Frequently Asked Questions

We use clear, upfront pricing so you spend less time haggling and more time choosing the right car. Our goal is a fair number on the window that reflects the vehicle and the market — not a starting point for a long back-and-forth.

Financing and cash purchases are priced the same. We do not favor one payment type over another. Card payments over $300 include a 3% processing fee; ask us about other payment options if you prefer to avoid that.

Yes. A minimum $300 hold reserves a specific vehicle for 7 calendar days. We recommend seeing the car in person — or having a trusted, certified mechanic inspect it — before you place a hold, so you are confident it is the one you want.

Licensed dealers are welcome to buy from us. We offer a $200 discount on documented dealer-to-dealer purchases when eligibility is verified.

We rarely receive a full paper trail from previous owners. Carfax and similar reports sometimes show dealer or shop visits. On our side, we keep internal prep and inspection notes for every car we retail. See Our Process for how we get vehicles ready for the lot.

California allows us to offer competitive pricing by selling as-is, with disclosures you can review before you buy. Factory warranty may still apply on newer cars, and optional vehicle service contracts can often be rolled into financing. Where Contract Cancellation is elected at purchase, returns may be available within 5 days or 500 miles (whichever comes first); terms and exclusions apply — ask for the program details in writing.

We review brakes, lights, tires, suspension, structural areas, and other safety-related items so the vehicle can meet California safety requirements for retail sale. Vehicles are still sold as-is beyond that prep. You may hire your own inspector. Where Contract Cancellation applies, additional conditions exist — contact us for the current cancellation form and eligibility.

You may inspect any vehicle on our lot, or arrange an inspection with a certified shop within about 10 miles of AUTOMEN. Book the shop directly and give us at least one business day notice; we can deliver the vehicle to the shop and pick it up when the inspection is done. You pay the shop’s fees. Parts may not be removed from the vehicle during inspection, and the car must be returned the same business day during our normal hours.

Yes. Start on our Financing page — submit the application online and we will follow up with next steps and lender feedback when we have it.

We regularly fund deals through credit unions and other lenders. Bring your pre-approval or draft purchase agreement from your institution and we will coordinate with our paperwork team.

Rates change with the lender, the loan term, and the vehicle. In the past we have seen approvals roughly in the single digits for well-qualified buyers through banks and credit unions — your offer may differ. We will only know your exact rate and payment after an application is submitted and reviewed.

We try to find a path for many credit profiles, but not every application is approvable. Outcomes depend on history, income, stability, and lender guidelines. The fastest way to know is to apply and review real options with us.

We cannot bind APR, down payment, or monthly payment without a credit application and lender response. For a rough idea, you can use any loan calculator online with an assumed rate — then let us replace estimates with actual numbers.

The banks and finance sources we work with typically report payment history to the major consumer credit bureaus, which helps on-time payments build your file over time.

Yes. Local delivery is typically $1.75 per mile, with a $250 minimum. Out-of-area buyers can contact us to confirm distance, fees, and how we handle title and registration paperwork.

We can arrange vehicle service contracts (often called extended warranties) at several coverage levels — from powertrain-focused plans to broader component coverage. Pricing varies by vehicle age, mileage, and plan. Ask for a quote on the car you are considering.

Base plans often emphasize engine and transmission (powertrain). Higher tiers can add electrical, A/C, steering, and more, depending on the contract. Deductibles, exclusions, and claim procedures are defined in the contract — we will walk you through the summary before you buy.

Sales are final unless you purchase Contract Cancellation where offered. With that option, qualifying returns may be allowed within 5 days or 500 miles (whichever comes first), subject to written conditions. Clean-energy / qualifying vehicles may have a shorter return window under applicable rules — we will disclose the exact terms at signing. Request the current cancellation form from our team before you rely on it.

Bring a valid driver’s license. We will verify coverage and take a short test route that fits the vehicle and traffic. Schedule ahead when you can so the car is pulled up and a team member is available.

Use Schedule Test Drive (or similar) from the vehicle listing you are interested in, or call (434) 303-3030 and we will find a time that works.

You can, but we cannot guarantee a specific car will be available or that wait times will be short. Booking ahead is the best way to avoid delays, especially on evenings and weekends.

Yes. Bring your current vehicle for a condition review and market-based appraisal. We will apply the value toward your purchase or discuss stand-alone purchase options when it makes sense.

For California buyers, we typically submit registration paperwork as part of the sale. Out-of-state buyers usually register the vehicle in their home state — we will explain which documents you receive at delivery or pickup.

DMV timing varies, but many California registrations arrive within about a month of sale. You will leave with temporary plates or permits as required at the time of purchase.

Yes. You need valid insurance that meets California (or your state’s) requirements before you operate the vehicle on public roads. Have your agent or app ready so we can confirm coverage at delivery.

Most of our stock is off-lease returns, franchise dealer trades, and retail trade-ins — occasionally fleet or rental units. We focus on cars with transparent histories we can stand behind after our prep process.

We add vehicles throughout the month as acquisitions land and recon finishes. Turnover is fairly quick — if you see something you like, check in soon or place a hold per our deposit policy.