What Lewis Automotive Group Is

Lewis Automotive Group is a network of car dealerships operating across multiple states, primarily in the Southeast and Midwest. The group owns and operates franchised dealerships that sell new and used vehicles under brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and others, depending on the location. Each dealership operates as a separate business but shares corporate resources, financing partnerships, and operational standards under the Lewis umbrella.

If you are shopping for a vehicle and encounter a Lewis Automotive Group dealership, you are working with a multi-location dealer network rather than an independent lot. Understanding how the group is structured helps you know who to contact if something goes wrong after purchase and what resources the dealership can access on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • Lewis Automotive Group operates franchised dealerships across multiple states, each selling specific vehicle brands under corporate oversight.
  • Financing through a Lewis dealership typically goes through their lending partners, not directly through the dealership itself.
  • Each location has its own sales, service, and management team, so your point of contact is the specific dealership where you purchased, not a central office.
  • If you have a complaint or dispute after purchase, the dealership's general manager and the manufacturer's customer service are your first two contacts.

How Dealership Financing Works at Lewis Locations

When you finance a vehicle through a Lewis Automotive Group dealership, the dealership itself does not lend you money. Instead, the dealership arranges financing through third-party lenders — typically banks, credit unions, or captive finance companies owned by the vehicle manufacturer. The dealership submits your process to these lenders and presents you with the loan terms they offer.

The dealership earns money by selling you the vehicle at a markup and by receiving a commission from the lender for arranging the loan. This means the dealership has an incentive to get you approved, but the actual lending decision comes from the financial institution, not from Lewis Automotive Group corporate. If your loan is denied or the terms change after you leave the lot, contact the lender directly — the dealership cannot override that decision.

Before signing any financing paperwork, confirm which lender is funding your loan and get their contact information. This matters because loan disputes, payment issues, and refinancing requests go to the lender, not to the dealership or to Lewis Automotive Group.

Service and Warranty Coverage After Purchase

Once you own a vehicle purchased from a Lewis dealership, your warranty is issued by the vehicle manufacturer, not by Lewis Automotive Group. A Ford warranty covers your Ford whether you service it at a Lewis Ford dealership or any other Ford dealer. The same applies to Chevrolet, Toyota, and other brands.

However, the dealership where you purchased your vehicle is often the most convenient place to have warranty work done, because they have your sales records on file. If you need warranty service, contact the specific dealership location where you bought the car. If that location cannot help you or if you prefer another dealer, you can take your vehicle to any franchised dealer of the same brand.

Extended warranties and service plans sold at the time of purchase are separate from the manufacturer's warranty. These are typically underwritten by third-party warranty companies, not by Lewis Automotive Group. Keep your warranty paperwork and contact the warranty company directly for claims, not the dealership.

What to Do If You Have a Problem With Your Purchase

If you discover a mechanical problem, have a billing dispute, or believe you were treated unfairly during the sale, start by contacting the dealership's general manager or customer service department at the location where you purchased the vehicle. Provide your name, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a clear description of the issue. Most dealerships have a process for handling complaints and will attempt to resolve the matter within a few days.

If the dealership does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, contact the vehicle manufacturer's customer service line. Manufacturers maintain separate complaint processes and can sometimes intervene with dealerships on warranty or safety issues. You can also file a complaint with your state's attorney general or consumer protection office if you believe the dealership violated state law.

Lewis Automotive Group corporate does not directly handle customer complaints, but the dealership's management can escalate issues internally if needed. Putting your complaint in writing — either by email or certified mail — creates a record that strengthens your position if the matter escalates to a regulatory agency.

Understanding Dealer Inventory and Vehicle Sourcing

Lewis Automotive Group dealerships source vehicles through the same channels as independent franchised dealers: directly from manufacturers for new vehicles, and through auctions, trade-ins, and private purchases for used vehicles. The group's size means individual locations may have access to inventory from other Lewis dealerships in the network, but this is not may provide and varies by location and brand.

If you are looking for a specific vehicle and your local Lewis dealership does not have it in stock, ask whether they can locate it through another Lewis location or through their manufacturer's allocation system. Some dealerships offer this service; others do not. The dealership's sales team can tell you what options are available and what timeline to expect.

Trade-In and Appraisal Process

When you trade in a vehicle at a Lewis dealership, the dealership appraises it and offers you a trade-in value. This value is negotiable and is separate from the purchase price of the new vehicle. The dealership's appraiser looks at the vehicle's condition, mileage, service history, and market demand to determine an offer.

You are not required to accept the dealership's trade-in offer. You can take your vehicle to other dealerships for competing offers, sell it privately, or use online valuation tools to understand the market value before you negotiate. The dealership will explore your trade-in value as a credit toward the purchase price of your new vehicle, reducing the amount you finance or pay out of pocket.

After you sign the paperwork, the dealership handles the title transfer and any outstanding loans on your trade-in vehicle. This process typically takes one to two weeks. If there are complications with the title or an existing lien, the dealership's finance office will contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a vehicle to a Lewis dealership if I change my mind?

Most dealerships, including Lewis locations, do not have a legal obligation to accept returns once you have signed the paperwork and driven the vehicle off the lot. Some dealerships offer a short return window (typically three to seven days) as a courtesy, but this is not standard. Check your purchase agreement or ask the dealership directly about their return policy before you sign.

What if I bought a used vehicle and it breaks down a week later?

Used vehicles sold as-is have no warranty unless the dealership or manufacturer provided one in writing. If the vehicle was sold with a warranty, contact the dealership's service department to file a claim. If it was sold as-is with no warranty, you have limited recourse unless the dealership misrepresented the vehicle's condition or failed to disclose known defects. Document the problem and contact the dealership's general manager in writing.

How do I find the Lewis Automotive Group dealership nearest to me?

Lewis Automotive Group does not maintain a single public directory. Search online for "Lewis Automotive Group" plus your state or city, or visit the websites of specific vehicle brands (Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota) and use their dealer locators to find Lewis-owned locations in your area. You can also call a local dealership and ask if it is part of the Lewis network.

Who do I contact if I have a problem with my loan?

Contact the lender directly — the bank, credit union, or finance company that funded your loan. You can find the lender's name and contact information on your loan documents or monthly statement. The dealership cannot change loan terms or resolve lender disputes, though they can provide documentation if needed.

Does Lewis Automotive Group offer manufacturer recalls or safety updates?

Recalls are issued by the vehicle manufacturer, not by Lewis Automotive Group. You will receive recall notices by mail from the manufacturer using the address on your vehicle registration. You can also check your vehicle's recall status on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website by entering your VIN. Any franchised dealership of your vehicle's brand can perform recall work at no cost.