F.A.Q.’s

Auto Credit Frequently Asked Questions

Browse FAQ's:
    Getting approved at Auto Credit is EASY! To get approved, you just must meet the following 3 requirements: 1) Be at least 18 years of age. 2) Have a valid Illinois Drivers License. 3) Have take-home pay of at least $1200 per month (after taxes). If you meet these 3 basic requirements, you are APPROVED at Auto Credit.
    At Auto Credit we can APPROVE you in just 10 minutes! To set up an appointment to get approved today call 618-997-5800.
    You can choose from any of the over 500 vehicles we have available right now. Down payments vary based on your individual approval and the vehicle you choose. Our trained Approval Specialists will help you find the vehicle and the payment that is perfect for you!
    Auto Credit is always looking for hard working people with a DRIVE to succeed! If you are a highly motivated self-starter who is great with people and looking for a career we want to talk to you!!! Click on the ‘Job Openings’ link at the top of any page to see a current listing of open positions or drop off your resume at your local Auto Credit location!
    Each vehicle at Auto Credit is clearly marked with a special colored license plate. This allows you to more easily know the down payment requirements on a vehicle. Green Plates: Our lowest down payment vehicles, and the easiest to qualify for. Red Plates: Slightly higher down payments. Blue Plates: Higher down payments, usually SUV and late-model, lower mileage vehicles. Yellow Plates: Ask your salesperson for details.
    Auto Credit of Southern Illinois is a regional, auto finance company started to help credit challenged consumers, obtain financing on quality dependable vehicles so that they can live without the worry of unreliable transportation. We stand behind our vehicles by offering an 18 month 18,000 mile service contract on most of our hand picked, and inspected vehicles. At Auto Credit of Southern Illinois automotive finance is more of a way of life than a mode of operation. We truly believe in helping people, which is why we are proud to be a part of this segment of the auto finance business. We believe that we are not only helping people maintain dependable transportation, but we are improving their quality of life. It is this emphasis on helping people everyday that has allowed us to grow to be the largest pre-owned car dealer in Southern Illinois.
    Our customers can make their payments at any one of our 3 convenient locations with a check or money order. They can also pay over the phone or even pay online! Many customers choose to take advantage of our direct debit, or a recurring debit card payment options to save time. At Auto Credit we strive to make it as easy as possible.
    At Auto Credit we specialize in short-term loans (3 – 3.5 years). The idea is to get the car paid for and get the title in as short of an amount of time as possible. We help our customers stay away from 60 or 72 month loans that never allow them to get out from under their car. Most payments are around $75 per week.
    Many of our vehicles are new-car dealership trade-ins. Others are bought at auction or traded to us directly. We have several full-time buyers with over 76 years of experience who find the best cars at the best prices from all over the midwest. We are happy to share previous owner information with you as well as provide you with a free AUTOCHECK report so that you can always feel confident in your purchase.
    EVERY Auto Credit vehicle receives a comprehensive inspection at the NAPA Car Care Center behind our Benton sales location. The Reconditioning center is a state-of-the-art service facility with trained technicians who do mechanical and safety repairs as needed. Some cars being inspected are “rejected” as mechanically unsound and returned to an auction or wholesaled. Only the best units make it to our lot for retail sale.* To keep costs down, we may not repair cosmetic blemishes and convenience items, but safety and mechanical concerns are addressed before the vehicle reaches the lot. Because Auto Credit provides the loan on the vehicle, we have a vested interest in making sure you purchase a quality vehicle.

    * Any automobile may have been recalled for repairs by the manufacturer or by the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Safety Administration during the automobile’s past use. You can visit safercar.gov to look up recalls by VIN or go to the manufacturer’s website to see if there is a recall.

    Almost all financed units come with a free 1 month/1,200 mile powertrain warranty that pays for half of parts and labor. Most vehicles qualify for 18 month/18,000 mile powertrain coverage that pays for 100% of covered parts and labor. Most customers choose this option because of the low cost and peace of mind it provides. Ask your salesperson about this optional coverage.
    If you are approved in person, over the phone, or online, your credit approval is valid for 30 days as long as your employment and residence status stays the same. After 30 days, we will just need to update your application to get you back to your ‘APPROVED’ status in our system.
    YES! Our computer system allows each of our 3 locations to keep your approved status on file. For example, if you are approved at our Benton location, you may still pick out a vehicle from ANY of our 4 locations. We are also happy to bring any vehicle to a location closer to you so that you can find the exact vehicle you are looking for.
    Although each approval is different, most approvals simply require a copy of your Illinois Drivers License, pay stubs, a utility bill, phone bill, and 10 references. You will also need to bring your down payment in cash or money order to take delivery of your new car.
    The new Mt. Vernon Auto Credit Superstore opened in March of 2015 at 3112 W. Broadway in Mt. Vernon. It is our newest location to date and has been beautifully remodeled to offers a larger selection of vehicles to choose from!
    Absolutely, We stand behind our vehicles by offering an 18 month 18,000 mile service contract on most of our hand picked, and inspected vehicles. Please visit our sales or financing department for complete details.
    If the answer you’re looking for isn’t in our handy F.A.Q. just let us know! We’re always happy to answer questions and would love your feed back. Just call us at (618) 997-5800 or fill out our contact form on the contact us page!
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