How to Avoid Overpaying on Your Next Car: 3 Top Tips from a USF Credit Union Auto Advisor

For more than two decades, Auto Advisor Beth Shoup has helped USF Credit Union members navigate the car-buying process with confidence -  saving them time, money, and stress along the way.

If you haven’t heard, USF CU’s Auto Advisors is our FREE concierge buying service for our members.  And Beth is an Auto Advisor guide. 

"I'm the pilot, but I'm also the control tower," she explains. "I'm going to teach you how to land the plane and guide you. I'll be your sherpa on this buying journey."

Turning Painful Process Into  Better Experience

Beth brings decades of automotive industry experience to her role. After working on the dealership side of the business, she joined the credit union movement in 2004 with a different mission: helping consumers instead of selling to them.

"I help people have a different experience than what the typical experience is for somebody when they're buying a car, which is painstaking," Beth says.

Instead of spending hours researching vehicles and negotiating at the dealership, members can lean on Beth's expertise.  She can help identify available inventory, verify pricing, schedule appointments, and even accompany members to the dealership.

"I always meet our members at the appointment because I'm like their consigliere," she says.

More importantly, she sees herself as a protector of members' financial well-being.

"I'm here to protect them," Beth says. "I'm their bodyguard for the credit union, and I'm with them throughout the entire experience."

Start With Your Budget

One of the biggest mistakes car buyers make is shopping before understanding what they can comfortably afford.

Beth recommends starting with a pre-approval through USF CU before visiting any dealership.

"The first thing is to call and get pre-approved so that you know what your budget is," she says.

Whether a member has a specific monthly payment in mind or already has their dream vehicle picked out, understanding financing options early helps create a realistic plan and eliminates surprises later.

By combining a loan pre-approval with a conversation about vehicle pricing, members get a complete picture of what they can afford and what they should expect to pay.

Don't Believe Every Price You See Online

In today's digital world, most car shopping begins online. But Beth warns that internet pricing isn't always what it seems.

"Don't trust the internet pricing," she says.

According to Beth, some dealerships advertise attractive prices online only to add thousands of dollars in fees, dealer add-ons, or other charges once customers arrive.

What appears to be the lowest price may actually cost significantly more than competing offers.

"Don't trust everything you see on the internet," Beth says. "I'll let you know what the real deal is."

Her knowledge of local dealerships and market pricing helps members avoid costly surprises and negotiate from a position of strength.

Building Financial Confidence for the Next Generation

One of Beth's favorite parts of the job is helping first-time buyers and young adults make smart financial decisions.

"I especially like working with young people because you want to set them up for success," she says.

Rather than focusing solely on the excitement of a new vehicle, Beth encourages buyers to think about long-term financial health.

She helps members evaluate the pros and cons of different vehicles, understand ownership costs, and make choices that support their future goals.

"I'm not going to tell them what to buy," Beth says. "I'm going to give them the pros and cons of what's available in the market and what I would do if they were my child."

That guidance often creates lasting relationships. Over the years, Beth has helped multiple generations of the same families purchase vehicles, and many members refer friends, coworkers, children, and grandchildren to the program.

The goal remains the same: helping people make informed decisions and protecting them financially.

An Advocate in Your Corner

At the heart of the Auto Advisors program is something simple but powerful: member advocacy.

Beth's success isn't measured by dealership profits. It's measured by helping members get a fair deal and feel confident in their purchase.

"I respect that people work hard for their money," Beth says. "My job is to help our credit union members. It's not to make the dealerships richer."

That commitment often translates into significant savings and a smoother experience from start to finish.

When members work with an Auto Advisor, Beth says dealerships know they are dealing with an informed buyer who has expert support.

"They're going to get the best deal, they're going to do it in a very, very short timeframe, and they're going to be satisfied."

A Hidden Benefit Worth Discovering

One thing still surprises Beth after all these years.

Many members don't realize the Auto Advisors program exists.

"I wish there was a way that every single member knew we had this program," she says.

The service has been helping USF CU members for more than 30 years and remains completely free to use.

For anyone considering a vehicle purchase, it may be one of the most valuable benefits available through their credit union membership.

Ready to Buy Smarter?

Apply for your USF CU auto loan today and let an Auto Advisor guide you through every step of the car-buying process.

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