Fields Auto Group is a car dealership chain, not a financing or information program

Fields Auto Group is a network of used car dealerships operating in multiple states. If you arrived here looking for financial help, rental information, or a government benefit program, this is not that. Fields Auto Group sells vehicles — it does not distribute public funds or run information programs.

If you are researching Fields Auto Group because you are thinking about buying a car there, or because you saw an advertisement and want to understand what the company does, the information below covers how the dealership operates and what to watch for when buying from any used car dealer.

Key Takeaways

  • Fields Auto Group is a chain of used car dealerships with locations in multiple states, not a government program or financial information service.
  • The dealership offers in-house financing, meaning they lend you money directly to buy a car rather than requiring you to get a loan from a bank first.
  • In-house financing often comes with higher interest rates and stricter terms than traditional bank loans, so comparing offers matters.
  • Used car purchases carry risks — get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic before you commit to buying.
  • If you need help paying for a car or transportation costs due to financial hardship, look into local nonprofits, community action agencies, or your state's transportation information programs instead.

What in-house financing means and why it matters

Fields Auto Group advertises that it finances cars "in-house," which means the dealership itself lends you the money to buy the vehicle. You do not go to a bank or credit union first. Instead, you work out a loan directly with the dealership.

In-house financing can be useful if you have limited credit history, a low credit score, or no established relationship with a bank. However, it typically comes with a higher interest rate than you would get from a traditional lender. The dealership is taking on more risk by lending to people banks might turn down, so it charges more to cover that risk.

Before you agree to any loan terms, ask the dealership for the annual percentage rate (APR) in writing. Compare that rate to what you could get from a credit union or bank, even if you think you would be turned down — you may be surprised. A difference of even 2 or 3 percentage points adds thousands of dollars to what you pay over the life of the loan.

How to protect yourself when buying a used car

Used cars come with uncertainty. You do not know the full history of how the car was driven, maintained, or repaired. A dealership inspection is not the same as an independent inspection — the dealership has a financial interest in selling you the car.

Before you commit to buying, hire an independent mechanic to inspect the vehicle. This costs $100 to $200 but can save you thousands by catching hidden problems. The mechanic will check the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and other critical systems. Ask for a written report.

Also request the vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck). This shows whether the car has been in accidents, had title problems, or been flooded. It is not a complete picture — not all accidents are reported — but it fills in gaps.

Interest rates, loan terms, and what to negotiate

When you are offered financing, the dealership will quote you a monthly payment, a loan term (usually 48, 60, or 72 months), and an interest rate. Do not accept the first offer. Ask what rate you would get with a larger down payment, or what the rate would be for a shorter loan term.

A longer loan term (72 months instead of 60) lowers your monthly payment but means you pay more interest overall. A shorter term costs more per month but saves you money in the long run. Write down both numbers so you can see the full cost.

Ask whether there are prepayment penalties — fees charged if you pay off the loan early. Some dealerships include these; others do not. If you think you might pay the loan off ahead of schedule, you want to know this upfront.

Red flags and common dealership practices

Some dealerships use high-pressure sales tactics. You might be told the deal is only good today, or that another buyer is interested in the same car. These claims are often not true. Take your time, walk away if you feel pressured, and come back another day if you need to think it over.

Watch out for add-ons you did not ask for — extended warranties, paint protection, fabric protection, gap insurance. These are often marked up heavily and may not be worth the cost. Ask what each one covers and whether you can buy it elsewhere cheaper.

If the dealership says it will "get you approved" or "work with your credit," understand that this usually means a higher interest rate or a requirement to have a co-signer. There is no magic approval process — the dealership is straightforward deciding whether to take the risk of lending to you at a certain rate.

What to do if you need help paying for transportation

If you are looking for financial help to buy a car or pay for transportation because of hardship, Fields Auto Group is not the answer. Instead, look into programs actually designed to help:

  • Community action agencies in your area sometimes offer car repair information or transportation vouchers for people with low income.
  • Local nonprofits focused on job training or workforce development may help with transportation to work.
  • Your state's department of transportation or social services may run programs for people who need reliable transportation for work or medical appointments.
  • 211.org can connect you to local resources by phone or online search.
  • Public transportation subsidies in your city or county may reduce the cost of bus or train passes if you meet income requirements.

These routes do not involve buying a car on credit with a high interest rate. They address the actual problem — getting you reliable transportation without debt.

Questions to ask before you sign anything

Before you sign a loan agreement or purchase contract, make sure you understand every line. Ask the dealership to explain anything you do not recognize. Here are the key questions:

  • What is the total amount I am borrowing, and what is the total amount I will pay back including interest?
  • What is the annual percentage rate (APR), and is it fixed or variable?
  • Are there any fees — documentation fees, dealer fees, registration fees — and are they included in the loan amount or due upfront?
  • What happens if I miss a payment, and what are the late fees?
  • Can I pay off the loan early without penalty?
  • What warranty comes with the car, and what does it cover?
  • What is the return or cancellation policy if something is wrong with the car?

Do not sign until you have answers to all of these. If the dealership will not answer clearly, that is a warning sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fields Auto Group a scam?

Fields Auto Group is a legitimate dealership chain, not a scam. However, like any used car dealership, it is a for-profit business. The dealership's goal is to sell you a car and make money on the financing. That does not make it dishonest, but it means you should shop carefully, get an independent inspection, and compare loan terms before you buy.

Can I return a car if something breaks after I buy it?

Return policies vary by dealership and by state. Some dealerships offer a short return window (3 to 7 days); others do not. Ask about the return policy in writing before you buy. Once you sign the contract, you are usually stuck with the car unless there is a major hidden defect and your state's lemon law covers used cars — which most states do not.

What if I cannot afford the monthly payment after I buy the car?

Contact the dealership or lender when ready. Missing payments damages your credit and can lead to repossession. Some lenders will work with you to restructure the loan or lower the payment, but you have to ask before you fall behind. If you are in financial hardship, a nonprofit credit counselor can help you understand your options.

Should I buy an extended warranty from the dealership?

Extended warranties are expensive and often not worth the cost. Before you buy one, ask what it covers, how long it lasts, and whether you can take the car to any mechanic or only to the dealership. You can often buy a cheaper warranty from a third party after you buy the car, so do not feel pressured to buy it on the spot.

What is gap insurance and do I need it?

Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe on the car and what it is worth if the car is totaled in an accident. It is most useful if you are putting down less than 20 percent. However, gap insurance from a dealership is often marked up. Ask your car insurance company whether they offer it cheaper before you buy it from the dealership.