Credit For Big-Ticket Items Harder To Get

SAN DIEGO -- America's credit crunch means getting a loan for a high-ticket item like a car is not as simple as it once was.

Credit Union experts say be ready to be put under the microscope.

The application to get a car loan might not be any longer than it once was, they say, but it will be put to a higher level of scrutiny.

“The `go-go’ days of going anywhere with any score and getting a loan are long gone and, I think, rightfully so,” Ron Araujo, CFO at Mission Federal Credit Union told 10News.

Once upon a time, consumers could get a car loan without proof of employment or income.

Now having a credit score below 700 means you're options may be limited.

Maybe you're not able to get into the luxury car, but maybe something more modest. Maybe different terms but you're still able to get into it though.

Credit Unions still have loans to give out, but they’re being more selective.

“Borrowers need to prove they can afford the loan right now,” Araujo said.

The best advice financial experts have for consumers is to know their credit score and be realistic about it.

So, 10News Reporter, Deanne Goodman hit the streets of San Diego to see if people know their score.

One person said: “I guess it's OK. It's at the low 700's.” “Do you know your credit score?” “No, I don’t,” said another.

“It's above 750 and difficulty is the appraisal of our house is too low,” said one.

Another woman said she's been denied a loan for a kitchen remodel, but she has not visited a Credit Union yet.

“Anybody with 700+ scores shouldn't have problems in their desire to borrow,” Araujo said.

Credit Unions can look at loans on an individual basis but the rule of thumb is still the better score gets the best rate.

The lack of credit available and the tight economy is having a big impact on car dealerships nationwide.

According to consumer research groups, auto sales were down for all carmakers in September and October could be worse.