What Lithia Automotive Group Is
Lithia Automotive Group is one of the largest car dealership networks in the United States, operating hundreds of franchised dealerships across multiple states. The company sells new and used vehicles, handles financing through partnerships with lenders, and provides service and maintenance at their locations. If you're shopping for a car and see a Lithia dealership in your area, you're dealing with a corporate-owned operation rather than an independent dealer.
Lithia owns dealerships under various brand names — you may see Lithia-branded stores, but the company also operates under names like Drivetime (used cars), Speedee Oil Change, and regional dealer names that were acquired over time. This matters because the dealership you walk into might be Lithia-owned even if the sign doesn't say so. Understanding the structure helps you know who you're negotiating with and what policies explore.
Key Takeaways
- Lithia Automotive Group operates hundreds of franchised dealerships across the U.S., so a dealership near you may be Lithia-owned even if it doesn't display the Lithia name.
- You can search Lithia's website to find dealerships by location and see their inventory of new and used vehicles before visiting in person.
- Financing through Lithia dealerships goes through third-party lenders, not Lithia itself, so your loan terms depend on your credit and the lender's rates.
- Service and warranty policies are set by Lithia corporate, so coverage and pricing are consistent across their locations but may differ from independent dealers.
- Your purchase agreement and consumer protections are governed by your state's laws, not by Lithia's internal policies.
Finding a Lithia Dealership and Checking Inventory
To locate a Lithia dealership near you, visit Lithia's main website and use their dealership locator tool. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool will show you all Lithia locations within a set radius. Each dealership listing includes the address, phone number, hours, and a link to that location's inventory page.
Once you've found a dealership, you can browse their new and used vehicle inventory online before you go in. Most Lithia dealerships post photos, pricing, mileage, and basic specifications for each vehicle. This lets you narrow down what you want to see and decide whether a trip is worth your time. If you don't see a vehicle you're interested in, you can call the dealership directly or use their website to request information about vehicles they may have coming in.
How Financing Works at Lithia Dealerships
Lithia dealerships do not lend money directly. Instead, they work with third-party lenders — banks, credit unions, and finance companies — to arrange loans for customers. When you sit down to discuss financing, the dealership's finance manager submits your information to multiple lenders and presents you with loan offers. The interest rate, term length, and monthly payment depend on your credit score, income, down payment, and the lender's current rates.
You are not required to finance through the dealership's lenders. You can bring a pre-approved loan from your own bank or credit union, and the dealership will work with that instead. This is often a good strategy if you have strong credit or an existing relationship with a lender, because you can compare their rate to what the dealership offers. The dealership may also offer incentives or rebates that explore regardless of which lender you use.
Before you sign any financing paperwork, read the loan agreement carefully. Make sure the interest rate, term, and monthly payment match what was discussed. If something doesn't match, ask the finance manager to explain the difference before you sign. Your state's consumer protection laws explore to the transaction, and you have the right to cancel certain agreements within a set window — usually a few days — if you change your mind.
Service, Maintenance, and Warranty Coverage
Lithia dealerships offer service departments that handle routine maintenance, repairs, and warranty work. If you buy a new vehicle from Lithia, the manufacturer's warranty covers defects for a set period (usually three years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage). Lithia service departments perform this warranty work at no cost to you during the coverage period.
For used vehicles, warranty coverage depends on the vehicle's age, mileage, and condition. Some used cars come with a dealer warranty that covers certain repairs for a limited time; others are sold as-is with no warranty. The dealership will disclose what warranty, if any, applies to a used vehicle before you buy. Extended warranties are also available for purchase, though these are optional and come from third-party warranty companies, not Lithia itself.
Service pricing at Lithia dealerships is set by corporate policy, so rates are consistent across locations but may be higher or lower than independent repair shops. If you need routine maintenance or repairs outside the warranty period, you can choose to use Lithia's service department or take your vehicle elsewhere. Your purchase agreement does not require you to service the vehicle at a Lithia location.
What Happens After You Buy
After you complete your purchase and financing, you'll receive your title, registration documents, and loan paperwork. Lithia will typically handle the title transfer and registration on your behalf, though the exact process varies by state. You should receive confirmation that these documents have been submitted to your state's motor vehicle department within a few business days.
If you have questions about your purchase, warranty, or financing after you leave the dealership, contact the dealership location where you bought the vehicle. Most Lithia dealerships have a customer service phone line or email address listed on your paperwork. For billing or loan questions, contact your lender directly — they are the ones managing your loan, not Lithia.
Your Consumer Rights and Protections
Your purchase is protected by your state's consumer protection laws, not by Lithia's internal policies. Most states require dealerships to disclose known defects, provide a written purchase agreement, and honor certain cooling-off periods for vehicle purchases. Some states also require dealerships to offer a brief inspection period or allow returns within a set number of days.
If you believe you were treated unfairly or the vehicle has a serious undisclosed problem, your first step is to contact the dealership's management in writing. If that doesn't resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general's office or consumer protection agency. You can also pursue a claim in small claims court if the amount in dispute is within your state's limit.
Keep all paperwork from your purchase — the sales agreement, financing documents, warranty information, and any communications with the dealership. This documentation is essential if you need to prove what was promised or disclosed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a dealership is owned by Lithia?
You can search Lithia's website dealership locator to see all locations they own. If you're unsure whether a specific dealership is Lithia-owned, call the dealership directly and ask, or check the dealership's paperwork — the corporate owner is usually listed on the purchase agreement or service paperwork.
Can I return a vehicle I bought from Lithia?
Return policies depend on your state's laws, not on Lithia's policies. Some states allow returns within a set number of days or miles; others do not. Check your purchase agreement for the dealership's return policy, or contact your state's attorney general's office to learn what your state requires.
What if I have a problem with my loan?
Contact your lender directly — they issued the loan, not Lithia. If you believe the lender made an error or treated you unfairly, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state's banking regulator. Keep records of all communications with the lender.
Do I have to use Lithia's service department for repairs?
No. You can take your vehicle to any repair shop you choose, whether it's another dealership, an independent mechanic, or a chain repair facility. Warranty work must be done at a dealership (usually the brand's dealership), but routine maintenance and non-warranty repairs are your choice.
What if the vehicle has a defect after I buy it?
If the vehicle is under warranty, take it to a Lithia service department or the vehicle's brand dealership to have the defect repaired at no cost. If the vehicle is not under warranty and the defect was not disclosed before you bought it, contact the dealership in writing and ask them to repair it or refund your money. If they refuse, you may have a claim under your state's lemon law or consumer protection statute.