Contributing to this extremely informative thread. This is mostly just confirmation (another data point):
I applied to PenFed two weeks ago (early November 2012). My way in was my father's prior military service (thanks Dad!) Got a little welcome packet a few days later.
Once I had that, I called PenFed to ask about their auto loan process (although I was already pre-armed with the detailed information in this thread). That conversation turned into actually applying for an auto loan right over the phone, but using the internet-advertised rates.
For reference, this was 1.49% for 60 months. I applied for 32K although according to the site, they loan up to 70K. I confirm also that they finance 100% of retail price (no down payment necessary) and use the NADA guide. I never got clarification as to whether this was average retail or high retail although I have no reason to doubt the other info in this thread.
A day after the initial call, I checked online again to learn I was approved for the loan. I called again to confirm the process for completing the loan while I was still looking for an NSX. As pointed out earlier in the thread, "NSX" is not available in their drop down menus when you try to add collateral information. Trying to find an NSX by VIN in the website's system doesn't work either, but calling PenFed directly and speaking to a representative certainly does.
I happen to have a physical PenFed branch nearby (apparently PenFed is actually headquartered right here in Alexandria), but the guy on the phone pointed out that trying to complete the transaction in the branch would probably not be any faster than doing it over the phone. Makes sense; my experience is that the guy in the branch just logs onto the same phone/web system that you'd be doing yourself. Also, every single person I've spoken to at PenFed is super friendly and very energetic. No foreign call center BS.
PenFed requires the following to complete the loan process and send you a check:
-vehicle VIN number
-seller name, address, and phone number
-copy of the car's title
This is the step I'm on so far. It's Thanksgiving tomorrow so I'm going to need to wait a day or two to see any further progress on this. I just got really excited and had to tell someone :biggrin: