Sterling Automotive Group is a dealership network, not a financing or lending company
Sterling Automotive Group operates multiple car dealerships across several states, primarily selling used vehicles. The company is owned by Lithia Motors, one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. If you are looking at Sterling because you saw an advertisement, received a call, or are considering buying a vehicle from one of their locations, it helps to understand what they actually do and what they do not do.
Sterling dealerships handle the sale of vehicles, arrange financing through third-party lenders, and provide service departments. They do not lend money directly, issue credit cards, or manage personal loans outside of car purchases. If you are researching Sterling because of a financial offer or loan opportunity, that offer is coming from a separate lender, not from Sterling itself.
Key Takeaways
- Sterling Automotive Group owns and operates used car dealerships in multiple states under the Sterling brand.
- When you buy a vehicle from Sterling, the dealership arranges financing with third-party lenders, but Sterling itself does not lend the money.
- Sterling dealerships handle vehicle sales, trade-ins, financing paperwork, and after-sale service and repairs.
- If you are contacted about a loan or financial product claiming to be from Sterling, verify the offer directly with the dealership location before providing personal information.
Where Sterling Automotive Group operates
Sterling Automotive Group dealerships are located in multiple states, though the exact number and locations change as the company expands or consolidates. The dealerships typically operate under the Sterling name and sell used vehicles, with some locations also offering certified pre-owned inventory.
To find a Sterling dealership near you, search online for "Sterling Automotive Group" plus your state or city name. You can also visit the Lithia Motors corporate website, which lists all dealership locations under its various brands. Calling a local dealership directly is often the fastest way to confirm their hours, inventory, and current promotions.
How financing works when you buy from Sterling
When you purchase a vehicle at a Sterling dealership, the dealership does not lend you the money. Instead, Sterling's finance department works with third-party lenders — typically banks, credit unions, or captive finance companies — to arrange a loan on your behalf. The dealership earns a commission by connecting you with these lenders and handling the paperwork.
You will sign loan documents with the actual lender, not with Sterling. The lender pulls your credit report, sets the interest rate, and determines the loan term. Sterling's role is to facilitate the transaction and may support the paperwork is completed correctly. If you have questions about your loan terms, interest rate, or monthly payment, those questions go to your lender, not to Sterling.
What to verify before signing paperwork
Before you sign any documents at a Sterling dealership, read through the financing agreement carefully. The document should clearly state the name of the lender, the interest rate, the loan term (how many months you have to repay), and your monthly payment amount. If anything is unclear or does not match what you discussed with the salesperson, ask for clarification in writing before signing.
Check that the vehicle's price, any trade-in value, and the down payment you agreed to are all reflected correctly in the paperwork. Dealerships sometimes make errors, and catching them before you sign saves you from disputes later. You also have the right to take the paperwork home and review it before returning to sign, though dealerships may pressure you to sign on the spot.
Sterling's service and warranty offerings
Most Sterling dealerships operate service departments that handle maintenance, repairs, and warranty work on vehicles sold there. If your vehicle comes with a warranty — whether it is a manufacturer's warranty, a dealership warranty, or an extended warranty you purchased — the service department can perform covered repairs.
Warranties vary widely depending on the vehicle's age, mileage, and what you paid for. Some used vehicles come with limited manufacturer coverage remaining; others are sold as-is with no warranty. Extended warranties are optional and cost extra. Before buying, ask what warranty coverage, if any, is included with the vehicle, and get the terms in writing.
Red flags and how to protect yourself
Be cautious if you receive unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from Sterling offering loans, credit, or financial products unrelated to a vehicle purchase. Scammers sometimes impersonate dealership names to build false credibility. If you did not initiate contact with Sterling, verify any offer by calling the dealership location directly using a phone number you find independently online — do not use a number provided in the unsolicited message.
Never provide your Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card details to anyone claiming to represent Sterling unless you initiated the contact and are actively purchasing or financing a vehicle. Legitimate dealership financing happens in person or through find online portals, not through random phone calls or emails asking for sensitive information upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sterling Automotive Group a bank or lender?
No. Sterling Automotive Group is a dealership network that sells vehicles and arranges financing with third-party lenders. The actual loan comes from a bank, credit union, or finance company, not from Sterling.
Can I refinance a loan I got from Sterling?
Yes, but you would refinance with a different lender, not with Sterling. Once you own the vehicle, you can take out a new loan from any bank or credit union to pay off the original loan. This is separate from your dealership transaction.
What happens if I have a problem with my vehicle after I buy it?
Contact the Sterling dealership where you purchased it. If the vehicle is still under warranty, the service department can handle covered repairs. If the warranty has expired or the issue is not covered, you may need to pay for repairs out of pocket or pursue a separate legal claim if you believe the vehicle was sold in violation of consumer protection laws.
How do I know if a Sterling dealership is legitimate?
Search for the dealership's name and location online, and look for reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau. Call the dealership directly using a phone number from their official website or a local business listing. Legitimate dealerships have physical locations you can visit and staff who can answer questions about inventory and financing.
What should I do if I think I was scammed by someone claiming to be Sterling?
Contact the actual Sterling dealership location directly to report the scam. You can also file a complaint with your state's attorney general office or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If money or personal information was involved, contact your bank and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.