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A: Down payments should be as much as you have saved and are comfortable putting down.

For customers with negative, bad, or extremely bad credit, putting more money down creates equity in the vehicle and shows lenders you are serious and invested. A larger down payment can help guarantee approval in these situations.

Putting more money down also means you finance less, which results in lower payments, a shorter loan term, and paying the vehicle off faster. Customers who invest more upfront are also less likely to face repossession.

The more you put down, the stronger your approval and the more you save over the life of the loan.

What to Expect During the Financing Process

Understanding the steps ahead can make your vehicle purchase feel simple and stress-free.

For many buyers, financing feels like the most intimidating part of purchasing a vehicle. There is paperwork, unfamiliar terms, and a lot of numbers being discussed. The good news is that the process is usually much more straightforward than people expect.

Knowing what happens ahead of time can help you walk in feeling prepared and confident.

Step 1: Sharing Basic Information

The process typically begins with a short application that includes basic details such as your name, address, employment information, and housing status. This information helps lenders determine which loan programs may be a good fit.

If you want to get a head start before visiting, you can complete a simple application through the online credit application. This allows some of the work to be done ahead of time.

Step 2: Lender Review

Once your information is submitted, it is reviewed by lending partners. Each lender has its own guidelines, which is why buyers often have more than one option available.

The goal is to find a loan structure that fits your situation and keeps your purchase comfortable over time.

Step 3: Reviewing Your Options

After lenders respond, you will review available loan terms. This includes the loan length, interest rate, and estimated monthly payment. You will always have the opportunity to ask questions and make sure everything makes sense before moving forward.

Step 4: Finalizing Paperwork

Once you select a financing option, the remaining paperwork is completed. This includes reviewing your loan agreement and signing documents. Everything is explained before you sign, so there are no surprises.

How Trade-Ins Can Help

If you are replacing your current vehicle, your trade-in can be applied toward your purchase. This can help reduce the amount you need to finance.

If you would like to explore your trade-in value ahead of time, you can visit the trade-in evaluation page to learn more about the process.

Getting Ready for Your Visit

Financing does not have to feel overwhelming. A little preparation goes a long way toward making the experience easy and efficient.

If you have questions before your visit or want to confirm which documents to bring, you can always contact the team for guidance.

When you know what to expect, financing becomes just another simple step toward driving home in your next vehicle.

Beauty Before Age?

Many drivers assume that a car’s age automatically determines how much it is worth at trade-in time. While year and mileage do influence value, they are not the whole story. In many cases, a newer vehicle with poor maintenance history can be worth less than an older vehicle that has been consistently cared for.

This is why service records play such a major role during trade-in evaluations.

Consistency Builds Confidence

Regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and recommended maintenance create a clear picture of responsible ownership. When records show that a vehicle has been serviced on schedule, it signals reliability to future buyers and appraisers alike.

That history demonstrates not just care, but also peace of mind. Buyers want confidence that routine maintenance was never ignored.

Skipping Maintenance Lowers Value

Gaps in service history can create concerns, even if the vehicle feels fine during a short test drive. Inconsistent care can raise questions about long-term wear and potential repairs down the road.

Vehicles without maintenance documentation may still perform well, but less certainty often leads to more conservative appraisals.

Digital Records Count Too

Service history does not need to be stored in a physical folder. Many maintenance providers maintain digital records that can be referenced during evaluations. Online service logs, dealership service histories, and manufacturer databases often help verify past care.

If you do have physical receipts or printed service summaries, bringing them along can be helpful during your visit.

How History Affects Trade-In Offers

Two vehicles of the same year and mileage can receive different trade-in values simply based on service documentation. Consistent records reduce risk for future owners, and that added confidence is reflected in the appraisal.

If you are considering trading your vehicle, learning more about how the process works through the trade-in evaluation page is a good way to set expectations.

Preparing Your Records

• Gather receipts from oil changes and maintenance visits.
• Print digital service histories when possible.
• Keep any warranty or repair paperwork.
• Bring title or payoff information if applicable.

Preparation saves time and helps ensure that your vehicle is evaluated as accurately as possible.

Thinking Ahead

Even if you are not planning to trade right away, keeping organized maintenance records benefits your vehicle long-term. It improves reliability today and protects value for the future.

If you have questions about what documents to bring or how the appraisal process works, you can always reach out for assistance before your visit.

At Summer’s Auto Sales, we work hard to help customers get approved through our trusted lenders, even when credit situations are less than perfect. Our goal is to make the car-buying and financing process as smooth and transparent as possible.

To finance a vehicle through our lenders, customers must be permanent North Carolina residents with a valid North Carolina driver’s license. Below is an explanation of why this requirement is in place and how it protects both our customers and our lending partners.

North Carolina Driver’s License & DMV Processing

When a vehicle is financed, all title, registration, and license plate paperwork must be processed through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). The NCDMV requires:

• A valid North Carolina driver’s license

• North Carolina residency to issue a license plate and properly register the vehicle

Without a North Carolina driver’s license, the DMV cannot complete this process, which would delay or prevent the vehicle from being legally titled and registered.

Lending & Financing Considerations

When a vehicle is financed, the vehicle itself is used as collateral on the loan. Financing a vehicle outside of North Carolina presents a much higher risk for lenders. In situations where a customer stops making payments, it can be significantly more difficult to locate and recover the vehicle when it is registered or located out of state.

Because of this increased risk, our lenders require North Carolina residency to approve financing. This policy allows lenders to continue offering financing options to more customers, including those who may not qualify elsewhere.

Our Commitment to Transparency

We believe in being upfront and clear so there are no surprises during the approval process. These requirements are not meant to exclude customers, but rather to ensure:

• Legal DMV processing

• Proper vehicle registration

• Continued availability of financing options through our lenders

If you have questions about residency, documentation, or financing requirements, our team is always happy to explain your options and help guide you through the process.

At Summer’s Auto Sales, every vehicle on our lot is hand-selected and goes through a full service inspection. We don’t just detail them — we make sure they’re ready for the road.

Clean titles only
Fully serviced
Bumper-to-bumper certified
Brand-new tires on every vehicle

Buying a used vehicle shouldn’t mean rolling the dice. With us, you’ll always know exactly what you're getting.

Skip the wait! Our website allows you to apply for financing in minutes.
Just fill out the application and upload a picture of your NCDL and proof of income.
We do the rest. Apply at summerautosales.com. Click on the financing tab!!

As a family-operated dealership, we believe in doing business the right way — with honesty, transparency, and small-town values. When you visit Summer’s Auto Sales, you’re not just another sale. You’re treated like family.
Our customers love our:
Friendly service
Fast process
Fair prices
No-pressure environment

And we’re proud to see so many return customers and 5-star reviews that highlight our customer care.

Welcome to our blog!

At Summer’s Auto Sales in Randleman, NC, we believe that buying a car should be simple, stress-free, and fun! Whether you’re rebuilding your credit, purchasing your very first vehicle, or just looking for a reliable upgrade, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Our team works hard to make sure everyone rides — with flexible financing options, low down payments (including DMV fees), and an approval process that’s quick and easy. We partner with banks, credit unions, and in-house lenders to find the best financing option that fits your budget and situation.

Every vehicle on our lot is bumper-to-bumper certified and comes with brand-new tires, so you can drive away confident knowing your car has been fully serviced and inspected. We take pride in offering dependable cars, fair prices, and honest customer service — that’s why so many of our customers keep coming back year after year!

Whether you’re shopping for a fuel-efficient sedan, a family-friendly SUV, or a sporty ride, you’ll find a variety of quality vehicles waiting for you at 245 S. Main Street in Randleman.
Stop by today or apply online to get pre-approved — because at Summer’s Auto Sales, you’re not just buying a car, you’re joining our family!

Call us: 336-498-0145 Email us: summersauto18@gmail.com Visit us: 245 S Main St, Randleman, NC