FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Stevens Creek Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
💰 New Car Financing
Q: What financing options are available for new vehicles?
The dealership has strong relationships with lending companies and can help find the right car loan for your needs. Financing is available through Chrysler Capital with competitive APR offers on select models.
Q: What's included in the advertised price?
Advertised prices don't include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, finance charges, or documentation charges. A negotiable administration fee up to $300 may be added to the vehicle price.
Q: Can I apply for financing online?
Yes, you can complete a finance application directly on the dealership's website to streamline the purchasing process.
Q: Do you offer special financing rates?
Yes, select new vehicles may qualify for promotional APR rates. For example, certain models may offer rates as low as 6.29% APR for qualified buyers with approved credit. Not every customer will qualify for this rate.
🚗 Used Car Financing
Q: Can I finance a used vehicle?
Yes, financing options are available for both new and used vehicles at Stevens Creek Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Q: Do you finance brands other than Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram?
Yes, used car dealerships offer a wide selection of makes and models from various manufacturers. Check our used inventory for available brands and their financing options.
Q: What if I have an existing car loan?
The dealership can help refinance your existing loan or adjust the contract term Stevens Creek Chrysler Dodge RAM.
Q: How do I know if I'll qualify for financing?
Credit approval is required, and not all customers will qualify. Apply online or speak with the finance team to explore your options.
🔄 Trading In Your Car
Q: Can I trade in my car if I still owe money on it?
Yes! You can trade in a car that is not paid off, though if you owe more than your car is worth, it can be costly to do so. The dealership handles the loan payoff process.
Q: What is positive equity?
If your car is worth more than the amount you owe on your loan, you have positive equity. This difference can be applied toward the purchase of your new vehicle, reducing the amount you need to finance.
Q: What is negative equity?
If your car is worth less than what you still owe, you have negative equity, also known as being "upside-down" or "underwater" on your car loan. You'll need to pay the difference or roll it into your new loan.
Q: What happens if I have negative equity?
If you owe more than your trade-in value, a dealer or lender may offer to roll the balance of your existing auto loan into a new auto loan, but this will make your new auto loan more expensive.
Q: Is rolling negative equity into a new loan a good idea?
Trading in a car with negative equity could end up being an expensive move in the long run. You'll pay more interest over time and may struggle to build equity in your new vehicle.
Q: How do I find out how much I owe on my car?
Find out the "payoff amount" on your existing auto loan, which is the amount remaining and might be different from the outstanding balance listed on your statement. Contact your lender directly for this information.
Q: How do I know what my car is worth?
Use online valuation tools like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA Guides to estimate your vehicle's trade-in value. The dealership will provide a final appraisal after inspecting your car.
Q: What should I do if I have negative equity?
Consider these options: wait until you have positive equity, pay the difference in cash, refinance your current loan to lower interest, or trade for a less expensive vehicle. Avoid rolling over large amounts of negative equity if possible.
Q: Does the dealership pay off my old loan?
When you trade in a car with a loan, the dealer takes over the loan and pays it off. However, always get written confirmation from both the dealer and your lender that your old loan has been paid in full.
Q: Can I sell my car privately instead of trading it in?
Selling your car to a private buyer may translate into getting more money out of your vehicle than you would if you were to trade in. However, it requires more effort and time than a trade-in.
Q: Should I get pre-approved financing before trading in?
One of the best moves you can make when trading in your car is to get financing ahead of time from a local credit union or bank to get much better rates than what the dealership can offer.
📈 Rebuilding Credit with a Car Loan
Q: Can buying a car help me rebuild my credit?
Yes! Making on-time car payments can help restore your financial standing, with payment history accounting for 35% of your credit score. Auto loans add installment credit to your profile, which diversifies your credit mix.
Q: How long does it take to rebuild credit with a car loan?
You can see early improvement within 6-12 months and significant growth in 1-2 years with consistent, on-time payments. Your score may increase by 50-100 points depending on your credit history.
Q: Can I get a car loan with bad credit?
Yes, we work with lenders who specialize in helping customers with credit challenges. Some lenders require just a 560 credit score and six months of credit history.
Q: Will applying for a car loan hurt my credit?
Your score may drop slightly due to the credit inquiry, but making timely payments on the loan can positively contribute to your credit history and improve your score over time.
Q: What can I do to maximize credit improvement?
Make every payment on time, choose a lender that reports to credit bureaus, keep loan terms short (24-36 months builds credit faster), avoid taking on additional debt, and monitor your credit report regularly.
Q: Do you offer financing for people with no credit history?
Yes, a car loan is a secured loan that makes it easier for lenders to approve you even without credit history. Establishing a payment record helps build your credit profile.
Q: Can I refinance later once my credit improves?
Yes, once your credit score improves, refinancing your car loan can save money by lowering your interest rate and shortening your loan term.
🔧 Service Department
Q: What are your service department hours?
Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Saturday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Q: How do I schedule a service appointment?
You can schedule service online through the dealership's website or call the service department at (408) 736-3411.
Q: What services does your service center provide?
The service center offers comprehensive maintenance and repairs, from oil changes to transmission replacements. Services include Express Lane maintenance, body shop work, tire sales, and Mopar performance parts installation.
Q: Do you service vehicles from other brands?
Contact our service department to inquire about servicing non-Chrysler vehicles. Many dealerships service multiple brands through their qualified technicians.
Q: Do you offer additional service amenities?
Yes, amenities include shuttle service, rental vehicles, drop-off service, Saturday service, free WiFi, and Spanish-speaking personnel.
Q: Are your technicians certified?
Yes, all technicians are certified and trained to work on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles.
📱 Mobile Service and Convenience Options
Q: Do you offer mobile service?
Contact the service department to inquire about mobile service availability. Mobile service brings dealership technicians to your home or office to perform routine maintenance including oil changes, brakes, batteries, and tire rotation.
Q: What services can be done with mobile service?
Mobile technicians can perform many of the same services remotely as in the dealership, including routine maintenance. Common services include oil changes, battery replacement, brake work, and basic diagnostics.
Q: Is mobile service free?
Mobile service is a convenient and complimentary way to get your vehicle serviced at your home or office. Check with the dealership for specific details on qualifying services.
Q: Can mobile service work on non-Chrysler vehicles?
Mobile service can perform maintenance on both brand and non-brand vehicles. Contact the service department to confirm availability for your specific vehicle.
Q: What if my repair is too complex for mobile service?
If the repair requires specialized equipment or facilities, the mobile technician can arrange to have your vehicle picked up, serviced at the dealership, and returned to you.
🚙 Loaner Cars and Rental Vehicles
Q: Do you provide loaner cars during service?
Yes, loaner vehicles may be available depending on the type and length of service required. Contact the service department to inquire about availability when scheduling your appointment.
Q: What are the requirements to get a loaner car?
You must be at least 21 years old and provide a valid driver's license, insurance card, and credit card in the registered owner's name. Your insurance must cover loaner vehicles.
Q: How long can I keep a loaner vehicle?
Loaner vehicles must be returned within 24 hours of notification that your service is complete, or a daily replacement charge may apply.
Q: Are there any restrictions on loaner vehicles?
Yes, typical restrictions include: no smoking, no pets, mileage limits (often 125 miles per day), must return with same fuel level, and only authorized drivers listed on the agreement may operate the vehicle.
Q: What if no loaner cars are available?
If loaners aren't available, the dealership may offer alternative transportation such as shuttle service, rental car referrals at discounted rates, or ride-sharing services. Availability varies by location.
Q: Is there a cost for loaner vehicles?
Many dealerships provide complimentary loaners for warranty work or extended repairs. For routine maintenance, availability and costs vary. Ask when scheduling your appointment.
Q: Do I need special insurance for a loaner car?
You need proof of insurance that covers a loaner car before you can use one. Contact your insurance company beforehand to confirm coverage for loaner vehicles.
Q: What happens if I damage the loaner vehicle?
You're responsible for any damage that occurs while the loaner is in your possession. Your credit card will be used to pay for damage, violations, tolls, or fuel charges.
Q: Can someone else drive the loaner car?
No other person is insured for the loaner vehicle and therefore not permitted to drive it. Only the registered owner and authorized drivers listed on the agreement may operate the vehicle.
🛡️ Warranty Information
Q: What warranty comes with a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle?
New vehicles include a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Both warranties are transferable and include towing to the nearest dealership at no charge.
Q: What does the basic limited warranty cover?
The basic warranty covers most vehicle parts for defects in materials or workmanship, including the 12-volt battery.
Q: What's included in the powertrain warranty?
The powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, drive systems, internal parts, and towing to the dealership for covered repairs.
Q: Is roadside assistance included?
Yes, 24-hour roadside assistance is included for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Call 1-800-521-2779 for assistance.
Q: What about used vehicle warranties?
Certified Pre-Owned vehicles undergo a 125-point inspection and include a powertrain warranty lasting 7 years from the original purchase date or 100,000 miles. CPO vehicles also receive 3 months or 3,000 miles of Maximum Care Limited Warranty coverage.
Q: Can I purchase extended warranty coverage?
Yes, Mopar offers extended service plans including Maximum Care (covers over 5,000 parts), Added Care Plus (covers 850+ components), and Powertrain Care (covers essential engine and transmission parts).
Q: Are warranties transferable?
Yes, factory warranties are transferable to subsequent owners, which can increase your vehicle's resale value.