Frequently Asked Questions

Car Buying Frequently Asked Questions

The Tim Short CDJR sales team is focused on ensuring your experience with our dealership exceeds your highest expectations. Our friendly staff is happy to answer all your questions and make sure you are confident in your vehicle purchase decisions.

Below is a list of the most common questions we get asked via email and phone calls, but if you don't see an answer to your question here, feel free to Contact Us.

General Auto Buying FAQ

Search below to get all your car buying questions answered

1. Is it true that Tim Short CDJR of Morehead only sells used cars?

Not at all! We are a new Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer near Morehead, KY. We also have access to a large selection of new vehicles throughout our network of 27 car dealerships and can assist you in new and used car purchases.

2. What kind of cars do you sell?

We sell a large variety of new and used cars in Morehead and have access to thousands more in our dealer network. At the time of this writing, we have used cars from over 40 vehicle manufacturers represented and available for immediate delivery.

3. Do you sell new vehicles?

Our Morehead dealership does sell new cars. We also have access to new cars from several manufacturers in our dealer network and will help you find the car of your dreams whether you want new or used.

4. Leasing vs Buying?

There are advantages to both and we would be happy to show you all the available options. For an in-depth look at Leasing versus Buying, check out our post about it HERE

5. How long does it take to buy a car?

Nobody likes to spend all day at a car dealership, and here at the Tim Short Auto Group we want to respect your time and make your car buying transaction as fast as possible. Typically a car deal at Tim Short CDJR of Morehead takes between 1 and 2 hours, but deals can be done in less than an hour depending on the preliminary information we get prior to your visit. In fact, we make it possible to do almost all of the transaction before you visit to speed up your purchase.

6. Are all the cars listed on your lot?

The short answer is no. Tim Short CDJR is a sister store of Tim Short Ford of Morehead and Tim Short Maysville Autoplex and as such, shares inventory from all 3 stores. However, if you live closer to one of these stores than to this store, we can arrange to have the vehicle here or at one of those locations closer to you. Just ask your salesperson for details.

7. Do you hold cars?

Unfortunately we are unable to hold cars at this time due to the high demand for our inventory. We do recognize that we have customers driving long distances to get great deals on their new cars and we will work with you to ensure availability of the vehicle you would like to purchase.

8. What do I need to bring to purchase a vehicle?

When purchasing a new vehicle be sure to bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, your down payment and any corresponding documents (referred to as stips) that the bank requires. Some of these may include a current pay stub and a utility bill (proof of residence).

9. Can I get a better deal on a car if I pay in cash?

Not anymore. Financing used to be a difficult and time consuming process and dealers offered discounts for cash purchases. With today's technology, financing a car is quick and easy and most banks will pay the dealer a small flat fee for financed deals. In fact, sometimes rebates and discounts are contingent on dealer financing.

10. Do I have to schedule an appointment? Why do you recommend them?

You've spent hours shopping online for your new car and have finally found it, but now what? Should I call the dealership or just show up? While we welcome walk-in traffic, we suggest calling or emailing to setup an appointment before coming to see a car. This does a few things for you, but mainly just confirms availability of the car. It also ensures that a sales associate has the vehicle cleaned and gassed up and ensures our team can focus on you and your vehicle needs without any distractions.

11. What are my options if my down payment is too high?

If a down payment is required it is because the bank has only agreed to finance a particular amount on the vehicle you want to purchase. This can be for a number of reasons such as miles/age of the vehicle or your credit history. In these circumstances you have a few options. If you can procure a co-buyer (co-signer) it may help entice the bank to increase their limit. If you have another vehicle that is paid off or has some equity and can be traded that may also help. Last case scenario would be to look at some other vehicle options that may be less expensive, or newer, or have fewer miles on them that the bank may look more favorably at.

12. What do you do with my personal information that you collect?

In order to purchase a vehicle, personal information has to be collected. This information can include your social security number, address, copy of your driver's license, and current employer and income. We follow all state and federal guidelines for the safe storage and disposal of your information to ensure your privacy. You will get a copy of our personal information policy upon purchase of your new vehicle.

13. Can I see more pictures of the car I want to buy?

You certainly can! We frequently will post auction or appraisal photos immediately when we acquire a new vehicle for our Lexington car dealership and sometimes it can take a few days for delivery, detail, and a full photo suite to be taken. If you would like additional photos, or more detailed photos of any part of a car for sale, just let us know and we will be happy to text or email them to you.

14. Where can I find the best car deals right now?

Right here at Tim Short Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We pride ourselves on being able to offer great pricing on a great selection of inventory and will make sure you get a great deal on your new car.

15. Do I have to have insurance to buy a car?

Technically no. It is legal to purchase a vehicle without insurance, but it is illegal to drive a vehicle without insurance that meets the state's minimum liability requirements. If you are financing a car, you must have insurance to purchase. Whether you are paying cash or financing, most dealerships have a policy requiring proof of insurance to purchase a vehicle.

16. Should I buy a new or used car?

That's a tough one and entirely up to your needs, wants, and budget. We will be glad to help you explore your options for both. Look for an in depth article on our blog about this topic very soon.

17. What if I'm buying a vehicle out of state?

No matter where you are located, we will make it easy to purchase your new car. Our team of title and registration experts will ensure we can take care of all the necessary taxes and paperwork for your state. We can even deliver the car to you if needed. It is important to note though that some states will require an inspection upon registration in that state in which you will have to take your care to your county clerks office for its inspection and some additional fees may apply.

18. What is my "Out the Door Price"?

Out the Door (OTD) Price means the total price of the vehicle plus applicable state/city/county taxes and any doc/registration fees. When you get an OTD price it is the bottom line total of what it cost to purchase that vehicle.

19. Do I have to test drive the vehicle I want to buy?

While it's not required we highly recommend you test drive any vehicle before you commit to purchasing it. Test driving a vehicle ensures it meets your needs and rides and drives to your liking.

20. How old do I have to be to buy a car in Kentucky?

You must be 18 years old to purchase a car and sign any contracts in the state of Kentucky.

21. Do you deliver cars?

We do. We have a variety of shipping and delivery options available and can work with you to ensure timely and safe delivery of your new vehicle.

22. Do you detail cars?

We detail all of our cars to ensure cleanliness before delivery. We are not offering car detailing to the public at this time as our detail department is working hard to keep up with sales delivery.

23. Do you rent cars?

We do not offer rental cars at this time. However we do have relationships with several local rental car agencies and would be glad to give you the information to places we have rented from in the past.

24. Do you have a referral program?

We do! Simply make sure your friend, co-worker, or family members tells us that you sent them while they are here purchasing a car, and we will send you $100 when the deal is completed. UPDATE: Please make sure they tell us you referred them while they are here purchasing to avoid confusion. We are unable to pay a referral fee after they leave in their new car.

25. What vehicles are in my price range?

What is my price range? That is a difficult question to answer because of so many factors. If financing a new vehicle, we recommend taking a long look at your financial situation and determining a number for a payment you know you would be comfortable with for the next 36-84 months. Once you've determined your budget, we offer a variety of website tools to help determine what price ranges of cars to look at.

26. What if I don't see the car i want on your website?

Have a car in mind but don't see it on our websites? Give us a call. As part of the Tim Short Auto Group we have access to thousands of cars and frequently help customers find the car of their dreams. Just let us know what you want and let us do the work finding one for you.

27. I called in or submitted a lead and was connected to a BDC Agent, what is that?

We have hired a well trained and courteous team of professionals to help you in your car shopping journey. These "BD Agents" work in our BDC, or Business Development Center and are there to answer any questions you have, provide you the additional information you need, and to help speed up your sales process once you arrive at the store.

28. Why isn't the car I saw on the website available?

Due to the high demand for our used car inventory, there may be times that an individual vehicle is no longer available when you arrive at our Morehead dealership. This is due to a 12-24 hour delay between the vehicle's actual sale and delivery and removal from the website. Occasionally the vehicles may be moved to another location at a customer's request.

29. Can I see cars at the auction before I buy them?

Auction rules prohibit us from taking anyone to the auction that is not an employee of the car dealership and is registered with the auction.

New Car Buying FAQ

30. Why should I test drive a new car?

It is important to test drive a new car to ensure it meets you and/or your family's needs. Is there enough space? Do the car seats fit? Does it fit in my garage? Will this be comfortable on trips? Is it easy to drive in tight spots? There are lots of answers to be discovered on a new car test drive so we encourage it.

31. What should I look for when I purchase a new car?

After your test drive of a new car you may still have some lingering questions that a test drive didn't answer. For example, Can I afford a new car? What will my car insurance be on a new car? How much gas does my new car take? What kind of new car rebates are available? All of these are questions that our team of sales professionals can discuss with you and provide you answers.

32. When is the best time of the month to buy a new car?

People used to say the end of the month is the best time to buy a new car, but in reality, dealers want to sell cars everyday and the deals are the same throughout the entire month. In reality, the best time of the month to purchase a new car is whenever you are ready to buy.

33. Can you locate a new vehicle for me?

We certainly can. If we don't have a vehicle with all of the options you need or in the color you want, we can quickly reach out to our dealer network and locate a new vehicle for you and have it delivered to our store for you.

34. Can you custom order a new vehicle for me?

We can! If you want a specific new car or want to be one of the first to get a new release, just let us know what you want and we can get it ordered for you. Order times vary by manufacturer but typically take 6-8 weeks to be built and delivered

35. Do all new cars come with a warranty?

All new cars come with a manufacturer's warranty against defects. There is a Comprehensive (frequently called "Bumper to Bumper") warranty and a Drivetrain warranty as well as some miscellaneous warranties to cover tires, emissions systems, and paint. The Comprehensive Warranty covers most everything for the early life of the car while the Drivetrain warranty will cover the parts that make the car go for a while longer.

36. When does the warranty start on a new car?

A new car's warranty coverage starts the day the vehicle is reported sold to the manufacturer and at the mileage that is on the car on that day.

37. What is MSRP?

MSRP = Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the price set for the vehicle by the automaker that they want the dealer to ask for the car. MSRP is often referred to as "Retail Price" or "sticker price".

38. What are new car rebates?

New car rebates are discounts from the manufacturer for it's vehicles to motivate consumers to purchase during a particular month or holiday season or to encourage brand loyalty. Rebates change monthly based on previous sales of each model in each region and can often include multiple discounts depending on organizations you may be associated with, car loan lender you use, and what you're currently driving.

39. How do I know what Rebates I qualify for?

With most import manufacturers, rebates are pretty simple to understand. There is often a small cash allowance rebate and Military rebates, and sometimes a financing rebate. American manufacturer's rebates can get quite confusing. You will often see Conquest Cash, National Retail Cash, Bonus Cash, Consumer Cash, Non-Prime Incentives, Loyalty Rebates, Military/First Responder Rebates, Professional Organization Rebates, and probably a few dozen more. It can get confusing. We strive to break it down on each of our new vehicles, but since they are zip specific, please consult with your salesperson and they will be more than happy to find you every rebate you qualify for.

Used Car Buying FAQ

40. What determines the price of a used car?

The simplest answer to this is to simply say "market conditions". Vehicle prices go up and down as supply and demand changes. Beyond that we have to consider vehicle condition, mileage, accidents, and repair work performed when determining how to price a used car. Look for a blog post soon explaining this in more detail.

41. How do I pick a used car?

Buying a used car isn't nearly as hard as finding the right car for you and as such requires some considerable thought. Start by determining your budget and how you are going to pay for it then start to assess what you need in a new car based on how you will be using it daily. Once these questions are answered, start searching our car sales websites by narrowing your search based on budget and vehicle body style and keep adding search criteria until you find the vehicle that checks all the boxes you've determined are important to you. After you've selected a vehicle, get a vehicle history report and contact the car dealership to schedule your test drive.

42. Why should I test drive a used car?

You should ALWAYS test drive a used car before you buy it. While we take precautions to purchase and sell quality vehicles, anything with moving parts can have issues and those can be determined with a simple test drive. A test drive will also help you determine if you are in the right car. Does it meet all your wants and needs? Does it drive well? Is it comfortable? Does it hold all my stuff that I carry daily? The test drive is where you determine if the car is the right car for you.

43. What should I look for when I test drive a used car?

During your test drive be observant to the car and any noises, vibrations, etc. Do the brakes feel good? Do all the windows work? Test the A/C and Heat, turn signals, and radio functions.

44. When is the best time of the month to buy a used car?

Any day of the month you are ready is the best day to buy a car. Our team at Tim Short CDJR will work as hard for you to get your dream car on the 1st day of the month as they will on the last day of the month. We don't collect these cars and will do our best to help you get the car you want any day you want.

45. Do used cars have rebates?

Used cars do not have any manufacturer rebates. There are however incentives from banks from time to time to dealers that they will pass onto the consumer if they finance their vehicle through one of those banks.

46. Can used cars be leased?

Technically yes. A used car can be leased. In our experience it isn't a very popular option but it can be done. Typically a leased used car will be a year or two old and certified from the manufacturer. When leasing a used car, the list of banks offering used car leases is very limited.

47. Can I order a used car?

You cannot "order" a used car. Car dealers will often joke about the "used car factory" but there is no such place to build used cars. Your choices are limited to cars currently for sale.

48. Can you help me locate a particular used car?

We can help you find particular used cars. As part of the Tim Short Auto Group we have immediate access to thousands of used cars, used trucks, and used SUVs and can run a quick search to show you the options we have. In the event we don't have what you are looking for, we can check national auction lists to see upcoming sales and the vehicles available to help you find a used car at auction.

49. Do you inspect the vehicles before selling them?

Yes. All of our cars go through a safety inspection as the state mandates and if they don't pass they are sold to wholesalers. With the exception of "As-Is" vehicles, our vehicles get some form of reconditioning to make them safer and more reliable for you and your family.

50. What is a certified pre-owned vehicle?

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles are late model, low mileage vehicles that have gone through a more stringent inspection and reconditioning process. CPO used cars come with additional factory warranties and extras backed by the manufacturer.

51. Do you sell cars that have been in an accident?

Yes. Just because a car has been in an accident does not mean it is not a great car for you or any less reliable than the day it was built. The severity of the accident is normally noted on the Autocheck or Carfax and we offer an Autocheck on every one of our used cars.

52. What is an Autocheck?

Autocheck is a vehicle history report prepared by Experian. The Autocheck history report helps you understand your vehicles history by collecting reported information regarding sales and accident history to help you make a more informed car buying decision. Autocheck is widely considered more accurate than the other vehicle history reports available.

53. Can I take a used car to my mechanic before I buy it?

You certainly can! We want you to have peace of mind when purchasing a vehicle from the Tim Short Auto Group and if you would feel more comfortable having the vehicle inspected by a mechanic, you are more than welcome to. If you want to have a car inspected, we encourage you to set an appointment with your mechanic and then let us know when so we can ensure the car is available for you.

54. Do your vehicles carry a factory warranty?

Many of the vehicles we sell are late model, low mileage vehicles that have whatever the remainder of the factory warranty is left on them. If you have any questions about the remaining factory warranty on vehicles you are looking at, just ask us and we will be glad to help you discover what kind and amount of warranty is still available.

55. What if my car has a manufacturer's warranty and requires repairs?

While your car is still under manufacturers warranty, simply take it to the nearest like make dealership and they can take care of the repair for you at no charge for warrantable repairs.

56. Where do you get your used cars from?

We source our inventory from a variety of places. Roughly half our vehicles are trade-ins, with the rest coming from auctions, rental car companies, and right off the street from individuals looking to sell their cars.

57. Can I get the maintenance records of a used car before buying?

If they are available via the previous customer or our service departments, we will be more than happy to give them to you. For your convenience, an Autocheck report can be found on our website.

58. Do used cars come with 2 keys?

Unfortunately, there are occasions when extra keys, owner's manuals, floor mats, etc. are not with the vehicle. Please verify with your salesperson whether these or any other items of importance are present.

59. What does "as-is" mean?

As-Is means that a vehicle is being sold as it sits with no guarantees of its reliability, warranty status, or overall condition. When purchasing an As-Is car, the dealer makes no promises of the car's reliability and is not responsible for any future repairs after the car is purchased.

60. Are there advantages to buying "As-Is" Cars?

There can be advantages to buying As-Is cars. Oftentimes these cars are older and may need some work, and as such, are sold far below market value. If you can perform some of the work yourself or have a friend or family member that can, you can purchase these vehicles at a big savings, then have them repaired relatively cheaply.

61. Why do used car prices change?

Used cars prices are largely based on supply and demand. This supply and demand is re-evaluated every 30 days and the "books" are updated for dealers. A car previously in high demand will get a price drop as demand drops, and vehicles previously in low demand may see an increase as demand outweighs supply.

62. What is a salvage or branded title?

Salvage titles, often called branded titles" basically means that the cost to repair the vehicle costs more than the value of the vehicle.

63. What is a rebuilt title?

A car is deemed to have a rebuilt title when a previously salvaged title car has been repaired, or rebuilt.

64. What is a "clean" title?

A clean title just indicates that the vehicle has never been deemed a total loss, also know as a salvaged title.

Trade In FAQ

65. Do you take trade-ins?

Yes we do! If you are purchasing a vehicle from us, we will take any car that you currently own in on trade.

66. What can I expect to get for my trade-in?

When we are evaluating your vehicle to determine a trade-in value, we use a variety of sources. We consult the "books", NADA, Black Book, KBB, as well as auction prices from auctions across the country. We also physically inspect/drive the car to look for any issues, both mechanically and cosmetically, to determine what it may cost us to make a retail piece "front line ready". We then look at what we can sell the vehicle, any reconditioning costs we are anticipating, and determine a value from there.

67. Should I trade my car or sell it to a private party?

That is entirely up to you and there are some things to consider when making that decision. As a car dealership we purchase cars at wholesale prices where as a private party may pay you somewhere a little above wholesale, but certainly less than retail. Depending on the vehicle, that difference may be very small and you don't have to take care of the transfer of the vehicle and its associated paperwork and trip to your county clerk's office. In Kentucky, and several other states, you also get a tax credit when trading your car in that in some cases, meets if not exceeds what you could sell your car privately for.

68. How Do I get the most money for my trade-in?

There are several things you can do to help increase your car's trade-in value. First and foremost, clean your car. There are studies that have shown professionally detailed cars bring an average of $400 more than cars that are not clean at time of appraisal. Keep all your service/maintenance records and bring them with you and make sure you show your salesman. If feasible, make sure your vehicle is in good running order, tires have good wear left, and there are no lights on the dash on.

69. What if I don't want to trade, Do you buy cars from individuals?

Yes we do. We buy cars "off the street" from individuals that are simply looking to get rid of an extra car instead of replacing it. Simply bring your car for an appraisal and if it is a vehicle we are looking for, we will make you an offer on the spot.

70. Does mileage affect the price of a used car or my trade?

Yes it does. Mileage is one of the many factors that determines the value or used cars or the amount you will get for your trade. As a general rule, vehicles take a small "book drop" (market depreciation) at every 5000 mile mark, I.E. 20,000, 25,000, 30,000 and so on. Though the biggest drop comes at 100,000 miles and even more at 200,000.

71. Will my trade in value change if I don't trade it the same day?

This is tricky to answer because of the way supply and demand affects pricing. For the most part, appraisals are good for about 14 days, sometimes less, but often longer. Of course, this depends on the additional miles or any new damage/running issues that happen after the appraisal.

72. Can I trade in more than one vehicle on the same purchase?

Yes. You can trade in multiple vehicles towards the purchase of a single vehicle. In Kentucky, you only get tax credit for one though. But any equity for multiple trades will be applied towards the purchase price of the vehicle you are purchasing.

73. What if I owe money on my trade?

If you still owe money on your trade, dont worry about it, we will work it all into the deal, adding negative equity or subtracting positive equity to the purchase price of your new vehicle. This will all be itemized on your buyers order so that you know exactly what you owe and where and how the equity is being applied.

74. What is negative equity?

Negative equity is simply when you owe the lending institution more than what your vehicle is worth. For example, if your car is worth $10,000 but you owe $13,000, you have $3,000 of negative equity that will have to be paid before the lien will be released on the car you are trading. Negative equity is frequently worked into your car deal so you don't have to worry about paying it out of pocket before buying your new car.

75. What is "tax credit"?

In Kentucky and other states that allow tax credits on trade-ins, your car is saving you more money. Kentucky tax credit means that instead of paying a 6% sales tax on the purchase price of your new vehicle, you only pay it on the difference between sale price and trade-in value. There are 2 ways to figure tax credit and the state allows us to use the one that saves you the most money. Other states have different rules regarding vehicle tax credits and we can assist you in finding out what you will save.

76. How can I find out what I owe on my car?

The easiest way to find out how much you owe on your car is to call the lienholder (the bank) and give them your account number or social and they can give you your payoff. Since interest is accrued daily, dealerships use 10 and 15 day payoffs when writing a buyers order. If you forget to get your payoff before you visit our Lexington car dealership, don't worry about it, we can get the payoff for you.

77. Do you pay off my trade-in?

Yes. Once a deal is reached and positive or negative equity is determined and worked into the deal, we send the lienholder a check to pay off your trade and remove it from your name and into ours. Typically this takes only a few days, but under certain conditions can take a little bit longer.

Leasing FAQ

78. What determines a lease payment?

Your lease payment is basically the expected depreciation of your car split up over the lease term with the fees and interest charges figured in.

79. What is residual value?

A vehicle's residual value is what the bank is saying your car will be worth at the end of it's lease term. The residual value is also the amount you could buy your car for at lease end should you choose to keep it.

80. What is money factor?

The money factor (also known as lease factor) is essentially your interest percentage of your payment.

81. How do I convert a lease money factor to a percentage rate?

To convert a lease money factor into a percentage rate (APR), simply multiply the money factor by 2400.

82. What are my lease end options?

At the end of your lease term, you have a few options. You can simply take it to your local like make dealership and drop it off then walk away. You can buy it if you really want to, or if you think it has some positive equity, you can trade it in towards another lease or vehicle purchase. The amount of paperwork for each of those scenarios differ.

83. What if I go over my lease mileage?

You signed a lease for 12k miles a year for 3 years but now find that your driving has increased and you will be at 40k miles at lease end, what will you do? If you keep the lease until the term end, you will be responsible for paying for those miles. The amount varies by manufacturer, but the average is 25 cents per mile over. If you are knocking on your mileage limits door with a few months left, you can often trade out a few months early into another lease with "pull ahead cash". This is basically a rebate that will pay your last few payments if you purchase another same make vehicle. Almost all the manufacturers offer this and normally range from 3-6 months early lease termination forgiveness.

84. What if I want to turn in my leased vehicle early?

If you want to get out of your lease early you are responsible for the remaining payments and fees. If you are purchasing another vehicle you may be able to trade out of it a few months early.

85. Can I buy my leased vehicle?

Yes. At the end of the lease term, you can purchase your leased vehicle for the residual value set forth at the time of purchase. You can pay cash or secure financing through your bank or the dealership.

86. Can I trade in my leased vehicle?

Yes. You can trade in a leased vehicle but you are still responsible for the remaining payments and additional mileage charges if applicable. If you have any positive equity you can apply it to the purchase price of your new vehicle. If you have negative equity, it can often be financed with the new vehicle.

87. What should I do if I get in an accident with a leased vehicle?

If no injuries, immediately contact your insurance company and then your leasing company. Having an accident in your leased vehicle does not affect your lease terms unless the vehicle is deemed a total loss.

Car Financing FAQ

88. Do you offer financing?

Yes. We work with a few dozen lenders and financial institutions to help you secure a car loan on the cars we have for sale.

89. How does financing a car work?

When you finance a car, you are agreeing to paying for said car for a set length of time (loan term) at an agreed upon annual percentage rate (APR). We will help you get the car loan, the bank will then pay us for the vehicle and you will pay them back in monthly payments. It's all relatively simple and can be done quickly at our Lexington car dealership.

90. Do you have to have a credit check done to buy a car?

If you are financing a car, then yes, we will have to perform a credit check to submit to potential lenders in order to secure the best car loan for you.

91. How are financing terms determined?

Financing terms are determined by the bank, not the dealership and are based on many factors regarding credit worthiness. Aside from credit history and a proven track record of paying back debt as agreed, banks will also look at your debt to income ratio and the amount of financing requested. Other factors will include the age and mileage of the vehicle. Older and high mileage vehicles are generally subject to shorter loan terms and higher APRs while late model and new vehicles are looked at more favorably and generally get longer terms and lower interest rates.

92. What are my payment options?

Once terms are agreed upon and financing secured, your car loan payment options are generally pretty simple and limited. Most commonly you pay one monthly payment for the duration of the car loan but some banks will contract bi-weekly payments. As far as payment methods, depending on the lender, you can pay by check or card by phone, or set up automatic recurring payments directly from your bank account.

93. How are taxes calculated and collected?

Taxes are the most confusing part of a car deal and often vary by state, city, and sometimes even county. Then if a trade is involved, we have to figure out how tax credits are assessed and applied. Fortunately we have some great resources to ensure we figure the taxes correctly and we are glad to show you how they are collected upon request. Taxes are due at the time of signing via one time payment or incorporation into your car loan.

94. Can I get Pre-Approved for a car loan online?

You can get pre-approved for a car loan by clicking HERE. We recommend using the pre-approval link to save you time at the store by letting us secure vehicle financing before you arrive.

95. How much paperwork is in a car deal?

Paperwork on a car purchase varies on a few factors: Cash vs Financing, trade or no trade, single signer or co-buyer. An average car deal consists of a contract, an arbitration agreement, VTR, buyers order, proof of insurance form, "we-owe", power of attorney, and some misc documents.

96. Can I buy a car with cash?

Yes. You can pay for a car in cash, but by federal law, anything over $10,000 requires a From 8300 to be filled out and included with the paperwork.

97. What will my payment be?

Your payments will be determined by the amount financed and the auto loan terms set forth by the bank.

98. How long is the average car loan?

The average new car loan is 69 months for new vehicles and 65 months for used vehicles.

99. How long can you finance a used car?

In some circumstances on almost new used cars we have seen 84 month terms, but long term loans for used vehicles typically go 72 or 75 months. The length of used car loans are determined by age/mileage of vehicle and credit worthiness.

100. How long can you finance a new car?

Long term new car loans typically go 84 months as a max, but over the years we have seen a 96 month car loan and even 120 month car loan before. We typically recommend you select the shortest term loan you can afford to avoid paying the additional interest.

101. What is your lowest interest rate?

This is a tough question as federal rates vary all the time and your car loan interest rate is ultimately decided by your creditworthiness, the vehicle's age/mileage, and if it is a new or used car loan. The manufacturers occasionally announce 0% auto loans for short terms and we have seen used car loans as low at 2.99%. It is important to remember there are a variety of factors the banks used to determine the interest rates and until a bank sends us an approval, the rate is not set in stone.

102. Do I have to have a down payment?

Not always. If not required by the bank, a down payment will lower your monthly payment and help avoid some interest charges. If a down payment is required, the bank will tell us what they are requiring in order to agree to car financing.

103.When is my down payment due?

Your down payment is due before you take delivery of your new vehicle.

104. Can I pay for a car with a check?

Yes, but we first have to verify the validity of it.

105. Can I use a credit card for a down payment?

Yes. You can use a credit card as a down payment for your car, however, charges over $3000 may be subject to 2.5% processing fee.

106. Can I buy a car with bad credit?

Yes. Bad Credit auto loans are available but can take a little longer to secure than other auto loans. When buying a car with bad credit, cash is king and the bigger the down payment the better. A bigger down payment increases the likelihood of securing a bad credit car loan. Co-buyers also help secure financing when your credit is less than great.

107. How do I get a bad credit car loan?

The first step to getting a car loan with bad credit is to fill out our Get Pre-Approved Application and let us go to work for you. The more money or vehicle equity you have the better, as it will give the bank more reasons to approve a bad credit car loan. During the approval process, the bank may ask for proof of residence and proof of income. For these we will need to provide them your last 2 pay stubs and an utility bill with your name and current address on it.

108. Can you get a car loan with no credit?

Yes. Most frequently first time car buyers have little or no credit. It doesn't mean they have bad credit, just very little or none which often results in a 0 score on the credit reports. Similar to a bad credit car loan, first time buyers often increase their success at getting a loan when they have a good cosigner or some money down.

109. How do I protect my investme

Purchasing a car is normally the second biggest purchase, behind a house, that people will make and it is only natural to want to protect your investment. Your mobility depends on a reliable car. We offer several options to protect your investment that include extended warranties (service contracts), tire & wheel protection, paint & fabric protection, and pre-paid maintenance bundles. All of these products can be financed with your vehicle and are designed to help keep your car running great for years to come.

110. Do you offer new & used car warranties?

Yes we do. We offer extended warranties on almost every vehicle we sell that vary from short to long term with varying additional mileage options.

111. Should I buy an extended warranty? Do I need it?

We highly recommend buying an extended warranty. Anything with moving parts can wear out and break down at the most inopportune times causing major inconveniences. Extended warranties enable you to have expensive repairs done quickly with very little money out of your own pocket. For instance, if your motor or transmission were to go bad, you could be looking at thousands and thousands of dollars you would have to pay out of your pocket. If you have a warranty, that repair could be covered for a copay of only $100.

112. What is GAP insurance?

Gap Insurance is an additional insurance policy that covers the gap in your car's value and what you owe on your car in the event of a total loss. If you total your car and owe $15, 000 on it but the insurance company only values your car at $11,000 then you are responsible for paying off the additional $4000 to your lienholder to satisfy the loan. If you have GAP insurance, they will cover that difference for you.

113. Should I buy gap insurance?

Whether or not you should by GAP insurance depends on how you plan to pay for the vehicle. If you pay cash, you obviously don't need it, or if you put 30-40% down, or if you do a short term loan, then you may not always need it. However, if your term is longer than 36 months, or if you put very little or no money down, or carry negative equity to your new loan, then we strongly recommend GAP Insurance.

114. When is my first payment due?

For most car loans, your first payment isn't due for 45 days after you purchase the car, but in some instances, it is only 30 days. Occasionally with CPO or new car incentives, it could be pushed out 60 or 90 days until your first payment is due.

115. Can Warranty, Gap, Maintenance, etc be included in my monthly payment?

Most of the time it can be included in your monthly payment. When banks approve car loans, they will approve and amount for the vehicle purchase and a separate amount for "back end adds", i.e. Warranty, Gap, etc. As long as they approve enough to cover the cost of any protection products you want, it can be included.

116. Can I use my bank or credit union to purchase a car?

Yes. You can secure your own auto loan financing, but oftentimes our dealership's finance department can negotiate better terms with the banks we are sending hundreds of deals to a month too. There can also be cash incentives to using certain lenders the dealerships provide saving you even more money.

117. What does "Lien Holder" mean?

When you get insurance for your new vehicle purchase, your agent will ask you who the lienholder is. The Lienholder is the bank or credit union that is providing the car loan to you. When asked by your insurance company, we can provide you the name, address, and phone number of the lienholder to pass along.

118. How is car loan interest calculated?

Most of our car loans are simple interest car loans and the interest is calculated based on the balance you owe the day your payment is due.

119. Can I pay off my loan early?

Yes. You can pay off your car loan as early as you can afford to. It is important to note that there are a few banks that have early payoff penalties, but we can let you know at your time of purchase all the lienholders stipulations.

120. Can I use a credit card to buy a car?

We do not accept credit card payments for the purchase of a car. You can use a credit card for a down payment though.

121. Can I buy a warranty for a car I already own?

Most of the time you can. It depends on the age, mileage, and condition of your current vehicle and will require an inspection by our service department. If you are thinking of keeping your current car longer than you thought you would, contact our finance department managers to find out how to buy a warranty for your current vehicle.

122. Can I transfer my specialty license plate to my new car?

Do you have a specialty license plate on your car and are worried about losing it when you purchase a new one? Just let us know when you are buying your new car from us and we will note on the registration form that we are transferring your specialty plate to your new vehicle.

123. Do you all handle the registration for me?

Yes. We handle all of the paperwork and trips to the county clerk's office for you so that you don't have to do anything but enjoy your new car.

124. When will I receive my title?

In Kentucky you will typically receive your title 45-60 days after you purchase your car. Some states require the lienholder to keep the title until the vehicle is paid off, and in those states you will receive your title 45-60 after your last payment is made. Edit: The Covid19 pandemic has increased title processing and delivery times.

125. What is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside Assistance is just that, a service that offers stranded motorists assistance if they experience car troubles. Depending on the type of coverage you elect to get, it could cover changing a flat tire, bringing you gas, or giving you a tow to the nearest dealership for repairs.

126. Do you provide temp tags?

Yes. If the vehicle you purchase doesn't have a valid tag on it at the time of purchase, we will put a temporary tag (temporary license plate) on it that will suffice until your new license plate is mailed to you.

127. Can I refinance my car?

Interested in lowering your current car payment? Do you think your interest rate is too high? Or maybe a job change or life circumstance has changed and you can't afford what you once could. Depending on how long you have had your vehicle you may be able to trade out of it to lower your payment or possibly even just refinance it. Refinancing a car you currently own can be beneficial in a few circumstances and may give you the opportunity to lower your interest rate.

128. What is a Co-Buyer?

A co-buyer, also known as a cosigner, is a 2nd person involved in a car loan that promises to pay the loan if the main buyer is unable to. They are as legally responsible to pay off the car loan as the person buying the vehicle.

129. What is a doc fee?

The doc fee, aka documentation fee, is a fee charged by dealerships to cover the cost of preparing, filing, and storing your paperwork. It also covers the costs associated with privacy and identity protection. Doc fees are a part of every deal and non-negotiable per guidelines.

Parts & Service FAQ

130. Do you have a vehicle service department?

We do! We perform service, maintenance, and warranty work on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat, but will perform maintenance and repair work on all models.

131. Do I have to have a service appointment to have my car worked on?

It is not required, but it helps ensure faster service by allowing us to have a rack open and parts available.

132. How important is vehicle maintenance?

Regular and proper vehicle maintenance is critical to ensure years of trouble free service from your vehicle. The manufacturers all have guidelines for your vehicles maintenance and it's a good idea to follow them as closely as possible.

133. How often should I change my oil?

It depends on the car and your driving habits. Manufacturer recommendations have been going away from 3000 mile intervals as oil technology has advanced to intervals of 5000 and 7500 miles. Consult your owners manual to determine how often you should change your oil.

134. How does maintenance affect my cars warranty?

Auto manufacturers and aftermarket warranty companies are pretty strict about how a vehicle needs to be maintained in order to retain coverage. If you follow your cars maintenance schedule you can rest easy knowing that not only is your car performing as it should, but your warranty coverage is still valid to protect your investment should it have some issues down the road.

135. Should I keep my car's service records?

Absolutely! If possible, keep a record of all your vehicle service and maintenance records. Not only will service records help settle any possible warranty disputes, but will add value to your vehicle when you go to sell it or trade it in.

136. What is a safety recall?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. If there is a safety recall, your manufacturer will fix the problem free of charge.

137. Do you sell car parts?

We sell Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram parts, and also have 13 other new car stores in our auto group and can connect you to the right people to get you the auto parts you need.

138. Do you sell car accessories?

We sell Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram manufacturer accessories, and we also have a Line-X store in Pikeville that we can connect you with to order just about any aftermarket accessories you want.

About Tim Short Auto Group

139. What is the Tim Short Auto Group?

The Tim Short Auto Group consists of 27 stores in Kentucky and Tennessee. The auto group is made up of 15 new car dealerships, 11 used car dealerships, and 1 powersports store. We stock thousands of new and used vehicles and service thousands of vehicles a month.

140. Are you open on Sunday?

At this time we are not open on Sundays.

141. Are you a buy here pay here dealership near Morehead?

We are not. We offer traditional car loans, specialized car loans, and bad credit car loans at our Lexington dealership. At this time we are not offering buy here pay here options, but with a little money down, we may be able to help you finance a nicer vehicle than you would get from a Buy Here Pay Here dealership. Before you visit a Lexington Buy Here Pay Here dealership, come see us at Tim Short CDJR and let us help you get a great car.