LMCU Auto Loan: CARFAX, Rates and the 2019 Rule (Oct 2026)

Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) doesn't mention CARFAX, AutoCheck or any vehicle history report on its auto loan pages, and it doesn't post a branded-title, mileage or vehicle-age cutoff either. What it does post, as of Oct. 20, 2026, is a 5.74% APR "as low as" rate for both new and used cars. That rate includes a 0.25% Auto Pay discount that only applies to a 2019 or newer vehicle on a term of 66 months or less, so an older used car will cost you more, and LMCU doesn't say how much more.

I read LMCU's new and used auto loan page, its credit card and loan rates page and its membership page on Oct. 20, 2026. LMCU's site blocks automated link checkers, so I've cited those pages by name and date instead of linking them. I didn't apply or call, and nothing here reflects what an underwriter might decide about a specific car.

Who can join

LMCU's membership page says you can join if you live, work, worship or attend school anywhere in Michigan's Lower Peninsula or anywhere in Florida. Immediate family of a current member qualifies regardless of where they live, and so does anyone who contributes $5 to the ALS Foundation. Membership is set up through a Member Savings account with a small opening deposit. LMCU says deposits are federally insured by the NCUA, the credit union version of FDIC coverage.

The Florida piece surprises people. LMCU is a Grand Rapids credit union, but it now says it has more than 500 dealer partners across Michigan and Florida. If you're buying in Florida, our Florida used car sales tax guide covers what gets added at the tag office.

The rate, and the fine print behind it

The loan rates page (rates as of 10/20/26) lists Autos - New at 5.74% and Autos - Used at 5.74%, both "as low as," with motorcycles included. RVs start at 7.49%. The auto loan page's disclosure is the part to read slowly. Rates shown are for well-qualified borrowers and can vary with credit history, loan purpose, amount, loan-to-value, term and vehicle year. The lowest rate assumes you set up Auto Pay at closing and finance a 2019 or newer vehicle for 66 months or less.

So a 2016 car on a 72-month loan is outside the advertised rate twice over. LMCU doesn't publish a rate grid by model year, which means you won't know your real number until you apply. It does say the loans have no prepayment penalty, and it offers GAP plus credit life and disability coverage as add-ons. Read our GAP on a used car post before you say yes to that at the desk.

What the payment looks like

LMCU's own example is $17.71 a month per $1,000 borrowed at 5.74% for 66 months. On $25,000 that's about $443 a month and roughly $4,200 in interest over the loan. The average used-car rate in Experian's Q2 2026 data was 11.19% (new was 6.35%), and Q3 hadn't posted when I checked. At 11.19% over the same 66 months, the payment is about $509 and interest about $8,590. That math is mine, not LMCU's.

No title rule posted, so check the car yourself

I couldn't find any LMCU statement about salvage, rebuilt or flood titles, or a mileage or age cap for used cars. That doesn't mean underwriting will take anything. Lenders often balk at branded titles once the paperwork shows up, and you don't want to find out after you've handed a private seller a deposit. Michigan has its own brand rules, explained in our Michigan salvage and rebuilt title guide, so ask LMCU directly if the car has ever been branded.

Michigan cars also deal with road salt, and rust damage rarely shows up on a report. Look up title brands on NMVTIS, run a history report yourself rather than trusting a seller's printout, and get a mechanic to put it on a lift. Budget for tax and title too. Our Michigan used car sales tax guide covers the 6% math, and the Michigan private-sale title transfer guide covers the paperwork.

I also didn't see a private-party purchase policy on the pages I read. LMCU's process leans on its dealer network and online applications, so if you're buying from a person, call before you commit.

Where a history report fits

LMCU won't hand you a CARFAX or AutoCheck, and nothing I read says it pulls one for you. CarVins is a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller with no tie to either company or to LMCU. As of late October 2026, reports through us were about $5.50 for a guest and $4.50 for a member, or roughly $6.75 for both together, against retail of about $39.99 to $44.99. Check the total at checkout before paying.

Sources

• LMCU: New and Used Car Loans page (rates effective 10/20/2026), Credit Card and Loan Rates page (rates as of 10/20/26) and Membership page, lmcu.org (read Oct. 20, 2026)
• Experian: Average car loan interest rates (Q2 2026)
• National Credit Union Administration
• NMVTIS