great way to help offset any product’s carbon debt, which helps give it a second life. It’s certainly applicable to cars, and there are plenty of used and certified pre-owned electric vehicles to choose from. And if you’re worried about the battery, know that most automakers provide a warranty of at least 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Con: Slower to Charge

Filling up a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle takes just a few minutes at the pump, assuming you don’t have to wait in line. In comparison, electric vehicles are much slower to charge. The most commonly found Level 2 chargers provide up to 20 miles of range every hour spent charging. That may be acceptable if you’re at work or at dinner, but it may be challenging if you’re in a hurry. While slower charging speeds can be a downside to EV ownership, technology is advancing quickly and narrowing the gap. Most modern electric vehicles sold today are compatible with DC Fast Charging, which can provide up to 80 miles of range for every 20 minutes the vehicle is plugged in. These public stations are designed to provide fast speeds until the battery has reached 80% capacity, which helps limit degradation.

Pro: Tax Credits, Rebates and More

The perks of driving an electric vehicle run deep. When you buy new, you may qualify for federal tax credits of up to $7,500, assuming the automaker hasn’t already sold 200,000 vehicles across their lineup. You may also qualify for state rebates, ranging from $500 to $5,000. So while you may spend more at the dealership, there are plenty of ways to lower the overall cost of ownership. In addition to these savings, your state may offer other incentives that make life on the road a little easier. That includes HOV lane access and exemption from emissions testing. Also, some utility companies offer rebates with the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle. This could help offset the price of installing a charging station in your home, which can otherwise be cost prohibitive.

Con: Higher Initial Costs

While electric vehicles are quickly becoming more affordable, they are still priced at a premium compared to their gasoline counterparts. You may make up for it by driving on electricity instead of fuel, and the average MSRP of electric vehicles is getting lower each year. But today, there’s no denying that the sticker price of an EV can make it a less compelling option. Working with a tight budget? Used electric vehicles can offer an incredible value, with many options available at a fraction of their original MSRP. This includes first-generation EVs such as the Nissan Leaf, Fiat 500e and BMW i3, which offer more limited range compared to modern examples. But if you just need something to handle commutes and short trips, going pre-owned can be the perfect gateway into an electrified lifestyle.

Thinking About Going Electric?
Electric vehicles are steadily becoming mainstream, and automakers are committing to building more of them across the board. We’re always keeping tabs on the best electric cars and best electric SUVs available today. And when you’re ready to buy, you can use the Union Plus Auto Buying service to shop and get an upfront, personalized offer from a Certified Dealer.

Here are six of the most important factors that come into play.

1. What Is the Vehicle’s Condition?
   Everyone wants a used car in the best condition possible—it’s usually the first thing a buyer notices. Outside of normal wear and tear, the exterior won’t have any major scratches, chips or dents. There should be no rust on the vehicle, including the underside. Don’t forget about the inside of the cabin. The seats, carpet and headliner should be free from heavy wear. If the vehicle has a leather upholstered interior, it should be well-maintained without any cracks or peeling. The electronics should also work as intended, including the stereo and climate controls.
2. What Is the Mileage and Age?
   Mileage is the simplest way to judge a used vehicle, and it plays a big part in determining its resale value. Vehicles with lower mileage typically cost less to maintain in the near future, especially if the car isn’t approaching a major service interval. It will also be less likely to require major engine or transmission work, which can be costly. But at the end of the day, the number on the odometer doesn’t tell the whole story. Age puts mileage into context—letting buyers know how much a vehicle was driven annually. For reference, the average person drives over 13,000 miles each year. You can use this as a starting point to determine whether a used vehicle has low mileage for its age.
3. How Many Previous Owners?
   When shopping for a used car, conventional wisdom suggests that it’s best to find a single owner vehicle. It’s far easier to get a true picture of the car’s history when it has only had one owner, whether it’s newer or older. You’ll typically have a better idea of how it was maintained, and you’ll be aware of its accident history, if applicable. This makes one-owner vehicles more desirable, and it’s something that often shows up as a benefit in the listing. If you bought your vehicle new, you’re naturally in a good position to sell or trade. Three or more owners are viewed as less desirable, especially if turnover occurred during a short period of time. If you want to double check your vehicle’s ownership history, consider purchasing a CarFax report.
4. Does It Include Maintenance Records?
   A car that’s been taken care of will always command a premium, especially if the owner can provide the receipts to document the history of maintenance. This applies to oil changes, tire rotations and regular maintenance—ideally based on the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. After all, vehicles that aren’t properly serviced can lead to costly repairs down the line. The more documentation a used vehicle has, the more confident people will feel when buying it—bonus points if it was serviced at the dealership or a reputable mechanic. And if the vehicle is still under warranty, having all the paperwork in one place will make things easier for the next owner.
5. Is It Rare?
   Some vehicles are harder to find than others. They may have been produced in low quantities, discontinued by the manufacturer or just too popular to meet demand. These vehicles are especially desirable on the used market, with certain enthusiast vehicles maintaining and sometimes increasing in market value over time.
   
   Although the most desirable and rare vehicles are often sports cars, rarity isn’t limited to this class. Certain trims, colors and configurations can be difficult to track down. This also applies to special and limited-edition models, which are made specifically for collectors. Some cars also have rare variants, such as a hatchback or even an electric vehicle.
6. Where Are You Located?
   The location of your vehicle can have a huge effect on its value, just like real estate. Terrain and weather influence the kind of lives people lead—and the cars they want to buy. If you live in a warm climate near the coast, rear-wheel drive sports cars may command a premium. Drivers in mountainous areas prefer utility vehicles with four-wheel drive, especially if the area sees heavy snowfall.
   
   Timing can also go hand in hand with location. A convertible may be seen as less desirable during the winter months, when it may spend more time in the garage. And when gas prices go up, commuters tend to flock to hybrids and electric vehicles. It all comes down to supply and demand, which is always changing with the times.

Find Out How Much Your Vehicle Is Worth

Thinking about your next car? You’re probably wondering how much you can get for your current vehicle. TrueCar Trade makes it easy to see the value of your car and get a cash offer in minutes—all without leaving the comfort of your own home. Simply enter your car’s information to get an instant estimate.

You’ll also be able to see how features like color and mileage affect your car’s value. Then you’ll receive a True Cash Offer™. That means you get a check directly from a TrueCar Certified Dealer. No need to deal with online classifieds, because getting paid just got a whole lot easier. 

TrueCar is dedicated to reinventing the car buying experience to be easy, straightforward and empowering from start to finish – with no surprises along the way. In fact, we want you to feel like you’re in complete control of your purchase at every turn, with the exact info you need, right when you need it.

Once you’ve found the car you want with the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, and have connected with a participating dealer, you then get to dial in the deal that works best for you. After completing a few short steps, you’ll get a unique Deal Code, which you can take to the dealer, online or in-person, to finalize the deal that’s right for you. Even better, your Deal Code is based on the dealer’s actual rates.

Value Your Trade

Have a car you’d like to trade in? The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, powered by TrueCar makes it easy to see what your car is worth, and get a real cash offer in seconds. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your vehicle and you can instantly receive a calculation of its value as well as a TrueCash Offer from a participating dealer. You can sell your car for cash or factor your TrueCash Offer into your final deal.

Calculate Your Personalized Monthly Payments Online

Next, you’ll choose how you’d like to purchase your vehicle – loan, lease or cash. If you opt for a loan or lease, our payment tool will crunch the numbers to give you accurate monthly payment information that includes taxes, fees, and trade-in offer, if you have one. From this point, you can further customize your monthly payment by entering your loan or lease preferences to see – in real-time – how it affects your payment estimate. And remember, TrueCar relies on actual financing inputs from dealers to help deliver accurate deal preferences.

For leased vehicles, you’ll enter:

• Amount due at signing
• Annual mileage allowance
• Lease term preference
• Credit Score

For vehicle loans, you’ll enter:

• Desired down payment
• Loan term preference
• Credit Score

Understand Your Service and Protection Options

Now that you’ve arrived at your monthly payment “sweet spot,” you can start considering service and protection options. Ever wondered what Excess Wear & Use Protection covers? Or if you need GAP Insurance? Oftentimes, service and protection plans aren’t presented until the time and place of purchase. But with TrueCar, we can help you do your homework ahead of time, at your leisure, so you can learn about what each option entails, and which ones might work best for you.

Get Your Deal Code

And just like that, you’re done customizing your deal! At this point, you’ll get your unique Deal Code that you can take to the dealer. Or if you’d prefer, you can complete the process entirely from home, including the delivery of your vehicle, with participating Dealers. Either way, with the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, powered by TrueCar, you’re free to do as much, or as little, as you want online, from anywhere.

Do Even More from Home

Still need help or assistance? We’re here for you. Once you get your personalized Deal Code, you’ll still have the option to:

• Ask a question
• Schedule a test drive
• Compare multiple deals
• Save your deal so you can come back to it

Ready to get started? Simply visit unionplus.truecar.com to find and configure the car you want. Once you get connected to Certified Dealers that have your vehicle, you’re on your way to building the deal you want on the car you love.

Things might look a little different this year, but the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, powered by TrueCar is here to help. Check out, car shopping expert, Matt Jones’s top Black Friday car shopping tips below!

1. Start early
   Find the best deals by starting your research early. With plant closures earlier this year and halted vehicle production, inventory may be tight. It’s a good idea to come up with second and third options, in case there is low inventory of your first choice.
2. Trading in or selling an existing vehicle?
   Decide whether you’re planning to sell or trade your vehicle. You’ll need to get an appraisal, and you can use the Union Plus Auto Buying Service tool to get a True Cash Offer on your current vehicle. About 50 percent of shoppers trade in a car when buying something new. If you’re one of these 50 percent, make sure you get your appraisal early.
3. Understand the auto market
   This year, it really pays to understand the current automotive climate and pricing. For some hot vehicles with low inventory and high demand in this climate, paying sticker price might be considered a good deal. If you are looking for a specific vehicle and if that vehicle is new or in short supply, it might be sold at or even above sticker price.
4. Being flexible will help you get a better deal
   Be willing to consider expanding the distance radius of dealerships for additional options. Being flexible about your search could give you greater inventory options. Don’t want to drive far to get your new car? You may be able to skip the trip to the dealer. More on that in tip 5.
5. Have a game plan
   If you want to go to the dealership in person, be sure to arrive early. This is important because as the day wears on, more shoppers will hit the store, which can slow down your shopping process. Alternatively, many dealerships now allow shoppers to do all, or some, of the purchase process online. You can spot dealers offering remote paperwork processing and home vehicle delivery when shopping on the Union Plus Auto Buying Service — just look for the Buy From Home dealer badge.
6. Test-drive early
   If you can, get behind the wheel for a test-drive at least a few days ahead of time. The showroom will likely get flooded with shoppers, and salespeople may not be available for test-drives on Black Friday. Make an appointment to test-drive on a weekday, before Thanksgiving.
7. Be patient
   Remember to have patience with the sales process. Some dealerships will run out of salespeople or some salespeople may have to juggle more than one customer at a time. This is especially likely this year, because many dealerships are running with slimmer staff than usual due to the pandemic.

Bonus Tip: Start your shopping and research now so you can compare Black Friday deals and see how good a deal you’re really getting. Union members have saved thousands off MSRP¹ on new cars and find great deals on pre-owned vehicles using the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, powered by TrueCar. Plus, you may be eligible for additional member perks like a $100 rebate on new union-made cars² and up to $2,000 in post-sale benefits³.

Dave Guy wasn't thinking about buying a new car. His 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe had some miles on it but it still ran, and it was a good car for where he lives — 8,000 feet up in the mountains of Southwest Colorado.

Guy is a member of Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 472 based in California. He's a semi-retired licensed professional counselor and hypnotherapist, and he’s a pastoral counselor at his church.

When he received an email from Union Plus encouraging members to buy union-made cars, he started to re-assess his Tahoe.

Guy contacted the Union Plus Auto Buying Service to see if there were any dealerships nearby that offered the union discount. A friend who works at a nearby Ford dealership encouraged him to come in and sit in a new Ford Expedition. Guy's wife Jenny proclaimed it "a sweet ride," and well, today Guy is the proud owner of a new Ford Expedition.

The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, administered by TrueCar, a leading price comparison service, helps union members and their families find the right new or used car or truck at a great price and offers additional savings and benefits. With the Auto Buying Service, union members save an average of $3,402 off MSRP* on new cars. And, union members receive a $100 rebate directly from Union Plus if they purchase a union-made car through TrueCar.

"Union Plus could have just said, 'We are union, so buy union' or, 'Thanks for supporting unions.' But they said, 'For supporting unions, we'll give you a rebate of $100,'" Guy says.

Overall, buying a new car with the support of Union Plus "was a grand experience," Guy says.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
UNION PLUS AUTO BUYING SERVICE 

To keep drivers safe, vehicles, tires and equipment can be recalled. Typically, a vehicle manufacturer initiates a recall voluntarily, though you may hear about a vehicle recall as a result of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation or a court order. When a vehicle has a safety recall, the manufacturer is required to notify all vehicle owners about it. Your notification letter includes:

• The description of the defect, including any possible resulting safety risks and other hazards.
• The description of how the manufacturer intends to repair the defect, including when repairs can be scheduled and how long they are estimated to take.
• Instructions for what to do if you’re unable to take your vehicle in for service within the specified time.

I Just Received a Recall Notice — What’s Next?

First things first: Don’t delay. When recalling a vehicle for safety reasons, manufacturers are required to fix the problem at no charge. Your manufacturer also can choose to replace your vehicle with a similar model or refund your purchase, accounting for depreciation.

It’s especially important to take immediate action if the safety-related defect could cause significant harm such as:

• Faulty steering components that result in loss of control.
• Accelerators that break or stick.
• Wiring issues that could cause a fire.

What If My Vehicle Is Unsafe but I Haven’t Received a Recall Notice?

The NHTSA evaluates consumer reports of vehicle safety issues. If enough consumers submit complaints about the same or similar issue, the NHTSA opens an official investigation. Here’s how to report safety issues:

• U.S. Department of Transportation’s Hotline (1-888-327-4236).
• Online at safercar.gov.

The NHTSA doesn’t consider all defects safety related. Examples include malfunctioning air-conditioners, body panel rust, and ordinary wear and tear of equipment such as batteries and shock absorbers.

Regardless of whether your vehicle has a safety recall, the NHTSA recommends using its Recalls Lookup Tool at safercar.gov at least twice per year. This tool searches for safety recalls based on your car or truck’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

As a union member, you have access to special savings on auto insurance from SnapQuote^® offered by MetLife Auto & Home^®. To learn more about the program call 1-844-299-6660 or visit snapquoteinsurance.com/unionplus and a team of licensed agents will go to work finding multiple quotes on quality, affordable insurance from national, highly rated carriers. It's fast. It's easy. And puts the power of choice right where it belongs - squarely in your hands.

Eleanore Wise-Goldman, a retired member of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 843 in Washington State, reflects on her years as a social worker and active union member fondly. 

“Getting kids adopted and moved into a ‘forever family’ I knew would love them—that was the highlight of my work,” Wise-Goldman says of working for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

As a perk of her AFSCME membership, Wise-Goldman and her husband are consistent users of AFSCME Advantage benefits, including purchasing a car through the Union Plus Auto Buying Service. However, after her husband totaled their vehicle, they needed to return to the drawing board. 

“This time, I got to choose the car and I wanted a hybrid,” remembers Wise-Goldman.

Using the Union Plus Auto Buying Service website, she researched and narrowed down her choices. She then called the dealer they had worked with the first time around.

“We came out of it with a Ford C-MAX. It’s an amazing car. We set up an appointment at the dealer and it was all handled very quickly.” 

The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, administered by TrueCar or Union Auto Program depending on your state of residence, helps union members and their families find the right new or used car or truck at a great price and offers additional savings and benefits. The member benefits differ between the two program providers.*
Wise-Goldman recommends the Auto Buying Service to all her union friends. 

“It’s so great,” she enthuses. “You don’t have to haggle or negotiate. And we got our car for an even better price than we originally saw online.”  

By purchasing a hybrid vehicle through TrueCar, Wise-Goldman also received the Union Plus union-made green car** rebate that totals $200. 

Learn how TrueCar or Union Auto Program
can help you.
 

Anthony Ngo, AFSCME Local 2620 member, commutes every day to Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California, where he provides psychological counseling and group therapy to inmates. 

“It’s a great job—great pay and benefits, and I love the staff,” says Ngo. “I also like the work I do.”

Ngo describes his union as supportive, and he has been a regular attendee at meetings. 

“They help us out a lot,” he says of his local.

It was through AFSCME Advantage that Ngo first discovered the Union Plus Auto Buying Service. When his car started acting up, he knew it was time to start shopping.

“I have a pretty serious commute, and I really wanted to find an electric car,” says Ngo. “That’s when I decided to explore Union Plus.” 

The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, administered by TrueCar or Union Auto Program depending on your state of residence, helps union members and their families find the right new or used car or truck at a great price and offers additional savings and benefits.

Because he purchased a new electric vehicle through TrueCar, Ngo received the Union Plus union-made green car** rebate that totals $200. Union members who purchase new union-made cars—no matter their environmental designation—receive a $100 rebate directly from Union Plus.

“I already had a new car that I love, and then I received the rebate. I was really caught by surprise,” said Ngo. “I had no idea I had that coming. All AFSCME members should be using the Union Plus Auto Buying Service.” 

Learn how TrueCar or Union Auto can help you

Union members can save up to 30% off base rental rates with Avis Car Rental. Union members with Avis Preferred, however, save up to 30% off base rental rates AND get extra benefits. 

If you’re not already signed up for Avis Preferred, you’re missing out on expedited service and easy-to-earn rewards for every dollar you spend. Plus, it’s free to enroll!

Some of the benefits include:

Expedited Service – Skip the line and head straight to your car!

Accelerate Your Rewards – Earn points for every qualifying dollar you spend to be redeemed for rentals, upgrades and accessories.

• Rental day rewards start at just 700 points with no blackout dates.
• Accessories including SiriusXM Radio®, GPS, Child Safety Seats, and Roadside Assistance are now just 250 points per day.
• Earn 100 bonus points when you opt into Avis Preferred Points and rent once within three months.
• Every rental earns a minimum of 100 points.

Total Control – Use the innovative Avis app to choose your car, confirm, cancel or extend the rental.

Track Your Activity – Keep rental preferences on file and track your activity and rewards.

Exclusive Offers – Get exclusive monthly email offers.

Make your travel more rewarding and enroll in Avis Preferred today!

Enroll in Avis
Preferred Today