Car financing at Family Automotive Center
We work with buyers in every credit situation. Approval and terms depend on the lender.
- Step 1
- 30 sec
- Secure form
- 5 min
- Credit check
- In step 2
We read every credit application ourselves, send it to the lenders that fit, and tell you what comes back, good or bad. We can’t promise a yes before a lender sees it. Nobody honest can.
How it works
- YouYour name, your mobile number and the car you like. We text you back.About 30 seconds
- Secure applicationSocial Security number, birth date and income go into DealerCenter’s secure form. Not by text, not by email.About 5 minutes
- We review itWe read every application ourselves, send it to the lenders that fit, and text you what comes back.Approval depends on the lender
Approval, rate and terms depend on the lender and your credit.
Your credit, what to expect
Lenders look at more than a score. They look at your income, how long you’ve had your job and your address, and how much you put down.
No credit history yet
First car loan, or no credit cards yet. Lenders lean on your income and job history. A co-buyer with credit, or more money down, can help.
Low score, late payments or collections
Many of our buyers start here. Lenders that work with credit challenges read the whole application, not only the score. Expect a higher rate than a bank gives someone with top credit.
Credit-challenged buyersBankruptcy or repossession in the past
Some lenders will consider it, depending on when it happened. When we text you, tell us the date, and whether a bankruptcy is discharged, so we send it to the right lenders.
Self-employed, gig work or fixed income
The secure form asks your income type: W-2, self-employed, fixed income or military. Have proof ready: bank statements, a tax return, or a benefits award letter.
Good credit
You may qualify for a lower rate.
No one can promise you approval before a lender reads your application. We won’t. We send it to the lenders that fit and tell you plainly what comes back.
What to bring
Not sure you have everything? Call first and we’ll tell you exactly what your situation needs. No wasted trips.
- Driver’s license
- Proof of incomeRecent pay stubs, or bank statements if self-employed
- Proof of residenceA utility bill works
- Down paymentMore down means better terms, but talk to us either way
- ReferencesA few names and numbers
Is approval guaranteed?
No. The lender decides after reading your application, and sets the rate, the term and the down payment. We work with buyers in every credit situation, and we tell you plainly what comes back.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
Step 1 on our apply page doesn't check your credit. The secure application lets lenders pull your credit report, which shows as a "hard" inquiry.
FICO says one more inquiry takes less than 5 points off most people's scores, and it stops counting after a year. Auto-loan inquiries made close together count as one: within 14 or 45 days, depending on the score version the lender uses.
Will you pull my credit report?
Only after you send the secure application, and only to arrange financing for a car you're buying from us. We may request a consumer credit report in connection with your application. If you ask, we will tell you whether we requested one and the name and address of the credit reporting agency that provided it.
Do I need a down payment?
There's no set amount on our site. The lender sets it after reading your application. More money down usually means a smaller payment and a better chance of approval. A trade-in can count toward it.
Can I trade in my car?
Yes. Bring it by, or text us the year, make, model and miles. If you still owe on it, bring the payoff details. Its value can go toward your down payment.
Why does the secure form say DealerCenter?
DealerCenter is the system we use to run sales and send applications to lenders. The private part of your application goes straight to it, at dwssecuredforms.dealercenter.net, so our website never holds your Social Security number.
Can I apply with someone else?
Yes. You both must agree to apply together. In the secure form, fill in the Co-Buyer tab only with their permission. You'll both sign at the store.
Do I have to buy a car if I apply?
No. But apply when you're ready to buy in the next few weeks. Lenders check your credit when they get your application, and an approval has an end date.
Can I apply by phone instead?
Yes. Call sales at 631-400-5334, Mon–Fri 8–5, Sat 8–2. Please don't text or email your Social Security number. Use the secure form or call us.
How will I hear back?
We read every application ourselves and text you what comes back. If a lender needs more from you, we text you what they asked for.
Your application is handled under our privacy policy. We share it with lenders to get you financed. See who sees what you type.