WASHINGTON – Consumers borrowing from credit unions for new car loans stand to save big bucks over the life of the loan than if they borrowed money from a bank or thrift, says the latest findings of a Bankrate monthly survey. According to the August survey, banks and credit unions dropped their new-car loan rates a bit since the company issued its July report, while thrifts raised theirs a tad. Credit unions are still offering the lowest rate – an average of 8.4%. That's on a $16,000, 48-month loan with 10% down. That means consumers will save $188.64 over the life of the loan from a credit union instead of a bank. The credit union loan will save the same consumer $141.60 over the same loan from a thrift.