What Holzhauer Auto Group is and where to find them

Holzhauer Auto Group is a regional car dealer network operating primarily in the Midwest, with locations in multiple states. They sell new and used vehicles and offer in-house financing and warranty options alongside traditional bank loans. Unlike a national chain with uniform policies, Holzhauer operates as a group of independently managed dealerships, which means financing terms, warranty coverage, and inventory can vary between locations.

If you are shopping at a Holzhauer dealership, you will encounter their sales team, finance office, and service department as separate functions. The finance office handles loan paperwork and extended warranty contracts. The service department handles repairs and warranty claims. Understanding which part of the organization handles which decision matters when something goes wrong or when you need to make changes to your purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • Holzhauer Auto Group dealerships offer both traditional bank financing and in-house loans, so compare the interest rate and term length before signing.
  • Extended warranties sold at Holzhauer are separate contracts from the manufacturer's warranty and have their own coverage limits and exclusions.
  • Warranty claims and service disputes go to the dealership's service department, not to a central corporate office, because each location operates independently.
  • Your purchase agreement and finance contract are the documents that define what you own, what is covered, and what you owe — keep copies and review them before you leave the lot.

In-house financing versus bank loans at Holzhauer dealerships

Holzhauer dealerships can arrange financing through their own lending program or through third-party banks and credit unions. In-house financing means the dealership itself is the lender and holds your loan. Bank financing means a separate lender funds the purchase and the dealership receives a commission for arranging it.

In-house loans often have higher interest rates than bank loans because the dealership carries the risk if you stop paying. However, in-house programs may have looser credit requirements and faster approval. Bank loans typically require a credit check and proof of income, but the rate is usually lower if your credit is good. Before you sign, ask the finance office for the interest rate, the loan term in months, the total amount financed, and the monthly payment. Compare this to what you could get from your own bank or credit union — you have the right to shop your own financing even after selecting a vehicle.

The finance office may also offer gap insurance, which covers the difference between what you owe and what the car is worth if it is totaled. This is optional and costs extra. Read the gap insurance contract to see what it covers and what it does not.

How extended warranties work and what they cover

The manufacturer's warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for a set period — usually three years or 36,000 miles for most new cars, whichever comes first. This warranty is free and comes with the vehicle. Extended warranties sold by Holzhauer dealerships are separate contracts that you pay for and that extend coverage beyond the manufacturer's period.

Extended warranties vary widely in what they cover. Some cover only powertrain components — engine, transmission, drivetrain. Others cover a broader range of parts. Most extended warranties have deductibles, meaning you pay a set amount out of pocket for each repair. They also have mileage limits and time limits. A warranty that covers you to 100,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first, stops working when you hit either limit.

Before you buy an extended warranty, ask the finance office for the written contract. Read the coverage section to see exactly which parts are covered. Look for the deductible, the mileage limit, the time limit, and any exclusions — things the warranty does not cover, such as wear items like brake pads or tires. Ask whether the warranty is transferable if you sell the car, because this affects resale value. Extended warranties are optional; you do not have to buy one to purchase the vehicle.

What happens if you need warranty service or have a repair dispute

Warranty claims and repairs go through the dealership's service department, not through a corporate office. Call the service department at the location where you bought the car or at any Holzhauer location in your area and describe the problem. The service advisor will schedule an appointment and explain what to bring.

When you bring the car in, the service department will inspect it and determine whether the problem is covered under the manufacturer's warranty, your extended warranty, or neither. If it is covered, the dealership performs the repair at no cost to you. If it is not covered, you pay for the repair. If you disagree with their decision — for example, if you believe a part failure is a defect and should be covered — ask to speak with the service manager. Request a written explanation of why the claim was denied.

If you remain unsatisfied, contact the dealership's general manager or owner. Because Holzhauer locations operate independently, escalation goes to the specific location's management, not to a regional or national office. If the dispute involves a manufacturer's warranty, you can also contact the vehicle manufacturer's customer service line; they have separate dispute processes and may override a dealership's denial.

How to review and keep your purchase and finance documents

Before you leave the dealership, you will sign multiple documents: a purchase agreement, a finance contract, a warranty contract if you bought one, and possibly others. These documents define what you own, what is covered, what you owe, and what the dealership promised. Do not sign anything you have not read, and do not leave the lot without copies of everything you signed.

The purchase agreement lists the vehicle identification number (VIN), the price, any trade-in allowance, and any add-ons like warranties or gap insurance. The finance contract lists the lender, the loan amount, the interest rate, the term, and the monthly payment. The warranty contract lists what is covered, the deductible, and the limits. Keep these documents in a safe place — you will need them if you have a dispute, if you want to refinance, or if you sell the car.

If you discover an error in any document after you leave — for example, if the interest rate on your finance contract does not match what the finance office quoted — contact the dealership when ready. Errors can sometimes be corrected, but the longer you wait, the harder it becomes.

Common issues and how to resolve them

The most common issues buyers face are unexpected charges appearing on the final bill, warranty denials for repairs the buyer thought were covered, and disputes over the condition of a used vehicle. For unexpected charges, review your purchase agreement line by line and ask the finance office to explain anything you do not recognize. Some charges — documentation fees, registration, dealer prep — are standard, but others may be negotiable or avoidable.

For warranty denials, the first step is to ask for a written explanation from the service department. If the denial seems wrong, contact the vehicle manufacturer's customer service line with your warranty contract and service records. Manufacturers sometimes override dealership denials, especially for defects that appear early in ownership.

For disputes over the condition of a used vehicle, check your purchase agreement for any language about "as-is" sales or warranty disclaimers. If the agreement says the car is sold as-is with no warranty, your options are limited. If the agreement includes a dealer warranty or promises specific condition, document the problem with photos and contact the dealership's general manager in writing. Many states have lemon laws that protect used car buyers, but they vary by state and by how long you have owned the car.

Refinancing and selling a car financed through Holzhauer

If you financed through Holzhauer in-house, the dealership holds your loan. If you want to refinance — pay off the loan early and get a new loan from a bank or credit union at a lower rate — contact the dealership's finance office and ask for a payoff quote. This quote tells you exactly how much you owe on a specific date. Take this quote to your new lender and they will pay off Holzhauer and issue you a new loan.

If you financed through a bank, the bank holds your loan, not Holzhauer. Contact your bank for a payoff quote. Refinancing through a different lender is straightforward and does not involve Holzhauer.

If you want to sell the car, you will need a payoff quote to know how much of the sale price goes to paying off the loan. The buyer's lender will contact your lender directly to arrange the payoff at closing. Extended warranties are sometimes transferable to the new owner, but this depends on the specific contract. Check your warranty paperwork or ask the service department whether your warranty transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a car to Holzhauer if I change my mind after purchase?

Most dealerships, including Holzhauer locations, do not have a mandatory return period. However, some states have short "cooling off" periods for certain types of purchases. Check your state's consumer protection laws or ask the dealership's general manager whether a return is possible. Your purchase agreement may also include return language. If you are unhappy with the car, your first step is to contact the dealership's management in writing and explain the problem.

What if my extended warranty claim is denied?

Ask the service department for a written explanation of the denial. Review your warranty contract to see whether the part or repair is actually listed as covered. If you believe the denial is wrong, contact the vehicle manufacturer's customer service line — they can sometimes override a dealership's decision. You can also file a complaint with your state's attorney general's office if you believe the dealership acted unfairly.

Do I have to use Holzhauer's service department for repairs after purchase?

No. You can take your car to any repair shop for maintenance and repairs. However, if you use a non-Holzhauer shop, the manufacturer's warranty may not cover the repair if the shop makes a mistake. Extended warranties sold by Holzhauer may also require that you use a Holzhauer service department or an authorized dealer for claims to be valid — check your warranty contract to see what it says about where repairs must be done.

What should I do if the dealership made a promise that is not in writing?

Get it in writing before you leave the lot. If a salesperson or finance manager promised something — a repair, a price adjustment, a warranty extension — ask them to add it to your purchase agreement or provide a separate written document signed by a manager. Verbal promises are difficult to enforce. If you discover after purchase that a promise was not honored, contact the dealership's general manager or owner in writing and reference the promise and the date it was made.

How do I find the Holzhauer location nearest me?

Holzhauer Auto Group locations are concentrated in the Midwest. Search online for "Holzhauer Auto Group" plus your state or city to find the nearest dealership. Each location has its own website and phone number. You can also call or visit a location to ask about inventory, financing options, and warranty programs before you decide to shop there.