Drive N Motion Greeley is a buy-here-pay-here dealership, not a traditional car lot
Drive N Motion is a buy-here-pay-here (BHPH) dealership located in Greeley, Colorado. This means the dealership finances the vehicles it sells directly to customers, rather than referring buyers to a bank or credit union. You make weekly or bi-weekly payments back to Drive N Motion itself, not to a separate lender. The dealership holds the title until the loan is paid off.
BHPH dealerships operate differently from franchise dealerships or independent used-car lots. Because Drive N Motion carries the lending risk, it typically works with buyers who have poor credit, no credit history, or recent financial problems. The trade-off is that interest rates are higher than traditional auto loans, and the dealership may install a GPS tracker or starter interrupt device on the vehicle to monitor payments and location.
Understanding how this model works — and what obligations you take on — matters before you walk onto the lot. The vehicle is not truly yours until the final payment clears, and missed payments can result in repossession without the same legal notice period required for traditional lenders in many states.
Key Takeaways
- Drive N Motion finances vehicles directly, so you pay the dealership weekly or bi-weekly rather than a bank, and the dealership keeps the title until the loan is paid in full.
- Interest rates at BHPH dealerships are significantly higher than traditional auto loans because the dealership absorbs the lending risk.
- The dealership may install a GPS tracker or starter interrupt device that disables the engine if a payment is missed, which is legal in Colorado under a signed agreement.
- Repossession can happen faster and with less notice than it would from a traditional lender, so payment consistency is critical.
- Vehicle prices at BHPH lots are typically higher than comparable cars at traditional used-car dealerships because the financing cost is built into the sale price.
How the payment structure and loan terms work
When you buy from Drive N Motion, you negotiate a price for the vehicle, then agree on a payment schedule. Most BHPH dealerships, including Drive N Motion, collect payments weekly or bi-weekly rather than monthly. Weekly payments are smaller in dollar amount but require more frequent trips to the dealership or more frequent online or phone payments.
The total amount you pay over the life of the loan includes the vehicle price plus interest and fees. Interest rates at BHPH dealerships typically range from 18% to 29% annually, though the exact rate depends on your down payment, the vehicle's price, and the dealership's assessment of your risk. A larger down payment reduces the amount financed and can lower the total interest you pay.
You will receive a promissory note or retail installment contract that spells out the payment amount, payment frequency, the total price, the interest rate, and any fees (such as documentation fees or GPS device fees). Read this document carefully before signing. It is a binding contract, and the terms are not negotiable once you have signed.
What happens if you miss a payment
Missing a payment at a BHPH dealership has faster and more severe consequences than missing a payment to a traditional lender. Drive N Motion can repossess the vehicle without a court order and without providing the same notice period that banks must provide under federal law. Colorado law allows BHPH dealerships to repossess vehicles as soon as a payment is late, though most dealerships wait a few days and attempt to contact you first.
If the dealership has installed a starter interrupt device (sometimes called a "kill switch"), it may disable the engine remotely after a missed payment. This prevents you from driving the vehicle but also prevents the dealership from having to physically tow it. You can restore the device by making the payment, usually by phone or in person at the dealership.
If the vehicle is repossessed, you may owe the difference between what the dealership sells it for and what you still owe on the loan. This is called a deficiency judgment. You could be sued for this amount. Additionally, repossession damages your credit report and makes it harder to borrow money in the future.
GPS trackers and starter interrupt devices
Many BHPH dealerships, including those operating in Greeley, install GPS trackers and starter interrupt devices on vehicles as a condition of the sale. These devices allow the dealership to monitor the vehicle's location and disable it remotely if a payment is missed. Colorado law permits this practice if you sign a written agreement authorizing it.
The GPS tracker lets the dealership locate the vehicle if it is repossessed or if you stop making payments and try to hide the car. The starter interrupt device prevents the engine from starting if a payment is overdue. Some devices give you a grace period (for example, 24 hours after the payment due date) before disabling the vehicle.
You have the right to know whether a device is installed and how it works before you sign the contract. Ask Drive N Motion directly about their device policy, what triggers the interrupt, and whether there is a grace period. If you do not want a device installed, you may be able to negotiate this as part of the purchase, though it may result in a higher interest rate or a requirement for a larger down payment.
Down payment, fees, and the true cost of the vehicle
BHPH dealerships typically require a down payment of 10% to 30% of the vehicle's price. This reduces the amount you finance and signals to the dealership that you have some financial commitment to the purchase. A larger down payment also reduces the total interest you will pay over the life of the loan.
In addition to the vehicle price and interest, you may owe documentation fees, GPS device fees, title transfer fees, and registration fees. Some dealerships charge a weekly or monthly fee for the GPS device itself. These fees are usually disclosed in the retail installment contract, but you should ask about them before you sign. A $500 vehicle with a $100 down payment, 24% interest, and $50 in fees becomes significantly more expensive than the sticker price suggests.
The total amount you pay depends on how long you take to pay off the loan. If you pay weekly for two years, you will pay more in interest than if you pay it off in one year. Paying faster reduces the total cost, so if you have the ability to make extra payments or larger payments, ask Drive N Motion whether they allow it without penalty.
Title transfer and ownership
Drive N Motion holds the title to the vehicle until you have paid off the entire loan. This means you do not own the car legally, even though you possess it and can drive it. The dealership's name appears on the Colorado title as the lienholder or owner.
Once you make the final payment, the dealership will sign the title over to you and provide the necessary paperwork to transfer it into your name at the Colorado Department of Revenue. This process usually takes a few days to a week. Until the title is in your name, you cannot sell the vehicle, trade it in, or use it as collateral for another loan.
If the vehicle is repossessed before the loan is paid off, the dealership retains the title and can sell the car to another buyer. You lose both the vehicle and the money you have already paid toward it.
How Drive N Motion compares to traditional auto loans
A traditional auto loan from a bank or credit union typically has an interest rate between 4% and 12%, depending on your credit score and the loan term. You make monthly payments, and the lender must follow federal repossession rules, which include providing notice and an opportunity to catch up on payments before taking the vehicle.
A BHPH loan from Drive N Motion has a higher interest rate (18% to 29%), requires more frequent payments (weekly or bi-weekly instead of monthly), and allows faster repossession with less notice. However, BHPH dealerships work with buyers who cannot get approved for traditional loans. If you have poor credit or no credit history, a traditional lender may not offer you a loan at any rate.
The trade-off is that you pay more for the vehicle and assume more risk if you miss a payment. Before choosing a BHPH dealership, explore whether you can get a traditional auto loan from a credit union or online lender. Some credit unions offer loans to members with poor credit at lower rates than BHPH dealerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay off my Drive N Motion loan early without a penalty?
Most BHPH dealerships do not charge prepayment penalties, but you should confirm this in your contract before you sign. If your contract allows early payoff, paying extra or making larger payments can save you money on interest. Call the dealership or review your paperwork to confirm their policy.
What if the vehicle breaks down and I cannot afford to fix it?
You are responsible for all repairs and maintenance once you take possession of the vehicle. If the car breaks down and you cannot pay for repairs, you still owe the loan payment to Drive N Motion. The dealership is not obligated to fix the vehicle or reduce your payments. Some BHPH dealerships offer extended warranties for an additional fee, which may cover certain repairs.
Can Drive N Motion repossess my car if I am only one day late on a payment?
Legally, yes — Colorado law allows BHPH dealerships to repossess vehicles as soon as a payment is late. However, most dealerships wait a few days and attempt to contact you first. If you know you will be late, call Drive N Motion when ready to explain the situation and ask about a grace period or payment arrangement.
What happens to my down payment if the vehicle is repossessed?
Your down payment is not returned if the vehicle is repossessed. It is treated as part of the purchase price. If the dealership sells the repossessed vehicle for less than you still owe, you may be responsible for the difference through a deficiency judgment.
Is the GPS tracker always on, and can I remove it?
Yes, the GPS tracker is typically always on while the vehicle is in your possession. Removing it without permission is a breach of your contract and can result in when ready repossession. If you have concerns about privacy or the device's function, discuss them with Drive N Motion before you sign the purchase agreement.