Excalibur Auto Group is a used car dealership in Kennewick, Washington

Excalibur Auto Group operates as an independent used vehicle dealership in the Kennewick area. Like any dealership, it buys, sells, and finances vehicles — mostly used cars, trucks, and SUVs. The dealership handles its own financing through in-house lending, meaning you can complete both the purchase and loan process at their location rather than going to a separate bank.

Before you visit or contact them, it helps to understand how dealership purchases work, what paperwork you'll need, and what questions to ask so you don't overpay or end up with a vehicle that has hidden problems.

Key Takeaways

  • Excalibur Auto Group finances vehicles in-house, so you can get approved for a loan and buy a car in one visit, though this often means higher interest rates than a bank would offer.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of residence (utility bill or lease) to explore for financing.
  • Used car purchases carry risk — ask for a vehicle history report, have a mechanic inspect any car before you buy, and understand the dealership's return or warranty policy in writing.
  • Dealership interest rates are negotiable; comparing rates from a bank or credit union before you visit gives you leverage to push back on their offer.
  • Read every document before signing, especially the loan agreement and any add-on warranties or service contracts, because you are legally bound to what you sign.

What documents you need to bring to finance a vehicle

Dealership financing requires proof of three things: who you are, that you have income, and where you live. Bring a valid driver's license or state ID for identity. For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last two months) or a copy of your most recent tax return if you're self-employed. For residence, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you're financing with a co-signer, that person needs to bring the same documents. If you've had recent credit problems, bring documentation of what happened — a letter explaining a late payment, proof that you've paid off a collection account, or evidence of a job loss that caused missed payments. Dealerships use this context when deciding whether to approve you and what interest rate to offer.

How in-house financing works and why it costs more

In-house financing means Excalibur Auto Group lends you the money directly instead of referring you to a bank. The advantage is speed — you can drive off the lot the same day. The disadvantage is cost: dealership interest rates are typically 2 to 8 percentage points higher than what a bank or credit union would charge, depending on your credit score and the loan term.

Before you visit, check your credit score and get a rate quote from at least one bank or credit union. When the dealership makes you an offer, you can say, "I was quoted 6% at my bank — can you match that?" Many dealerships will negotiate, especially if you're a strong buyer. Even a 1 or 2 percentage point difference saves hundreds of dollars over the life of a loan.

What to check before you buy any used car

Used cars come with no may provide that they'll run well or that they haven't been in an accident. Before you hand over money, ask the dealership for a vehicle history report — this is a document that shows accidents, title problems, and service records. The two main services are Carfax and AutoCheck; either one is better than nothing, though neither catches everything.

Next, have a mechanic you trust inspect the car before you buy it. This costs $100 to $200 and takes an hour, but it can save you thousands if the car has engine problems, transmission issues, or rust damage that isn't visible. Many dealerships will let you take the car to a mechanic before you commit; if they refuse, that's a red flag.

Ask the dealership in writing what warranty or return policy they offer. Some offer 30-day powertrain warranties; others offer nothing. Get the exact terms in writing before you sign the purchase agreement, because verbal promises don't hold up if something goes wrong.

Understanding the loan agreement and add-on products

The loan agreement is the contract that binds you to repay the money. Read it carefully before signing. Check that the loan amount, interest rate, monthly payment, and loan term (usually 36 to 72 months) match what you agreed to verbally. If anything is different, ask the dealership to explain it or correct it before you sign.

Dealerships often try to sell add-on products at the time of purchase: extended warranties, gap insurance, paint protection, fabric protection, or service contracts. These are optional and often overpriced. Gap insurance (which covers the difference between what you owe and what the car is worth if it's totaled) can be worth buying if you're putting down less than 20 percent, but the others are usually not. Ask for the price of each product in writing, take it home, and decide later — don't let the dealership pressure you to buy them on the spot.

What happens after you sign the paperwork

Once you've signed the loan agreement and purchase contract, the dealership will handle the title transfer and registration with the Washington State Department of Licensing. This usually takes one to two weeks. You'll receive the title in the mail once the process is complete. Until then, you'll have a temporary registration document that lets you drive the car legally.

Your first loan payment is typically due 30 days after you sign. Set up automatic payments through your bank if possible — this ensures you never miss a payment and protects your credit score. If you have questions about your loan after you leave the dealership, contact Excalibur Auto Group's finance office directly; they can explain your payment schedule and answer questions about early payoff options.

Red flags that mean you should walk away

Some dealership practices are warning signs that you're being treated unfairly. If the dealership refuses to let you inspect the car with a mechanic, won't provide a vehicle history report, or pressures you to sign documents without reading them, leave. If the interest rate they quote is dramatically higher than what you were told verbally, ask for an explanation in writing — if they can't provide one, don't sign.

If the dealership claims the car has no accidents but the vehicle history report shows otherwise, that's a lie. If they tell you that you can't return the car or that there's no warranty, but the paperwork you're about to sign says something different, point it out and get the correct terms in writing. Your signature on a contract is a legal commitment, so make sure you understand every term before you sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get financing from Excalibur Auto Group if I have bad credit?

Yes, many dealerships with in-house financing work with buyers who have poor credit scores or limited credit history. You'll likely pay a higher interest rate, and you may need a larger down payment or a co-signer. Bring documentation of any recent credit problems and proof that you've recovered (paid off collections, made payments on time for several months). The dealership will decide based on their own lending criteria.

What's the difference between a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection?

A vehicle history report is a document that shows accidents, title issues, and service records — it's based on data reported to insurance companies and repair shops. A pre-purchase inspection is a hands-on check by a mechanic who looks at the engine, transmission, brakes, and frame for damage or wear. You need both: the report catches accidents and title problems, and the inspection catches mechanical issues the report won't show.

Can I pay off my loan early without a penalty?

Most dealership loans allow early payoff without penalty, but some don't. Check your loan agreement for a "prepayment penalty" clause. If there is one, it will say how much you owe if you pay off the loan early. If there's no clause, you can pay extra toward principal any time without penalty. Call the dealership's finance office to confirm before you make extra payments.

What should I do if something breaks on the car right after I buy it?

Check your purchase agreement for the warranty terms. If the dealership offered a 30-day powertrain warranty, you can bring the car back and they'll repair it at no cost during that period. If there's no warranty, you're responsible for repairs. This is why the pre-purchase inspection is so important — it catches problems before you buy, when you still have leverage to negotiate the price down or walk away.

How long does the financing process take at the dealership?

If you bring all required documents and have straightforward credit, the approval process usually takes 30 minutes to two hours. The dealership will run a credit check, verify your income and residence, and make a lending decision. Once approved, you'll sign paperwork, which takes another 30 to 60 minutes. The entire visit can take two to four hours, so plan accordingly.