Five Star Auto Group is a used car dealership chain with locations across multiple states
Five Star Auto Group operates as a network of used vehicle dealerships, primarily in the Southeast and Midwest. The company buys, reconditions, and sells pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs to individual buyers. Unlike a manufacturer or a single dealership, Five Star runs multiple locations under the same brand, which means inventory, pricing, and policies can vary by store.
If you are considering buying from Five Star or want to understand how the dealership operates, this guide covers what the company does, how their sales process typically works, and what you should know before visiting one of their lots.
Key Takeaways
- Five Star Auto Group is a multi-location used car dealership, not a manufacturer or online-only retailer.
- Each Five Star location maintains its own inventory, pricing, and financing options, so the same vehicle model may cost different amounts at different stores.
- The dealership offers in-house financing through their own credit department, which can approve buyers with lower credit scores than traditional banks.
- Used vehicles sold by Five Star typically come with a warranty period, though coverage length and terms vary by vehicle age and price.
- You can visit a physical lot to inspect vehicles in person, test drive, and negotiate directly with sales staff.
How Five Star's dealership locations are organized
Five Star Auto Group operates individual dealership locations in different cities and states. Each store functions as its own business unit, meaning the manager, sales team, and inventory at one location are separate from another. This structure matters because it affects what vehicles are available to you, what price you might see, and what financing terms the local store can offer.
When you visit a Five Star lot, you are working with that specific location's staff and inventory. If you do not find what you want at one store, you can ask whether another Five Star location has the vehicle, though transferring inventory between stores is not always quick or may provide. The company's website typically shows which vehicles are in stock at which locations.
The vehicle buying process at Five Star
The process of buying a used car from Five Star follows the standard dealership model: you browse inventory on the lot or online, select a vehicle, test drive it, negotiate the price, and then handle paperwork and financing. Sales staff will show you the vehicle's condition, mileage, service history (if available), and any known issues. You can ask for a pre-purchase inspection or have a mechanic of your choice inspect the car before you commit.
Once you agree on a price, you move to the finance office, where staff will discuss payment options. Five Star offers both traditional financing (through banks or credit unions) and in-house financing through their own credit department. The finance office will also present add-ons like extended warranties, gap insurance, and service packages. You are not required to purchase these, and you can decline any offer.
The entire process typically takes several hours from start to finish, depending on how long negotiations take and how busy the dealership is that day.
In-house financing and credit approval at Five Star
Five Star's in-house financing department is one of the dealership's main selling points for buyers with lower credit scores or limited credit history. Rather than requiring you to find a loan from a bank before buying, Five Star can finance the purchase directly. This means the dealership itself becomes your lender, and you make monthly payments to Five Star instead of to a bank.
In-house financing typically comes with higher interest rates than traditional bank loans, especially for buyers with poor credit. The exact rate depends on your credit score, income, down payment amount, and the vehicle's price and age. Five Star's finance team will present you with a rate and monthly payment before you sign anything, giving you a chance to accept, negotiate, or explore other options.
One advantage of in-house financing is that approval is often faster and more flexible than a bank loan. A disadvantage is that if you miss payments, the dealership can repossess the vehicle more quickly than a traditional lender might, since the dealership owns the car until the loan is paid off.
Warranties and vehicle condition at Five Star
Used vehicles sold by Five Star typically come with a warranty, though the length and coverage depend on the vehicle's age, mileage, and price. Newer used cars (often one to three years old) may come with longer warranties, while older vehicles may have shorter coverage or be sold as-is. The dealership should clearly state the warranty terms before you buy.
Five Star reconditions vehicles before selling them, meaning staff inspect, clean, and repair obvious mechanical and cosmetic issues. However, "reconditioned" does not mean the car is in perfect condition or has no hidden problems. You should still have an independent mechanic inspect any used car before purchase, especially if you are buying an older vehicle or one with higher mileage.
If a vehicle develops a problem during the warranty period, you can return to the dealership to have it repaired under warranty. The warranty typically covers mechanical failures but may exclude wear items like brakes, tires, and batteries, or damage from accidents or misuse.
What to bring and how to prepare for a Five Star visit
Before visiting a Five Star location, bring a valid driver's license (required for test drives), proof of insurance, and any trade-in documents if you plan to trade in a vehicle. Have your Social Security number available if you plan to explore for financing that day, though you can also complete financing later.
Research the vehicles you are interested in beforehand using the Five Star website or other used car listing sites. Know the typical market price for the make, model, year, and mileage you want, so you can recognize whether Five Star's asking price is reasonable. Check the vehicle history report (using the VIN) through services like Carfax or AutoCheck to see accident history, title status, and previous ownership.
Bring a list of questions about the specific vehicle: service records, accident history, reason for sale, and any repairs done recently. The more information you gather before buying, the better your decision will be.
Negotiating price and understanding dealer fees
Five Star's asking price is a starting point, not a final price. You can negotiate with the sales team, especially if you are paying cash or putting down a substantial down payment. The dealership will also add fees to the final price, which typically include documentation fees, title transfer fees, and registration fees. Some of these fees are required by state law, while others are the dealership's own charges.
Ask for an itemized breakdown of all fees before you sign paperwork. Understand which fees are non-negotiable (like state registration) and which ones the dealership may be willing to reduce or waive. The total out-the-door price should include the vehicle price, all fees, taxes, and any add-ons you choose to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Five Star Auto Group have a return policy?
Five Star's return policy varies by location and state law. Some locations offer a short window (often 3 to 7 days) to return a vehicle if you change your mind, while others do not. Ask about the specific return policy at the location where you are buying before you sign paperwork.
Can I trade in my current vehicle at Five Star?
Yes, Five Star accepts trade-ins at most locations. The dealership will inspect your vehicle and offer you a trade-in value, which is deducted from the price of the car you are buying. Bring your vehicle's title and maintenance records to get an accurate appraisal.
What if I have bad credit or no credit history?
Five Star's in-house financing is designed for buyers with lower credit scores or limited credit. You may still be approved, though your interest rate will likely be higher than someone with excellent credit. Bring proof of income and a down payment to strengthen your process.
How do I find the Five Star location nearest me?
Visit Five Star Auto Group's website and use their location finder tool, which shows all dealership addresses, phone numbers, and hours. You can also call a location directly to ask about specific vehicles or inventory.
Are Five Star vehicles inspected before sale?
Five Star reconditions vehicles, which includes inspection and repairs, but this is not the same as a certified pre-owned inspection by the original manufacturer. Have an independent mechanic inspect any used car before purchase to identify potential problems the dealership may have missed.