There is nothing like driving your own car to make you feel truly independent. There is a sense of freedom that comes with being able to roam the city or explore far-flung areas at your own will, at your own time.

Having the right car will let you thoroughly enjoy this feeling of independence. A car is a major investment so choosing the best set of wheels for you requires careful thought and planning.

First, identify your needs. Will you be using your car for your daily commute to work? Or will you be driving it mainly during weekends and out-of-town trips? What is your priority – style or comfort? Can you drive manual or automatic transmission? Will you be loading a lot of things in your car, or will you be driving people around? As you examine your lifestyle and assess your needs, you will be able to narrow down your car choices according to your priorities.

Second, do your research. Look into the cars that fit your requirements. Check the manufacturers’ websites to get the essential information on the cars. Log on to online automotive forums and car club sites, which may offer valuable tips and honest reviews on the cars you are interested in. If you can, test drive the cars to get a feel of the ride yourself.

Finally, set a budget and weigh your financing options. Take into account your salary, daily expenses, and savings so you can set a realistic budget. Consider a car loan, which can take the load off making such a major purchase. When availing a car loan, assess your financial capability: Do you have enough funds for the downpayment? How much of your salary can you use for monthly amortizations?

MetroCar, the car financing package of Metrobank, can finance as much as 80 percent of the net selling price of the vehicle, and offers different packages to meet specific needs. Wennie Oliveros, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) senior vice president and head of the consumer lending group, says, "In line with our thrust of being the trusted partner of our clients, MetroCar addresses concerns on affordability and flexibility."

MetroCar offers flexible packages to meet specific needs. "Our rates are very competitive and borrowers have the option to choose repayment terms anywhere from 12 months to 60 months."

In addition to affordability and flexibility, MetroCar provides convenience to its borrowers. "We made loan repayments so much easier with several channels at our client’s convenience. A borrower can pay over the counter at any Metrobank branch, through auto debit from his or her Metrobank savings or checking account, or through issuance of post-dated checks."

Oliveros adds, "To help our clients acquire their dream cars easily, we offer more than an affordable and easy loan package. We are bringing back the MetroCar Great Rates Sale promo."

The MetroCar Great Rates Sale is the best time to buy a car with the MetroCar loan offering even lower interest rates. "From a very successful turnout of the first Sale two years ago, this is very timely given the low interest rates scenario and the new car models that just came out," Oliveros says.

Metrobank is the country’s premier universal bank. For more information about the MetroCar Great Rates Sale and other financing programs, visit any Metrobank branch or call 898-8540, 898-8502, or 898-8577, or log on to www.metrocargreatratessale.com.