FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Who is Mike Schmitz Automotive Group?
With over $300M in annual sales, Mike Schmitz Automotive Group is an authorized dealer of Mercedes-Benz, Mazda and Hyundai. We operate out of a highly automated facility in Dothan, Alabama. We retail select units on eBay that are in high retail consumer demand. Our typical eBay offered automobile is a one owner or off-lease, late model (2002 or newer), with good mileage. Many of our cars and trucks we list will still be under a factory warranty.
Who Should Bid
Only individuals who have their finances pre-approved or (WE CAN FINANCE YOU!) or have cash on hand to finalize the transaction should bid on any eBay motors auctions. We take much time and dedicate a lot of energy to our listings as should be evident by the usual 60+ photo's taken of each vehicle. Please bid responsibly. You are encouraged to give us a call directly to discuss any aspect of the vehicle you are interested in and put a deal together.
Where is Mike Schmitz Automotive Group?
We are located in Dothan, Alabama.
What is the source for your inventory?
We have many different sources for the pre-owned cars and trucks we stock. Vehicles may be purchased at dealer sales, off-lease sales, directly from franchise dealers, from credit unions and banks. The vehicles we retail on eBay are usually late model (2002 and newer) and have good miles and may still be under factory warranty. We resell cars with clean titles only, this means we never retail salvage, rebuilt, reconstructed, insurance claim, flood or other gray market vehicles unless specifically noted.
Do you have all titles on hand for your vehicles?
We do not always have titles on hand for vehicles that are placed for sale. Titles may be in transit from banks, other dealerships, from the state and a host of other reasons for normal processing delays in title paperwork. We are a reputable dealer in Dothan and guarantee clear titles on all vehicles that we sell. Mike Schmitz Automotive Group sells over 3,000 vehicles a year, that means the movement of vehicles and title are a constant at our dealership. If having title on hand is of critical importance to you, please call to verify its disposition prior to contracting for sale.
What "other" fees are there besides the purchase price?
The other fees include taxes, shipping and documentation charges. If you live in alabama, you must pay 3.25% of the sale price of the vehicle as a tax to the state. There is a $399.50 Documentation/Service fee which includes handling paperwork, filing titles, mailing and copying costs, detailing the vehicle, inspecting the vehicle and checking tires and fluids before shipment or sale. These fees are fixed and non-negotiable.
How is shipping of the vehicle arranged, can I get a quote?
We are happy to handle all of the details of shipping your new vehicle to its new home. Send an email to markdamon1973@hotmail.com with your zipcode and the vehicle you need to ship. We will get back to you with a firm quote on shipping. Common shipping terms include:
"Open Carrier"
You've seen these trucks, 10 cars on a truck, running down the highway. This is the most economical way to transport, but because of the risk of rock and element damage, many higher dollar and specialty vehicles must be shipped in an enclosed carrier.
"Enclosed Carrier"
Your vehicle will be transported in a closed container, this eliminates the damage that can come from exposure to the road and the elements. This is typically several hundred dollars more in cost.
"Insurance"
All vehicles are covered by insurance while in transport. You will need to provide insurance once you take delivery of the vehicle.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept certified cashier's checks drawn on US Banks in US funds. We also accept financing checks from your local bank or credit union. We are also happy to arrange financing for you.
Do you do any financing?
Yes, We have financing rates as low as 4.9%.....
Mike Schmitz Automotive Group offers nationwide financing. go to mazdaofdothan.com to fill out our secure, on-line form and let us take care of the rest. We are also happy to work with your local bank or credit union to get the paperwork processed and your deal financed. In most cases it takes less than a day to get the paperwork finished.
I live out of state, how does the buying process work if i am paying cash?
More than half of our eBay transactions involve selling and shipping vehicles out of state. Here is the process broken down step by step:
1. You place the winning bid and make the $500 eBay deposit.
2. We contact each other via email and phone to finalize the transaction.
3. You FedEx certified funds for the remaining balance due plus any shipping charges.
4. When we receive your funds we ready the vehicle for shipping, and deliver it to the local shipping terminal if needed. Your new vehicle is now on it's way to you. Typical delivery time is 7 to 14 days.
5. We send you duplicate copies of the bill of sale, one for you to keep, and one for you to sign and return.
6. When we receive the signed bill of sale, we FedEx all title documentation
7. You pickup your vehicle at the destination terminal.
8. Transaction Complete!
I live out of state, how does the buying process work if i am getting financing from my local credit union/bank?
1. You place the winning bid and make the $500 eBay deposit.
2. We contact each other via email and phone to finalize the transaction.
3. We fax all required pqperwork to your bank, including copies of the Purchase Order and Title documentation.
4. Your bank sends certified funds for the remaining balance due.
5. We FedEx your banking institution the Title to your vehicle.
6. When we receive your funds we ready the vehicle for shipping, and deliver it to the local shipping terminal if needed. Your new vehicle is now on it's way to you. Typical delivery time is 7 to 14 days.
7. We send you duplicate copies of the bill of sale, one for you to keep, and one for you to sign and return.
8. You pickup your vehicle at the destination terminal.
9. Transaction Complete!
I live out of state, but want to fly in and drive my new vehicle back home.
Great! We have done this many times. Please make arrangements to fly into Dothan Regional Airport. We will pick you up from the airport in your vehicle and bring you back to our dealership to finalize paperwork. You will also receive accomadations for one night at one of our local hotels!
What about extended warranties?
Mike Schmitz Automotive Group offers a wide variety of warranty options. Call for details.
What type of service do you do to the cars before selling them?
All of our vehicles go through a rigorous 106-point inspection and are professionally cleaned. If there are any mechanical issues noted during inspection, they are addressed before the car is sold. Any issues that we elect not to fix are disclosed in full in our eBay listing. All of the following components and systems have been thoroughly inspected.
Engine
1. Block
2. Cylinder head(s)
3. Intake manifolds
4. Exhaust manifolds
5. Cylinder power balance
6. Oil and oil filter changed
7. Air filter
8. Fuel injectors
9. Serpentine belt
10. Drive belts
11. Coolant protection
12. Cooling system pressure test
13. Emission controls
14. Fuel lines
15. Fuel tank
16. External seals and gaskets
17. Linkage
Transmission
18. Transmission case
19. Transfer case housing
20. Fluid level
21. External seals and gaskets
Suspension/Drive Axle
22. Shocks
23. Struts
24. Ball joints
25. Tie rods
26. C.V. joints
27. C.V. boots
28. U joints
29. Wheel bearings
30. Fluid level
31. External seals and gaskets
Steering
32. Rack and pinion
33. Power steering fluid
34. Power steering lines
35. Gear box
36. External seals and gaskets
Electrical
37. Alternator
38. Starter
39. Battery
40. Cables
Brakes
41. Master cylinder
42. Pads (over 75% remaining)
43. Linings (over 75% remaining)
44. Calipers
45. Wheel cylinders
46. Parking brake operation
47. Brake cables
48. Brake fluid level
49. Brake drums
50. Brake rotors
Air Conditioning
51. Fully charged
52. Blower/speeds
53. Cooling efficiency
54. Controls
55. Vents
Tires
56. Tread depth
57. Air pressure
58. Balance
59. Alignment
60. Jack
61. Lug wrench
62. Lugs
63. Studs
Cooling System
64. Water pump
65. Radiator
66. Cooling fan
67. Pressure test
68. Coolant protection
69. Radiator hoses
70. Heater hoses
Exhaust system
71. Exhaust pipes
72. Converter
73. Muffler
Exterior
74. Exterior lights
75. Exterior trim
76. Bumpers
77. Glass
78. Door hinges
79. Hood hinges
80. Trunk hinges
Interior
81. Interior lights
82. Interior trim
83. Seats
84. Carpet
85. Mats
86. Passive safety restraints (SRS, seat belts)
87. Door locks
88. Release handles
89. Power windows
90. Switches
91. Wipers
92. Rear defroster grid
93. Horn
94. Cigarette lighter
95. Audio system
96. Clock
97. Mirrors
Road Test
98. Speedometer
99. Odometer
100. Indicator lights
101. Engine operation
102. Transmission operation
103. Acceleration
104. Braking
105. Steering
106. Cruise control
When you purchase one of our vehicles, you can feel confident in knowing that you're the proud, new owner of a quality vehicle...our dealership guarantees it!!!!!!!!
How do I know the car is in the condition stated?
We are experts in the auto industry and have personally inspected thousands of vehicles. We do our best to point out the shortcomings in the vehicles we sell. If you are interested in an extended warranty please let us know.
Do you accept trades?
Yes, Mike Schmitz Automotive Group is one of the few online dealers that welcomes your trade.