Auto Smart for the People - Frequently Asked Questions
General Information About Auto Smart
Where are your dealership locations near Dothan, AL?
We have one convenient location:
- 3890 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36303
What makes you a Dealer for the People®?
We believe that everyone deserves a nicer, newer vehicle, regardless of credit or past financial struggles. We fight for YOU to get the best deal possible, working with lenders who say YES when others say no!
What are your dealership hours?
We know life is busy, so we keep flexible hours:
- Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sun: Closed
What is the For the People® Approval Process?
It is our proven 4-step process that is designed to help get you approved and find the perfect vehicle that fits your wants, needs, and budget.
Do you have customer reviews?
Absolutely! Check out what real customers are saying on Google, Facebook, and Yelp. We take pride in our 5-star customer service!
How old do I need to be to buy a vehicle?
The law in Alabama requires a person to be 19 years old to legally enter into a contract.
Vehicle Pricing & Inventory
What kind of vehicles do you stock?
We have a large selection of vehicles with low mileage, some under factory warranty and we have access to thousands more nationwide.
What are your vehicle prices?
All our vehicles are priced at or below market value. We believe in fair pricing, not inflated prices like other dealers.
Do your vehicles come with a Carfax report?
Yes! Every vehicle we sell is Carfax verified for peace of mind.
Do you offer certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles?
Many of our vehicles are still under factory warranty, and we offer extended warranties for added protection.
What is the lowest monthly payment option available?
Most lenders have a minimum amount they are willing to loan. Typically, the lowest financing payment option is $150/mo.
Financing & Credit Approval
What are your interest rates?
We don’t set the rates—our lenders do! They base rates on credit history, equity, income stability, and other factors.
Can you help with bankruptcy financing?
Yes! We can help you with financing during bankruptcy. We work with lenders and attorneys who specialize in helping clients with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.
Can I finance through my own bank?
Absolutely! Whether you want to finance with your bank or you need our dealership to help facilitate a loan. We recommend that you compare rates to find the best loan for you.
Do you offer financing for bad credit or repossessions?
Absolutely! Bad things happen to good people. We have lenders who specialize in second-chance financing—even if you’ve had a repo or bankruptcy.
Can you work with SSI or fixed income?
Yes, while some lenders have minimum income requirements, many of our lenders will work with fixed incomes.
Can I get pre-approved over the phone?
Due to FTC laws, we can’t collect sensitive info over the phone, as a protection to our customers. You can apply online or visit us in person for fast approval!
Do you offer first-time buyer programs?
Yes! We love to help first-time buyers in our community. We have special first-time buyer programs to help you get approved with little or no credit history.
Do I need a co-signer?
Not always! But having a co-signer can help you get better rates and terms.
What are your minimum credit requirements?
Minimum credit requirements are different for every lender. We have lenders that will work with all types of credit situations, from 0 scores to 800. We’ll do everything to help you get approved.
Do you help with negative equity?
Yes! Many times, people owe more than their vehicle is worth. Helping them out of a vehicle that has negative equity and into something nicer, newer® is one of our specialties!
Trade-Ins & Selling Your Car
Do you accept trade-ins?
YES! Even if we have to push, pull, or drag it in! You’d be surprised how much we’ll offer for your trade.
Can I trade in my car if I still owe money on it?
Absolutely! If we make a deal, we’ll pay off your existing loan and get you into a nicer, newer® ride!
Do you offer free vehicle appraisals?
Yes! Bring your car in, and we’ll give you a competitive offer on the spot.
Can I trade in my car while still making payments?
Absolutely! We will help you facilitate a new loan and find the right vehicle that fits your wants, needs, and budget. Once that is complete, we will pay off your current loan.
Buying Process & Policies
How long does it take to buy a car?
Google says the average car-buying process takes 1-14 days— from your initial research through car buying, but here we get it done in 2-3 hours, and we work hard to make the process easy and stress-free!
Can I drive home the same day?
YES! If you’re approved and find the perfect vehicle, you’ll be driving home TODAY!
Why do you need my name, phone, and email on your website?
We pride ourselves on strong customer service, and we would like to personally talk to you about your wants, needs, and any transportation problems you may have. We want to be your trusted partner and walk you through the car-buying process.
Do you offer vehicle delivery?
Although we can deliver vehicles, we prefer customers to visit our location. This allows us to provide exceptional customer service and demonstrate how enjoyable the car-buying experience can be.
Are your vehicles inspected?
We inspect most of our vehicles in-house; some are also inspected by the auction from which they come. Trade-in vehicles may be sold “as is” or as “mechanic’s specials,” and are not inspected.
What should I bring when buying a car?
- Driver’s license or valid ID
- Proof of income (pay stub, bank statement, etc.)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, etc.)
- Trade-in title (if applicable)
Do I need a driver’s license to buy a car?
No, we have several lenders that do not require a valid driver’s license, but you will need a valid ID.
Do I need a job to qualify?
You do not have to have a job to qualify. Keep in mind that if you are planning on financing a vehicle, you will have to have some income.
Can I buy more than one vehicle?
Yes, many times people need more than one vehicle. We have even seen couples come in to buy 1 and then decide to both upgrade at the same time.
Warranties & Additional Services
Do your vehicles come with warranties?
Yes!. Many of our vehicles still have factory warranty remaining.
Do you offer GAP insurance?
Yes! GAP insurance covers the difference if your car is totaled before you’ve paid off your loan.
Do you offer extended warranties?
Yes! Many of our vehicles qualify for extended manufacturer-backed service contracts (24-60 months).
Online & Remote Services
Do you offer vehicle delivery?
While we prefer face-to-face service, we can arrange delivery in some cases. Call us for details!
Do you offer online car buying options?
You can start the process online, but you’ll need to finalize the paperwork in person.
Do you offer virtual test drives?
We would love for you to visit us in person, as most customers end up choosing a different vehicle than they initially planned. However, we can send you videos or schedule a live video walkaround of any vehicle.
Discounts & Promotions
Do you offer military or first responder discounts?
Yes! We deeply appreciate and value our armed forces. We honor our heroes with special discounts for military personnel, first responders, and civil service workers.
What’s your current promotion?
Promotions change every few weeks—check autosmartforthepeople.com or call us for the latest deals!
Language & Accessibility
Do you have Spanish-speaking staff?
No, but we can use translation technology to assist Spanish-speaking customers.
Do you assist non-English speakers?
Yes! We want to help everyone find their perfect car; we’ll do whatever it takes to help them.
Transportation & Convenience
Can you pick me up or offer transportation?
Yes, we can.
Can I schedule a test drive at home?
We encourage in-store test drives, but in special cases, we can arrange off-site test drives.
Ready to Drive? Visit Us Today! 🚗💨
We’re here to help you find your nicer, newer ride—regardless of credit, budget, or past challenges.
📞 Call Us: (334) 792-1171
📍 3890 Ross Clark Circle Dothan, AL 36303: 3890 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36303
🌐 Visit: https://autosmartforthepeople.com/