What Premier Auto Group Is

Premier Auto Group is a used-car dealership chain with locations across multiple states. They buy, recondition, and sell pre-owned vehicles, typically ranging from a few years old to around ten years old. Like most used-car dealers, they handle financing through third-party lenders, offer warranty options, and work with trade-ins.

Premier Auto Group operates as a traditional retail dealership, not a manufacturer or auction house. If you walk onto their lot, you are buying directly from them, not from a private seller or auction site. They set the prices, handle the paperwork, and arrange the financing — or you can bring your own financing from a bank or credit union.

The dealership is not affiliated with any manufacturer (like Ford or Toyota) and does not represent a government program or service. They are a for-profit business selling used vehicles to consumers.

Key Takeaways

  • Premier Auto Group is a used-car dealership where you buy directly from the dealer, not a private seller or auction.
  • You can finance through their lenders or bring pre-arranged financing from your own bank or credit union.
  • Prices are set by the dealership and are typically negotiable, especially if you are paying cash or have outside financing.
  • Before visiting a lot, check the inventory online, research the specific vehicle's history and market value, and know your budget and credit situation.
  • Read all paperwork carefully, understand what warranty or service plan is included, and ask about return or exchange policies before you sign.

How to Research a Vehicle Before You Visit

Premier Auto Group publishes their inventory online, usually on their website or through third-party listing sites like Autotrader or Cars.com. Start there: note the vehicle identification number (VIN), mileage, price, and condition description. Write down the VIN before you go to the lot.

Once you have the VIN, run a vehicle history report through Carfax or AutoCheck. These reports show accident history, title status, service records, and whether the car has been in a flood or had major repairs. A history report costs $20 to $30 and is worth the money — it tells you whether the dealer's description matches the car's actual past. If the report shows red flags (salvage title, multiple accidents, flood damage), you can decide whether to investigate further or move on.

Check the market value of that specific make, model, year, and mileage on Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or NADA Guides. These sites show what similar cars sell for in your region. If the dealer's price is significantly higher than the market range, you know you have room to negotiate. If it is lower, the car may have hidden problems or the dealer is running a promotion.

Financing Options and What to Expect

Premier Auto Group typically works with multiple lenders and can arrange financing on the lot. The process usually takes a few hours: you fill out a credit process, the dealer submits it to their lender network, and you receive an approval (or denial) with a specific interest rate and term. The dealer then handles the paperwork and you drive away.

However, you are not required to use their financing. If you have a good credit score or a relationship with a bank or credit union, you can bring a pre-approval letter from your own lender. This gives you leverage in price negotiation because the dealer knows you are not dependent on their financing markup. Some dealers offer a small discount if you bring outside financing.

If you finance through the dealer, read the loan agreement carefully. Note the interest rate, monthly payment, loan term (usually 36 to 72 months), and total amount financed. Ask whether the rate is fixed or variable. Ask what happens if you pay off the loan early — some lenders charge a prepayment penalty, though this is less common now.

Understanding Warranties and Service Plans

Used cars sold by dealers often come with a limited warranty, though the length and coverage vary. Some dealers offer 30-day powertrain warranties (engine, transmission, drivetrain only), while others offer 90-day bumper-to-bumper coverage (nearly everything). Some offer no warranty at all — always ask before you buy.

Premier Auto Group may also offer extended service plans or gap insurance at the point of sale. A service plan extends warranty coverage beyond the dealer's standard offer and is sold by a third-party administrator. Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe on the loan and what the car is worth if it is totaled in an accident. Neither is required, but both are common add-ons. Read the terms carefully: what is covered, what is not, how long it lasts, and whether it is transferable if you sell the car.

Before you sign, ask the dealer for a written summary of what warranty or plan is included and what is not. Do not rely on verbal promises. If something is not in writing, it is not covered.

The Purchase and Paperwork Process

Once you and the dealer agree on a price and financing, you will sign several documents. The main ones are the bill of sale (proof of purchase), the loan agreement (if financing), the title transfer (proof of ownership), and any warranty or service plan documents. You will also sign odometer disclosure forms and, depending on your state, emissions or inspection certificates.

Read every page before you sign. Do not let the dealer rush you. If something is unclear, ask for an explanation in writing. Common confusion points: the total amount financed (which may include add-ons you did not expect), the interest rate, the monthly payment, and the warranty coverage limits.

The dealer will handle registration and title transfer with your state's motor vehicle department, though you may need to provide a signed title or power of attorney. Ask the dealer what documents you need to bring and what they will handle. In most states, you will receive temporary registration when ready and permanent registration by mail within a few weeks.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If you discover a major problem with the car shortly after purchase — an engine noise, transmission issue, or electrical failure — contact the dealer when ready. If the car is still under the dealer's warranty, they may repair it at no cost. If it is outside the warranty period, you are responsible for repairs unless you purchased an extended service plan.

Some states have "lemon laws" that protect used-car buyers, but coverage varies widely. A few states require dealers to offer a minimum warranty on used cars; others do not. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to learn what protections explore to you.

If the dealer misrepresented the car's condition or history, or if paperwork contains errors, contact them in writing (email or certified mail) and keep copies. If the dealer does not respond, you may have grounds for a complaint with your state's attorney general or consumer protection office. Some states also allow you to pursue small claims court if the amount is within your state's limit.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Before you sign, ask the dealer these questions and get the answers in writing:

  • What warranty or service plan is included, and what is not covered?
  • What is the return or exchange policy if I find a problem within the first few days?
  • Has this car been in an accident, flood, or major repair? (Compare their answer to the Carfax report.)
  • What is the interest rate, and is it fixed or variable?
  • Are there any prepayment penalties if I pay off the loan early?
  • What documents do I need to bring to complete the registration?
  • Is gap insurance included, or is it an add-on?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a car to Premier Auto Group if I change my mind?

Return policies vary by location and state law. Some dealers offer a 3- to 7-day exchange or return period; others do not. Ask the dealer about their specific policy before you buy. Get it in writing, including any conditions (mileage limits, condition requirements, restocking fees).

What if the car breaks down a week after I buy it?

If the car is under the dealer's warranty, contact them when ready and ask them to repair it. If it is outside the warranty period or not covered, you are responsible for repairs. This is why the Carfax report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic are important — they help you avoid cars with hidden problems.

Do I have to buy the extended warranty or gap insurance?

No. Both are optional add-ons. Gap insurance is most useful if you are financing and putting down less than 20 percent. An extended warranty is useful if you plan to keep the car beyond the dealer's standard warranty period. Read the terms and decide whether the cost is worth the coverage for your situation.

What if I find out the car was in an accident after I buy it?

If the dealer did not disclose an accident that appears on the Carfax report, you may have grounds for a complaint or legal action, depending on your state's laws. Contact your state's attorney general or consumer protection office. Some states require dealers to disclose known accidents; others do not. This is why running a Carfax report before you buy is critical.

Can I negotiate the price?

Yes. Used-car prices are typically negotiable, especially if you are paying cash or bringing outside financing. Research the market value beforehand so you know what similar cars are selling for. Start with an offer below the asking price and be prepared to walk away if the dealer will not meet your budget.