What Motion Auto Sales is and how it operates
Motion Auto Sales is a used car dealership chain with locations across multiple states. Unlike a private seller or a franchise dealership (which sells new cars under a manufacturer's brand), Motion operates as an independent used-car retailer — they buy vehicles from auctions, trade-ins, and other sources, then resell them to the public.
The dealership handles the paperwork side of buying a car: title transfer, registration, and financing arrangements if you need a loan. They also typically inspect and recondition vehicles before putting them on the lot. Understanding how Motion operates as a business helps you know what to expect when you walk in, what questions to ask, and where your money actually goes.
Key Takeaways
- Motion Auto Sales is an independent used-car dealership, not a franchise or private seller, so they profit on the markup between what they paid for a vehicle and what they sell it for.
- The price you see on the lot typically does not include taxes, registration, and dealer fees, which can add hundreds to your final cost.
- Motion handles title transfer and registration paperwork as part of the sale, but you are responsible for understanding what you are signing and what it commits you to.
- Financing through the dealership means the dealer arranges a loan with a bank or finance company on your behalf, and you owe that lender, not Motion.
- Your right to return or dispute a vehicle purchase depends on your state's lemon laws and the dealership's stated return policy, which varies by location.
How the price breaks down: what you actually pay
The sticker price on a Motion vehicle is the base price of the car itself. That is not your final bill. When you buy, you will also pay sales tax (which varies by state, typically 5 to 10 percent of the purchase price), registration and title fees (usually $100 to $300 depending on your state), and dealer fees, which Motion sets independently and can range from $200 to $1,000 or more.
Dealer fees cover things like lot preparation, paperwork processing, and dealer profit beyond the car's markup. These fees are negotiable in many cases — asking the dealership to reduce or remove them is a normal part of the negotiation. Some states cap dealer fees by law; others do not. Before you commit to a purchase, ask Motion to show you the full itemized breakdown of all costs, not just the car price.
If you are financing through Motion, you will also pay interest on the loan, which depends on your credit score, the loan term (how many months you borrow for), and the interest rate the lender offers. A longer loan term means lower monthly payments but more interest paid overall.
Financing through Motion versus bringing your own lender
Motion can arrange financing for you through a bank or finance company they work with. This is convenient — you handle everything at the dealership in one visit. However, the interest rate Motion offers may not be the best rate available to you. Before you go to Motion, check what rate your own bank or credit union would offer you for a used-car loan. Knowing your rate ahead of time gives you a benchmark to compare against.
You can also bring your own financing: get a loan from your bank or credit union before you shop, then pay Motion with that loan money. This removes the dealership from the lending process entirely. The downside is that you have to complete a loan process and wait for approval before you can make an offer on a car. The upside is that you control the terms and are not locked into Motion's lender network.
If Motion finances you, read the loan contract carefully before signing. You are borrowing from the lender, not from Motion — Motion is the middleman. The contract spells out your monthly payment, the total interest you will pay, what happens if you miss a payment, and whether the car is collateral (meaning the lender can repossess it if you default).
The paperwork: title transfer and registration
When you buy a car, the title (the legal document proving ownership) must transfer from Motion to you. Motion handles this paperwork as part of the sale. They will give you documents to sign that authorize the transfer and provide the information needed to register the car in your name with your state's motor vehicle department.
Before you sign anything, make sure the title is clear — meaning Motion actually owns the car outright and there are no liens (claims by lenders or creditors) against it. Motion should disclose any liens in writing. If there is a lien, the lender must be paid off before the title transfers to you, and this usually happens at closing using the sale proceeds.
After you sign, you are responsible for completing registration with your state. Motion may offer to handle this for you (sometimes for an additional fee), or you may need to go to your local motor vehicle office yourself. Either way, do not delay — driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal. Keep copies of all paperwork Motion gives you, including the bill of sale and title documents.
Inspecting the vehicle and understanding what you are buying
Motion typically inspects and reconditions used vehicles before selling them, but this does not mean the car is problem-free. Used cars have wear and tear. Before you buy, take time to inspect the vehicle yourself: check the tires, brakes, lights, and interior condition. Listen for unusual noises when the engine runs. Look for rust, dents, or signs of accident damage.
Ask Motion for a vehicle history report (services like Carfax and AutoCheck compile this from insurance claims, accident reports, and service records). This report shows whether the car has been in accidents, had major repairs, or been branded as a salvage or flood vehicle. Motion should provide this or let you order it yourself before you commit to a purchase.
Take the car to an independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection if you can. This costs $100 to $200 but can reveal hidden problems that Motion's inspection missed. Many mechanics will do this inspection while you wait, and the report gives you concrete information about the car's condition and any repairs it may need soon.
Return policies and your rights as a buyer
Motion's return or exchange policy varies by location and is set by the individual dealership, not by a corporate standard. Some Motion locations offer a short return window (often 3 to 7 days); others do not. Before you buy, ask the salesperson directly: "What is your return policy if I change my mind or find a problem with the car?" Get the answer in writing if possible.
Your legal rights depend on your state's lemon laws and consumer protection rules. Most states allow you to return a vehicle within a certain period (often 3 to 10 days) if it has a major defect that makes it unsafe or unfit for use. However, lemon laws vary significantly — some states are more protective of buyers, others less so. Check your state's motor vehicle department website or consumer protection office to learn what applies where you live.
If Motion sells you a car with a hidden defect and refuses to fix it or take it back, you may have grounds to dispute the sale through small claims court or a state attorney general complaint. Document everything: keep all paperwork, take photos of any problems, and get written estimates from mechanics about repair costs. These records support your case if you need to pursue a complaint.
Common questions about buying from Motion
Motion dealerships are independently owned, so policies and inventory differ from location to location. The dealership's reputation, customer service, and pricing can vary widely. Before you visit, check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau to see what other buyers have experienced at that specific location. A good review at one Motion location does not may provide the same experience at another.
Motion sells used cars, so every vehicle has some history and wear. The price reflects the car's age, mileage, condition, and market demand. Newer cars with lower mileage and better condition cost more. Older cars with higher mileage cost less. This is normal for any used-car dealer. Do not assume a lower price means a better deal — compare similar vehicles across multiple dealerships to understand the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate the price at Motion?
Yes. The sticker price is a starting point, not a final offer. You can negotiate the car price, dealer fees, and sometimes the interest rate if you are financing through Motion. The dealership's willingness to negotiate depends on market demand for that vehicle and how long it has been on the lot. Cars that have been there longer are often more negotiable than hot sellers.
What if the car breaks down a week after I buy it?
If the breakdown is due to a defect that existed when you bought the car, you may have a claim under your state's lemon law or consumer protection rules, especially if the car is still within the return window. If you are outside the return period, you typically own the repair cost unless Motion offered a warranty. Check whether Motion included any warranty coverage in your paperwork — some dealerships offer short warranties on used cars.
Do I have to buy the extended warranty Motion offers?
No. Extended warranties are optional add-ons that Motion profits from. Before you buy one, understand what it covers, how long it lasts, and what it costs. Compare the warranty price against the cost of repairs you might reasonably expect for that vehicle's age and mileage. Many buyers skip extended warranties and set aside money for repairs instead.
What happens if I cannot pay my loan?
If you financed through Motion and miss payments, the lender (not Motion) can repossess the car. Repossession damages your credit score and leaves you without a vehicle but still owing the remaining loan balance. If you are struggling with payments, contact the lender when ready — many offer hardship programs or loan modification options before they resort to repossession.
Can I return a car if I just changed my mind?
That depends on Motion's return policy at that location and your state's laws. Changing your mind is not the same as discovering a defect. Most dealerships do not allow returns for buyer's remorse alone. However, if Motion's stated policy includes a return window, you may be able to return the car within that time. Always ask about the return policy before you sign anything.