Empire Auto Group is a used-car dealership chain, not a loan program or government service
Empire Auto Group operates physical car dealerships across multiple states, primarily in the South and Midwest. The company buys, sells, and finances used vehicles directly to consumers. If you are looking at Empire Auto Group, you are considering buying a car from them, possibly with financing they arrange — not accessing a government program or financial information.
The dealership is known for offering in-house financing, meaning they lend you money to buy the car rather than requiring you to find a loan from a bank first. This can make buying easier if you have limited credit history or a lower credit score, but it also means the terms, interest rates, and fees come directly from Empire Auto Group's lending decisions, not from a traditional lender.
Key Takeaways
- Empire Auto Group is a for-profit used-car dealership that sells vehicles and finances purchases through their own lending arm.
- In-house financing means the dealership itself lends you money, which can be faster than bank financing but often carries higher interest rates.
- The dealership operates in multiple states, so terms, inventory, and policies vary by location.
- Before buying from any dealership, compare the total cost of the vehicle and loan against other dealerships and traditional lenders.
- Read the full purchase agreement and loan terms before signing, and understand what happens if you miss a payment.
How in-house financing works at a dealership
When a dealership offers in-house financing, they are acting as both the seller and the lender. You walk in, pick a car, and the dealership's finance department approves you for a loan on the spot — often the same day. The dealership then owns the loan, meaning they collect your monthly payments and can repossess the car if you stop paying.
In-house financing moves faster than traditional bank loans because there is no separate process process with another institution. However, the interest rate and terms depend entirely on what the dealership decides to charge you. Dealerships that specialize in in-house financing often serve people with poor credit or no credit history, and they price their loans accordingly — meaning higher interest rates are common.
The total cost of the car includes the purchase price, the interest you pay over the loan term, and any fees the dealership adds (documentation fees, processing fees, extended warranties). A car that seems affordable at first glance can become expensive once you factor in a high interest rate over 60 or 72 months.
What to check before you buy
Before signing any paperwork, get the vehicle history report using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Services like Carfax or AutoCheck show whether the car has been in accidents, had title problems, or had major repairs. A dealership is required to disclose known problems, but the report protects you by showing what they may not mention.
Have a mechanic you trust inspect the car before you commit. Many dealerships allow a short inspection period; use it. A $100 inspection can save you thousands if the car has hidden transmission or engine problems.
Compare the loan terms Empire Auto Group offers against what you could get from a bank or credit union. Even if you have poor credit, some banks and credit unions offer rates lower than dealership financing. Get pre-approved elsewhere so you know what rate you may have access to for, then compare it to what the dealership offers.
Read the purchase agreement word for word. Understand the interest rate, the loan term (how many months you will pay), the monthly payment amount, what fees are included, and what happens if you miss a payment or want to pay off the loan early. Some loans charge penalties for early payoff.
Repossession and what happens if you miss payments
When a dealership finances the car, they hold the title until you pay off the loan. If you miss payments, they can repossess the vehicle — meaning they send someone to take the car back. Repossession can happen after one or two missed payments, depending on the loan contract.
Once the car is repossessed, the dealership sells it again (often at auction for less than you owe). You are then responsible for the difference between what they sell it for and what you still owe on the loan. This is called a deficiency, and you can be sued for it.
If you are struggling to make payments, contact the dealership when ready. Some will work out a payment plan or modify the loan. Waiting until you miss a payment makes negotiation much harder.
Comparing Empire Auto Group to other buying options
Buying from a private seller usually means no financing available, but you avoid dealership markups and fees. You also have less recourse if something goes wrong with the car after purchase.
Buying from a traditional car dealership (Ford, Toyota, Honda) means access to certified pre-owned programs, manufacturer warranties, and often better financing rates through their lender partners. These dealerships typically have higher prices but more consumer protections.
Using a bank or credit union loan to buy from any dealership gives you more negotiating power. You can walk away if the dealership's price is too high, because you are not dependent on their financing approval.
Understanding the total cost of ownership
The monthly payment is only part of what a car costs. Budget for insurance, registration, maintenance, and repairs. Used cars from any source can have unexpected problems, so set aside money for repairs.
Calculate the total amount you will pay over the life of the loan by multiplying your monthly payment by the number of months. A $300 monthly payment over 60 months costs $18,000 total — that is the price of the car plus interest. If the car itself costs $10,000, you are paying $8,000 in interest alone.
Factor in how long you plan to keep the car. If you trade it in or sell it before the loan is paid off, you may owe more than the car is worth (being "upside down" on the loan). This is common with high-interest dealership financing.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious if a dealership pressures you to sign quickly, uses high-pressure sales tactics, or discourages you from having the car inspected. Legitimate dealerships want you to feel confident in your purchase.
Avoid agreeing to terms you do not understand. If a finance manager uses jargon or rushes through the paperwork, ask them to explain it again in plain language. Do not sign until you understand every line.
Watch for add-ons you did not ask for — extended warranties, gap insurance, paint protection — that appear on your bill. These are often profitable for the dealership and may not be worth the cost. You can usually decline them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a car to Empire Auto Group if I change my mind?
Return policies vary by location and are set by the individual dealership. Some offer a short window (24 to 72 hours) to return a car; others do not. Check the purchase agreement for the specific dealership's policy before you sign. Once you have signed and driven the car, returning it is difficult.
What if the car breaks down a week after I buy it?
Used cars are typically sold "as-is," meaning the dealership is not responsible for repairs after the sale. However, some dealerships offer short warranties (30 to 90 days) on certain vehicles. Check your paperwork to see if a warranty was included. If not, repairs are your responsibility.
How do I know if the interest rate I am offered is fair?
Compare it to rates from banks, credit unions, and other lenders. Your credit score, income, and the age of the car all affect the rate. If you have fair credit, rates between 8 and 15 percent are common; poor credit may see 15 to 25 percent or higher. Get pre-approved elsewhere to know your baseline.
What does "as-is" mean on a used car?
It means the car is sold in its current condition, and the dealership makes no promises about its mechanical state. You are responsible for any repairs needed after purchase. This is why a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is critical.
Can I pay off the loan early without a penalty?
Some loans allow early payoff with no penalty; others charge a prepayment penalty. Check your loan agreement before signing. If early payoff is important to you, ask the finance manager whether the loan allows it penalty-free.