A+ Federal Credit Union, based in Austin, Texas, listed auto purchase rates as low as 5.49% APR for terms up to 66 months on its rates page when I checked it on Nov. 5, 2026, with the table marked as of 11.4.2026. Longer terms cost more: 5.74% for 67 to 78 months and 6.49% for 79 to 84 months. The page also says, plainly, that A+ is not currently doing loans for private party sales. Nothing on the page says a CARFAX is required, but you still want the title and history clean before you sign at a dealer.
How the posted rates break down
The purchase table lists the same 5.49% floor for 6 to 36 months and for 37 to 66 months, so you do not get a lower rate for a short loan here. The jump comes after 66 months. Refinance rates were listed lower, as low as 5.24%, rising to 5.79% for 79 to 84 months. The fine print says the as-low-as rates include a 0.25% discount for automatic payments, and that your actual rate depends on credit score, loan-to-value, mileage and term. So if you skip autopay, add a quarter point to every number before you compare.
The private-party pause
This is the line that changes plans. If you found a car on Marketplace or from a neighbor, A+ will not finance it right now, based on the rates page as of early November 2026. You would need cash, another lender, or a dealer purchase. Policies like this change, so call the credit union at 512.302.6800 to confirm before you shop around it. If you are buying private anyway, our guide to a private-party bill of sale covers the paperwork you will want.
Mileage and term
Because mileage is one of the listed rate factors, a high-mile car can price above the floor even on a short term. Before you apply, compare the odometer on the car with the readings in a history report and on the title. A gap or rollback is a reason to walk, and it also gives the lender a reason to lower the value it will lend against. I would keep the term at 66 months or less here, since that is where the lowest posted rate stops.
Does A+ Federal Credit Union require a CARFAX?
Credit unions generally care about the title, the value and the lien, and their published pages rarely say a history report is required. They do need a clean, transferable title so they can record their lien, and an older or branded car can change the rate or the loan amount. Our financing a rebuilt title car guide covers why branded titles get harder to finance. Pull a report before you apply, not after, so a surprise brand does not show up at funding.
Checks to run before you sign
- Run the VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup for open campaigns.
- Check title brands through an approved NMVTIS provider.
- Pull a history report and compare mileage readings over time.
- On a private sale, confirm the seller's lien is paid off. Our lien release guide walks through that step.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection on anything out of warranty.
Questions to ask the loan officer
- What exact APR and term would I get on this specific car, by VIN and model year?
- Does the rate change for a private-party sale versus a dealer purchase?
- Is there a maximum vehicle age or mileage, and a minimum loan amount?
- How long is a preapproval good for, and does the rate lock with it?
- Will you finance a car with a rebuilt, salvage or out-of-state title?
Dealer sale or private sale
At a dealer, the dealer usually handles the title and sends it to the lender. In a private sale, the credit union often pays the seller or the seller's lender directly and then waits for the title to arrive with its lien recorded. That takes longer, so plan for it. Do not hand cash to a private seller before the lender confirms the payoff and the title path. Our private-party CARFAX guide covers what to check on the seller's side.
Compare the offer, not just the rate
A low advertised APR only helps if you qualify for it and the term fits your budget. Ask for the exact APR, term, payment and total interest in writing, and compare it with a dealer offer and at least one other lender. The CFPB auto loan tools explain how to read a loan estimate. Decide on add-ons such as GAP coverage on their own merits; our GAP insurance guide covers when it makes sense.
What the report costs
As of early November 2026 a CARFAX bought direct usually costs around $44.99, and AutoCheck sits a little lower. We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck or Experian. Our guest price has been about $5.50 a report, about $4.50 for members, and about $6.75 for a CARFAX and AutoCheck bundle. Confirm the price at checkout, since it can change.
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