Used Car FAQ & Financing | Own A Car Fresno
Can I get approved for a car loan with bad credit?
Yes, you can absolutely get approved for a used car loan with bad credit at Own A Car. We prioritize your budget and overall affordability rather than just your credit score. If our team can structure an affordable monthly payment that fits your lifestyle, we will leverage our relationships with specialized lenders to secure your auto financing.
While other dealerships might turn you away based on a number, we look at the bigger picture. To maximize your chances for bad credit car loans or subprime auto financing, it helps to have:
- A stable job history
- Verifiable income or a good-paying job
- A steady monthly cash flow
Is the $500 down program real?
Yes, the $500 down car program is 100% real at Own A Car. We actively work with car buyers to utilize our low-down-payment options, helping you get behind the wheel of a dependable, quality vehicle without draining your savings. Our goal is to match your initial down payment with a structured, affordable monthly payment plan that aligns perfectly with your budget.
What credit score do I need to buy a used car?
There is no minimum credit score required to buy a used car at Own A Car, as we work with all types of credit histories. Our dedicated on-site finance team specializes in every credit situation, including first-time buyers with no credit, challenged credit, and those rebuilding credit after bankruptcy or repossession.
To ensure you get the best possible rates, we have built strong relationships with over 75 finance companies and major auto lenders. We use this massive lending network to help you secure a customized auto loan that works for your unique situation.
Can I finance a used car with an ITIN?
Yes, you can easily finance a used car using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) at Own A Car. We proudly serve ITIN customers and make the auto loan process straightforward. To drive home in your next vehicle, simply bring the following documents to the dealership:
- Your official ITIN paperwork (letter or card)
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs or bank statements)
- A valid government-issued identification (such as a passport or consular ID)
What documents do I need to bring for car financing?
To complete your used car financing, you should bring a valid photo ID, your most recent pay stub, and a recent utility bill. These standard items allow us to quickly verify your identity, income, and residence.
However, if you are missing any of these items, we can still help you secure auto financing. Own A Car works closely with our 75+ finance partners to accept alternative documentation, including:
- Bank statements (for self-employed buyers)
- W-2 forms or tax returns
- An official job offer letter
- Phone verification of employment
Have questions about what to bring? Call our financing team directly at (559) 435-3600 or visit our dealership for personalized assistance.
What does “on approved credit” (OAC) mean?
“On approved credit” (OAC) means that a dealership’s advertised auto loan rates, promotional terms, or low down payments are conditional upon a lender approving your credit application. It indicates that the specific deal is not automatically guaranteed for every applicant.
When a lender reviews an application for a used car loan, they typically evaluate:
- Credit score and credit history
- Income and employment stability
- Residency and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
If your credit profile is less than ideal, you may still qualify for financing, but the final terms may require a higher down payment, a slightly different interest rate, or a co-signer. Because Own A Car works with multiple finance partners, we can almost always find an alternate financing solution even if you don’t qualify for the initial advertised offer.
What is included in the Own A Car lifetime warranty?
The Own A Car lifetime warranty covers the critical internal lubricated components of your vehicle’s powertrain, including the engine, transmission, transfer case, and turbo/supercharger. We provide this complimentary protection to ensure complete peace of mind with your purchase.
Covered components include:
- Engine: All internal lubricated parts (pistons, main bearings, crankshaft, camshaft, cylinder heads, rocker bushings, engine block, etc.).
- Turbo / Supercharger: All internal lubricated parts within the housing, plus the housing itself if damaged by an internal component failure.
- Transmission: Torque converter, drums, gears, hubs, shafts, internal linkage, bearings, and the transmission case.
- Transfer Case: All internal lubricated parts and the housing.
- Towing Assistance: If your vehicle experiences a breakdown, towing assistance is covered up to $75 per occurrence to an authorized repair shop.
What mileage is too high for a used car?
There is no single number that makes a used car’s mileage “too high,” as a vehicle’s maintenance history and overall condition matter much more than the odometer reading. A newer vehicle driven 100,000 miles in just a few years may have more rapid wear-and-tear than a 10-year-old vehicle with the same mileage that was meticulously serviced.
When shopping for reliable used cars, always consider:
- Routine maintenance history: Was the oil changed regularly?
- Driving conditions: Highway miles cause significantly less wear than stop-and-go city driving.
- Make and model reliability: Certain brands are famous for lasting well past 200,000 miles.
At Own A Car, we eliminate the guesswork by subjecting every vehicle to a rigorous multi-point inspection before it ever hits our lot.
Can I trade in a financed vehicle?
Yes, you can easily trade in a vehicle that still has an active auto loan. At Own A Car, we handle the entire trade-in and payoff process for you to make upgrading your ride seamless.
How our trade-in process works:
- In-Person Appraisal: Bring your current car to our dealership for a fast, transparent vehicle valuation.
- Lender Payoff: Our finance team will call your current lender to get an exact, up-to-date payoff amount.
- Equity Transfer: We deduct what you owe from your car’s trade-in value. If you have positive equity, it goes directly toward your down payment on a new vehicle. If you owe more than it’s worth, we can often roll that balance into your new loan.
What is the best used SUV for families?
The best used SUV for families depends on your specific lifestyle needs, whether you require a spacious 3rd-row SUV or a fuel-efficient crossover. Own A Car boasts an inventory of over 400 pre-owned vehicles, giving you access to one of the largest selections of reliable used SUVs in the region.
When shopping for a family SUV, tell our sales team if you are looking for specific features like:
- Three-row seating for larger families
- Second-row captain’s chairs for easy third-row access
- Advanced safety tech and entertainment systems
- Ample cargo space for strollers and sports gear
How long does a used car loan approval take?
A used car loan approval typically takes just 15 minutes once you submit your credit application. At Own A Car, we value your time, meaning our expert sales and finance teams work fast to secure your approval right after you finish your test drive. Because of our direct digital connections to over 75 lenders, we can swiftly compare rates to get you signed and driving off the lot in your new vehicle as quickly as possible.
Can I buy a used car online?
Yes, you can easily buy a used car online or start the purchase process right from the comfort of your home. Own A Car offers a streamlined digital buying experience.
To buy your next car online, simply:
- Browse our massive inventory of cars, trucks, and SUVs online.
- Inquire through our website or call our internet sales team at (559) 435-3600.
- Complete our secure online car finance application.
- Our remote finance team will work with you via phone or email to finalize the loan details, structure your payments, and schedule your vehicle pickup.
What monthly car payment should I expect?
The monthly car payment you should expect depends entirely on your budget, the vehicle’s price, your down payment, and your loan terms. Own A Car’s primary goal is to structure a realistic, affordable payment plan that comfortably fits your monthly income. By leveraging our massive network of 75+ auto finance partners, we aggressively shop around to secure the lowest possible interest rates and competitive terms for your specific credit profile.
What is the best first car for a new driver?
The best first car is a safe, fuel-efficient, and affordable vehicle with a low cost of ownership, such as a compact sedan or a reliable crossover. Because buying your first vehicle can feel overwhelming, Own A Car features dedicated first-time buyer programs designed to help new drivers build credit. We have dozens of reliable options in stock, and our helpful sales team will guide you through matching your daily commuting needs with a budget-friendly price tag.
How do I know if a used car is reliable?
You can know a used car is reliable by reviewing its vehicle history report and ensuring it has undergone a professional mechanical inspection. At Own A Car, we take the risk out of buying a pre-owned vehicle. Every single car, truck, and SUV on our lot must pass a strict multi-point inspection and comprehensive safety check before being listed for sale. We take immense pride in our inventory, ensuring that your vehicle is mechanically sound, safe, and completely road-ready the moment you drive it home.
