What Clement Auto Group is and where to find them
Clement Auto Group is a network of used car dealerships operating across multiple states. They buy, sell, and finance used vehicles through physical locations and online channels. If you are looking at a Clement Auto Group dealership, you are dealing with a private car retailer, not a manufacturer or a government program.
Clement Auto Group operates under different regional names and banners depending on location. The group owns and operates multiple dealership brands across the country. To find a specific location near you, search for "Clement Auto Group" plus your state or city, or visit their main website to locate the nearest dealership.
The group handles the full transaction cycle: vehicle acquisition, reconditioning, pricing, sales, and in-house financing for buyers who need it. Understanding how each piece works will help you move through the buying process with fewer surprises.
Key Takeaways
- Clement Auto Group is a private used car dealership network, not a government or nonprofit organization, and operates for profit like any other car retailer.
- They offer in-house financing, meaning they lend directly to buyers rather than requiring you to bring pre-approved financing from a bank or credit union.
- Vehicle pricing, warranty terms, and financing rates vary by location and individual vehicle, so comparing their offers to other dealerships is a normal part of the process.
- Before signing any paperwork, review the full contract including the warranty period, return policy, and all fees added to the purchase price.
How in-house financing works at Clement Auto Group
In-house financing means Clement Auto Group lends you the money to buy the car directly, rather than referring you to a bank. This can be faster than traditional financing because the dealership approves the loan on-site without waiting for a third-party lender. However, the interest rate and terms depend on your credit history, income, and the dealership's lending criteria.
When you finance through Clement Auto Group, you make monthly payments to them, not to a separate bank. The dealership holds the title until the loan is paid off. If you miss payments, they can repossess the vehicle just as a bank would. Before you sign, ask for the full loan agreement in writing so you can see the total amount financed, the interest rate, the number of payments, and the monthly payment amount.
Some buyers prefer in-house financing because approval can happen faster and credit requirements may be less strict than traditional lenders. Others prefer to bring their own financing from a bank or credit union because they can compare rates across multiple lenders. You are not required to finance through Clement Auto Group if you have other options available.
What to check before you buy from Clement Auto Group
Before you hand over money or sign anything, inspect the vehicle in person if possible. Check the odometer reading, look for signs of accident damage or rust, test the brakes and steering, and listen for unusual engine sounds. If you are buying online or from a distance, ask for detailed photos and a vehicle history report (such as a Carfax or AutoCheck report) that shows previous owners, accident history, and service records.
Request the vehicle's history report from the dealership. This document shows whether the car has been in accidents, had title issues, or been flooded or salvaged. A clean history does not may provide the car is problem-free, but a report with red flags should make you cautious. Ask the dealership directly about any accidents or damage shown in the report.
Review the warranty terms in writing. Clement Auto Group may offer a limited warranty on some vehicles, but the coverage period and what is included vary. Some vehicles are sold as-is with no warranty. Understand exactly what is covered, for how long, and what you have to pay if something breaks. A warranty that covers the engine and transmission for 30 days is very different from one that covers only the battery for 7 days.
Understanding the total cost and hidden fees
The sticker price on the car is not the final amount you will pay. Dealerships add fees for documentation, title transfer, registration, dealer preparation, and sometimes extended warranties or service packages. Ask the dealership for an itemized list of all fees before you commit. Some fees are required by law (like title and registration), but others are optional add-ons you can decline.
Common add-on fees include gap insurance (which covers the difference between what you owe and what the car is worth if it is totaled), extended warranties, paint protection, and fabric protection. These are optional. You do not have to buy them, and saying no will lower your total cost. If the dealership pressures you to buy add-ons, you can walk away and shop elsewhere.
Ask for the full contract before you sign. The contract should show the vehicle price, all fees, the down payment, the amount financed, the interest rate, the number of payments, and the monthly payment. If any number surprises you or does not match what you were told verbally, ask for an explanation in writing before you sign.
Return policies and what happens if you change your mind
Clement Auto Group's return policy varies by location and state law. Some dealerships offer a short window (often 3 to 7 days) to return the vehicle if you change your mind, but this is not may provide at every location. Some states have "cooling-off" laws that give you a set period to cancel a car purchase, while others do not. Check your state's consumer protection laws and ask the dealership directly what their return policy is before you buy.
If you do return a vehicle, the dealership may deduct a restocking fee or charge you for mileage driven. Read the return policy in your contract to see what deductions explore. If the dealership has no written return policy, ask them to put one in writing before you sign the purchase agreement.
If you discover a major problem with the vehicle after purchase and the warranty does not cover it, your options depend on your state's lemon laws and the dealership's willingness to negotiate. Document any problems with photos and service records, and contact the dealership in writing to report the issue. Some dealerships will repair or replace a vehicle with a serious defect even if the warranty has expired, but this is not required by law in most states.
Comparing Clement Auto Group to other dealerships
Clement Auto Group is one option among many used car retailers. Before you buy, compare the same vehicle (or similar models with similar mileage and condition) at other dealerships in your area. Check the price, warranty terms, fees, and financing rates. A lower sticker price at one dealership might be offset by higher fees or a worse warranty at another.
You can also research the dealership's reputation through online reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Read both positive and negative reviews to get a sense of common complaints. Common issues at used car dealerships include hidden damage not disclosed before purchase, unexpected fees added at signing, and difficulty getting warranty service. If you see a pattern of complaints, that is worth considering.
Do not feel pressured to buy on the same day you visit. Take time to think, compare other options, and review the contract carefully. If the dealership uses high-pressure sales tactics or refuses to give you time to review the paperwork, that is a sign to shop elsewhere.
What to do if you have a problem after purchase
If the vehicle breaks down or you discover a defect after you drive it off the lot, your first step is to contact the dealership and explain the problem. Bring the vehicle back for inspection if the warranty covers it. If the dealership denies the warranty claim, ask for the reason in writing.
If you believe the dealership sold you a vehicle with a known defect that they did not disclose, or if they misrepresented the vehicle's condition, you may have a consumer protection claim. Document everything: take photos of the damage, keep all repair receipts, save all emails and text messages with the dealership, and write down dates and times of conversations. Contact your state's attorney general's office or consumer protection agency to file a complaint.
Some states have used car "lemon laws" that give you the right to a refund or replacement if the vehicle has a serious defect within a certain time period. These laws vary widely by state. Research your state's lemon law or contact a consumer protection attorney if you believe you have a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a trade-in to buy from Clement Auto Group?
No. You can buy a vehicle from Clement Auto Group without trading in a car. If you do have a trade-in, the dealership will appraise it and explore the value toward your purchase. Trade-in values vary, so you can also sell your old car privately or to another dealership if you want to compare offers.
What credit score do I need to finance through Clement Auto Group?
Clement Auto Group does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. In-house financing may be available to buyers with lower credit scores than traditional lenders require, but the interest rate will be higher. Ask the dealership what credit range they typically finance and what interest rate you would receive based on your credit history.
Can I negotiate the price at Clement Auto Group?
Yes. The sticker price is a starting point, not a final offer. You can negotiate the vehicle price, the fees, and the financing terms. If the dealership will not budge on price, ask them to reduce or remove optional fees instead. Always get any negotiated changes in writing before you sign the final contract.
What if the vehicle has a lien on it when I try to sell it later?
When you finance through Clement Auto Group, they hold the title and have a lien on the vehicle until you pay off the loan. Once you make the final payment, they will release the lien and send you the clear title. You cannot sell the vehicle to someone else until the lien is removed. Keep track of your loan balance and payoff date so you know when you will own the car free and clear.
Is there a warranty on every vehicle at Clement Auto Group?
No. Some vehicles come with a limited warranty, but others are sold as-is with no warranty at all. The warranty terms depend on the vehicle's age, mileage, and condition. Ask the dealership what warranty, if any, comes with the specific vehicle you are interested in before you buy.