Precision Auto Group operates multiple car dealerships across several states, each selling used and sometimes new vehicles under the Precision brand
Precision Auto Group is a chain of independently operated dealerships, not a single national company with one headquarters. Each location buys, prices, and sells inventory separately, though they share the Precision Auto Group name and some operational standards. If you are shopping at a Precision dealership, you are dealing with a local business that happens to be part of a larger network — not a corporate entity making decisions from one office.
The group operates dealerships in multiple states, with locations concentrated in the Midwest and South. Each store handles its own financing arrangements, warranty offerings, and customer service. This structure means that policies, inventory, and pricing can differ significantly between one Precision location and another, even though they carry the same name.
Key Takeaways
- Precision Auto Group dealerships are independently operated, so financing terms, warranties, and pricing vary by location rather than being set by a central office.
- Most Precision locations specialize in used vehicles and may offer in-house financing or work with third-party lenders for buyers with various credit histories.
- Warranties and service agreements differ between dealerships, so you should ask what coverage comes with your purchase and what it actually covers.
- Before buying, research the specific dealership's reputation through local reviews and the Better Business Bureau, since each location has its own track record.
How Precision Dealerships Handle Financing
Many Precision Auto Group locations offer in-house financing, meaning the dealership itself extends credit rather than requiring you to find a loan from a bank or credit union beforehand. This can speed up the buying process if you have credit challenges, since the dealership makes its own lending decisions without running your process through a traditional lender's stricter rules.
In-house financing typically comes with a higher interest rate than you would receive from a bank, and the dealership may require a larger down payment. You should ask the dealership upfront what interest rate they are offering, what the monthly payment will be, and how long the loan term runs. Some Precision locations also work with outside lenders and can help you compare options.
Before signing any financing agreement, read the contract carefully. Look for the annual percentage rate (APR), the total amount you will pay over the life of the loan, and any fees for late payments or early payoff. Ask whether the dealership charges a documentation fee, a dealer fee, or other add-ons, and whether those are included in the price or added on top.
Warranties and Service Coverage at Precision Dealerships
Precision Auto Group dealerships typically offer some form of warranty on used vehicles, but the length and scope vary by location and by the age and mileage of the car. A common structure is a 30-day or 60-day powertrain warranty, which covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain but not wear items like brakes or batteries.
Some locations offer extended warranties that you can purchase for additional cost. These may cover more components or last longer than the basic warranty. Before you buy, ask the dealership exactly what the included warranty covers, how long it lasts, and whether it is transferable if you sell the car. Also ask whether warranty work must be done at that dealership or whether you can use any mechanic.
Service agreements and gap insurance (which covers the difference between what you owe and what the car is worth if it is totaled) are often offered at purchase. These are optional, and you should understand what you are paying for before you agree. Do not feel pressured to buy them on the spot — you can take the contract home and review it.
What to Check Before Buying from a Precision Dealership
Because each Precision location operates independently, the reputation and practices of one dealership do not reflect another. Before you visit or make an offer, search for reviews of that specific dealership on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau website. Look for patterns in complaints — repeated issues with financing terms, mechanical problems after purchase, or difficulty reaching customer service are red flags.
Ask the dealership for a vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck) before you buy. This report shows whether the car has been in accidents, had title issues, or been recalled. You should also have a trusted mechanic inspect the car before you sign anything. Many dealerships allow a pre-purchase inspection; if yours does not, that is worth noting.
Check the title status. Make sure the title is clear (not salvage, flood, or branded), and verify that the dealership actually owns the car and can transfer it to you. Ask whether there are any liens on the vehicle that need to be paid off as part of the sale.
Understanding the Purchase Agreement
The purchase agreement is the contract between you and the dealership. It should list the vehicle identification number (VIN), the price, the down payment, the financing terms (if applicable), the warranty coverage, and any add-ons you are purchasing. Read every line before you sign.
Pay attention to the "as-is" language. Many used car sales are "as-is," meaning you are buying the car in its current condition with no promises about future repairs. Some dealerships offer limited warranties that override this, but you need to see it in writing. If the contract says "as-is" and you are relying on a warranty, make sure that warranty is also written into the agreement.
Ask about the dealership's return or exchange policy. Some Precision locations offer a short window (often 3 to 7 days) during which you can return the car if you change your mind or if a major mechanical problem appears. This is not may provide, so ask before you buy and get it in writing if it is offered.
Comparing Precision to Other Used Car Dealerships
Precision Auto Group competes with other regional used car chains, independent dealerships, and manufacturer-backed certified pre-owned (CPO) programs. CPO vehicles come with longer warranties and have been inspected to manufacturer standards, but they cost more. Independent dealerships may offer better prices but less standardized service.
The main advantage of a Precision dealership is that it may offer in-house financing to buyers with credit challenges and can move quickly through the buying process. The trade-off is that interest rates are typically higher, and the warranty coverage is shorter than what you would get from a CPO program or a new car purchase.
If you have the option to find financing from a bank or credit union before you shop, you will usually get a better interest rate than the dealership offers. This gives you more negotiating power and lets you walk away if the dealership's terms are not competitive.
What Happens After You Buy
After you purchase a car from a Precision dealership, you own it outright (if you paid cash) or you owe the dealership or lender the financed amount. Make sure you receive the title and all paperwork needed to register the vehicle in your state. The dealership should handle the title transfer, but confirm that this has been completed before you leave.
Keep your warranty paperwork and any service records. If something breaks during the warranty period, contact the dealership with proof of purchase and the problem. Document any issues in writing and keep copies of all correspondence.
If you financed through the dealership and want to pay off the loan early, ask whether there is a prepayment penalty. Some in-house financing agreements charge a fee if you pay off the balance before the term ends; others do not. Knowing this upfront helps you decide whether to pay extra toward the loan or invest the money elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a car to a Precision dealership if something goes wrong after I buy it?
Return policies vary by location. Some Precision dealerships offer a short return window (typically 3 to 7 days), while others do not. Ask about the policy before you buy and request it in writing. If the car has a warranty, mechanical problems during the warranty period should be covered by that warranty rather than a return policy.
What credit score do I need to get financing from a Precision dealership?
Precision dealerships typically work with buyers across a wide range of credit scores, including those with poor or no credit history. However, lower credit scores usually result in higher interest rates and larger down payment requirements. Each dealership sets its own lending standards, so ask what they require.
Is the warranty at a Precision dealership transferable if I sell the car?
Transferability depends on the specific warranty and dealership. Some warranties transfer to the next owner; others do not. Ask the dealership whether the warranty is transferable and get the answer in writing. This information should be in your purchase agreement.
Do I have to buy gap insurance or an extended warranty?
No. Gap insurance and extended warranties are optional add-ons. You should understand what each covers and what it costs before you agree to purchase. Do not let the dealership pressure you into buying them at the time of sale — you can take the contract home and decide later, or decline them entirely.
How do I know if a Precision dealership is trustworthy?
Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau for that specific location. Look for patterns in complaints about financing, mechanical problems, or customer service. Ask friends or family whether they have bought from that dealership. A single negative review is normal; repeated complaints about the same issue are a warning sign.