The other game they could play is offering 0.9% as the rate but then selling the car for $5K over its real value.
If the loan were from the dealer, I'd assume they were marking it up, but it's from a credit union, that's what got me!
I agree that's likely just a teaser rate though.
I just went through this. We finally threw up our hands after weeks of looking for just the right ev for us and bought a 2018 leaf.
So, we decided to see what kind of deal we could get and I inventoried every leaf available within 250 miles of us. I discovered WI had better prices for some reason. Two WI dealers were competing on price.
I also called all our local dealers withh a suitable vehicle in stock asking them to meet the WI price. Each told me to go pound sand... Until the last one who said "I like you directness. I'll take I."
Off I go with to buy it that am with a 2.59% pre approval from boa intending to borrow instead of selling equities.
Dealer offers to me to raise price by $2400 and I get 0% for 6 years.
I worked the math and said yes. The spread in rates made it worth it to me, reducing cost by another $1000 or so.
Before saying yes, I chatted w my wife to make sure we really, really we're keeping this car for 6+ years. Sure are. Last cars are 9 and 18 years old right now so not unusual.
Anyway, it felt so weird and wrong to turn down the cash today for a slightly lower loan. But the math works.
Weirder yet is that we financed every cent, not accounting for the fact that we receive the full $7500 credit.
That credit creates a massive depreciation for lightly used ev's so I'm massively overborrowed on this thing.
Explaining to people what I paid is a very confusing conversation to all involved.
It was the most math I've ever done for a car purchase. I kept doubting myself as it became more complicated.
Super happy with the car and 99% confident in our deal.