What All Approved Auto Sales is and how it differs from other dealerships
All Approved Auto Sales is a used-car dealership chain operating in multiple states, primarily focused on selling vehicles to buyers with limited credit history, past credit problems, or no established credit at all. Unlike franchised dealerships that sell new cars and certified pre-owned vehicles, All Approved operates as an independent used-car retailer. The dealership's stated model centers on offering financing to people who would struggle to get approved at traditional lenders or at dealerships requiring a strong credit score upfront.
The core difference between All Approved and a typical dealership is the financing structure. Most franchised dealers work with external lenders — banks, credit unions, or captive finance companies — and you must meet those lenders' credit standards to drive off the lot. All Approved often finances vehicles directly through its own lending arm or through lenders that specialize in subprime and near-prime borrowers. This means approval decisions happen faster and credit requirements are looser, but the trade-off is higher interest rates and stricter terms on the loan itself.
All Approved locations are independently operated, so policies, inventory, pricing, and financing terms can vary significantly between stores. A dealership in one state may offer different down payment requirements or loan terms than one in another. Before visiting or committing to anything, you need to contact your local store directly to understand what they actually offer.
Key Takeaways
- All Approved Auto Sales finances used vehicles directly to buyers with poor, limited, or no credit history, which speeds up approval but raises interest rates.
- Interest rates at All Approved are typically higher than at traditional dealerships because the lender is taking on more risk with less-established borrowers.
- Down payment requirements, vehicle prices, and loan terms vary by location, so you must contact your local store to learn what they offer.
- The dealership's financing is built into the purchase price, meaning you cannot shop the loan separately or refinance with another lender when ready after purchase.
- You should compare the total cost of a vehicle at All Approved against the same vehicle at other used-car dealers and credit unions before deciding.
How the financing process works at All Approved
When you walk into an All Approved location, the sales process begins with a conversation about your income, employment, and credit situation. Unlike traditional dealerships that run a hard credit inquiry and then shop your process to multiple lenders, All Approved typically makes a financing decision in-house or through a single partner lender. This means fewer phone calls and a faster yes-or-no answer — often the same day.
The dealership will ask for proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a valid driver's license, and proof of residence. Some locations may ask for a down payment before running any numbers; others will calculate what you can afford and then discuss down payment options. The down payment amount varies by store and by the vehicle's price, but many All Approved locations require between $500 and $2,000 to move forward.
Once approved, the interest rate and loan term are locked into the purchase agreement. You cannot shop this rate to other lenders or refinance when ready — the loan is tied to All Approved's financing partner. The monthly payment, total interest paid, and loan length (typically 48 to 72 months) are all set at signing. This is a key difference from traditional dealership financing, where you can sometimes refinance with a credit union or bank after 30 to 90 days if your credit improves.
Interest rates and total cost of borrowing
Interest rates at All Approved are substantially higher than rates at banks or credit unions, and higher than rates at franchised dealerships for borrowers with good credit. The exact rate depends on your credit score, income stability, down payment size, and the vehicle's age and mileage. Rates typically range from 12% to 29.9% APR, though some locations may offer lower rates to borrowers with better credit profiles.
To understand what you will actually pay, you need to calculate the total interest over the life of the loan, not just look at the monthly payment. A $10,000 vehicle financed at 20% APR over 60 months costs roughly $5,200 in interest alone — meaning you pay $15,200 total for a $10,000 car. The same vehicle at a credit union at 8% APR costs roughly $2,100 in interest. That $3,100 difference is real money, and it is why comparing All Approved's total cost against other options matters.
All Approved's pricing on the vehicles themselves is also typically higher than at independent used-car lots or private sellers. The dealership builds its profit margin into both the vehicle price and the financing rate. Before you commit, get the vehicle's history report (using the VIN), research its market value on sites like Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides, and price the same model year and mileage at other dealers in your area.
What vehicles All Approved typically sells
All Approved's inventory consists of used vehicles, usually ranging from 5 to 15 years old, with mileage between 60,000 and 150,000 miles. The dealership sources vehicles from auctions, trade-ins, and private purchases. Because the target customer often has limited transportation options and needs a vehicle quickly, All Approved prioritizes getting cars on the lot that run and pass a basic inspection, rather than stocking only low-mileage or premium vehicles.
Vehicles are typically priced higher than comparable cars at independent used-car lots, partly because All Approved's financing is built into the deal and partly because the dealership assumes more risk with its customer base. A 2015 Honda Civic with 90,000 miles might sell for $8,500 at All Approved but $7,200 at a private seller or independent lot. The difference reflects both the dealership's markup and the cost of offering financing to a borrower who cannot get approved elsewhere.
Warranty coverage varies by location and vehicle. Some All Approved stores offer a short powertrain warranty (30 to 90 days) on certain vehicles; others sell cars as-is. Always ask about warranty terms in writing before signing the purchase agreement, because verbal promises are not enforceable if a problem arises after you drive away.
Comparing All Approved to other financing options
If you have poor or limited credit, you have several paths to a vehicle, and All Approved is one of them. A credit union is often a better choice if you are a member or can join one. Credit unions typically offer lower interest rates (8% to 18% for subprime borrowers) and allow you to shop for the vehicle separately from the financing. You get pre-approved for a loan amount, then buy any used car you want from any dealer, and the credit union pays the seller directly.
A second option is a traditional used-car dealership that works with subprime lenders. These dealers are not All Approved, but they operate similarly — they finance buyers with poor credit through partner lenders. The rates and terms may be comparable to All Approved, but you have more negotiating room on the vehicle price because the financing is separate from the sale.
A third option is to improve your credit first before buying. If you have time, paying down existing debt, disputing errors on your credit report, or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account can raise your score by 50 to 100 points in 3 to 6 months. A higher score means lower rates at any lender, including All Approved, and saves you thousands in interest.
| Option | Typical APR Range | Down Payment | Approval Speed | Can Refinance Later |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Approved Auto Sales | 12% to 29.9% | $500 to $2,000 | Same day | No (locked in) |
| Credit Union (subprime) | 8% to 18% | $500 to $1,500 | 1 to 3 days | Yes |
| Traditional Used Dealer (subprime lender) | 12% to 25% | $500 to $2,000 | Same day | Sometimes |
| Bank (requires fair credit or better) | 6% to 12% | $1,000 to $3,000 | 2 to 5 days | Yes |
Red flags and what to watch for when buying at All Approved
Before you sign a purchase agreement, read every line of the contract. All Approved's agreements often include add-ons like gap insurance, extended warranties, or service packages that increase your monthly payment. These are optional — you do not have to accept them — but they are presented as part of the standard deal. Ask the salesperson to remove any add-on you do not want, and get the revised payment in writing before you sign.
Check the vehicle's title status. Make sure it is a clean title (not salvage, flood, or branded), and verify the VIN matches the title document. Request a vehicle history report using the VIN before you commit. Sites like Carfax and AutoCheck cost $20 to $30 and show accident history, mileage discrepancies, and previous ownership. If the report shows major damage or title issues, walk away.
Inspect the vehicle in person and, if possible, have a trusted mechanic look it over before you buy. All Approved typically does not allow returns or exchanges after you drive off the lot, so a pre-purchase inspection is your only safety net. Ask the dealership if you can take the vehicle to a mechanic for an hour; most will allow this if you leave a deposit or ID.
Be cautious of pressure to buy today or sign when ready. Legitimate dealerships give you time to review documents and ask questions. If a salesperson rushes you or becomes aggressive when you hesitate, that is a sign to leave and shop elsewhere.
What happens after you buy: loan terms and your obligations
Once you sign the purchase agreement and financing contract, you own the vehicle and the loan is active. Your first payment is typically due 30 days after the purchase date. Make sure you understand the exact payment amount, due date, and where to send payments. All Approved will provide payment instructions, either online, by phone, or by mail.
The loan is secured by the vehicle's title, meaning All Approved (or its financing partner) holds a lien on the car until the loan is paid off. You cannot sell the vehicle without paying off the loan first. If you miss payments, the lender can repossess the car, which damages your credit and leaves you without transportation.
If your credit improves significantly after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you may be able to refinance the loan with a credit union or bank at a lower rate. However, All Approved's contract does not prevent this — it is up to the new lender to approve you. Refinancing can save you hundreds or thousands in interest if you may have access to for a substantially lower rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a down payment to buy from All Approved?
Most All Approved locations require a down payment between $500 and $2,000, though the exact amount varies by store and vehicle price. Some locations may negotiate a lower down payment if you have stable income. Contact your local store to ask about their specific requirements.
What if I get denied for financing at All Approved?
If All Approved denies you, it means their lender determined the risk is too high. You can try a credit union, which sometimes approves borrowers that subprime lenders reject. You can also ask All Approved why you were denied — sometimes it is a documentation issue you can fix and reapply.
Can I return or exchange a vehicle after I buy it?
Most All Approved locations sell vehicles as-is with no return or exchange period. Once you sign and drive away, the sale is final. This is why a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic is critical before you commit.
How long does it take to get approved and drive away?
All Approved typically approves and completes the paperwork the same day you visit. You can drive away with the vehicle within a few hours if you have all required documents (ID, proof of income, proof of residence) and a down payment ready.
Will my interest rate go down if my credit improves?
No. The rate locked into your All Approved loan does not change. However, after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you may be able to refinance with a credit union or bank at a lower rate if your credit score improves enough to meet their standards.