Do your used cars have warranty?

Yes everyone of our cars come with excellent peace of mind warranty so you can finance your car with confedence.

I have no credit at all. Can you help me get a car?

We can help you get in a car even with no credit. You may not not be able to get you in that expensive car you were probably eying, but we can get you in a decent car you will like. Lenders tend to be a bit careful with buyers who have no credit at all. Is there a way to get you approved? Yes there is.

I have bad credit. Can you get me in a car with my bad credit?

We have helped many drivers with bad credit get in a car. There are different things we do to by-pass your bad credit sitauion. We look at your current income, time on the job, your down payment and the car you want. We can help bad credit drivers get in a car.

I am on SSI. Can you help me?

Yes we can help. We count SSI as income. Our minimum income required for approval is $2k per month. As long as your social security income is at that amount or over, we can get you in a car. If your SSI is low, we recommend you use a co-signer.

Do you have fuel-efficient cars? I need cars that don't consume too much gas.

Yes we have lots of fuel-effecient used car brands. We have Nissan, Chevy, Ford and more. Please see our inventory here https://columbusautogroupwest.com/inventory/

Do you have low mileage used cars?

Yes we do. About half of our inventory are low mileage cars. Please check our inventory here. https://columbusautogroupwest.com/inventory/

How does you financing process work?

To improve your chances of getting approved, you just need to prove that you make $2k+ a month, show job time of 3+ months, and no repo within the past 90 days. Driver's license and insurance is helpful but we can work without it. We will submit your application to the lender and the lender will let us know what your down payments and monthly payments will be. After everything is agreed to, we finalize your insurance. You go for a test drive and the car is yours.

How much are your used cars? Do you have used cars under $10,000?

We have very affordable used cars. About half of our inventory is under $10,000 or right around $10,000. We also do trade-ins. You can use your old car as down payment for a new one.

What are your down payments and monthly payments like?

We have no set down payment. We try to work with what you have. We may be able to do zero down in some cases. The type of car you choose and your income may also factor in your down payment. The banks we finance through will tell us how much they need down. Most customers do down payments between $500 and $1,000. Some do $1,500 or more. In some cases $0 down or $49 down is possible. Monthly payments ranges from $350 to $499 a month. We try to get you a payment plan that fits your budget.

Are you a buy here pay here or do you finance through banks?

We are not a buy here pay here [ bhph ]. We do somethings that BHPH does but we finance through banks/lenders. We are affiliated with about 4 lenders. This will help increase your chances of getting approved.

My income is not enough. Can I use a co buyer?

Yes we accept co- buyers or co-signers. If your income is too low or you have a repo on your record that makes you ineligible for approval, you can used a co-signer.

What's the minimum income required to get approved?

As of now, we ask that you make at least $2,000 a month in income to qualify for financing. If your income is too low you can use a co-signer or you can put down a larger down payment to help convince the lender.

How long do I have to be at my job to get approved?

If you have been at your job for at least 3 months or more, you have a better chance to get approved. If you have been at your job for less than that, there may be ways we can still get you approved.

I don't have a driver's licence. Can I still apply?

Yes you can. Some of the lenders we work with don't need a driver's license to get you approved. We can get you started with the financing process then you can get the driver's license later. Go ahead and apply.

What should I bring with me when coming to your dealership?

Please bring with you some paystubs [If you can pull them up on your phone at the dealership, that's fine], piece of mail or utility bill with your name, ID, and any other stuff you think may help approve you faster.

Can I apply online before I come in?

Yes sure you can. That helps to speed up the approval process. Here is the link to apply. https://www.columbusautogroupwest.com/apply-online/

Yes we accept trade-in. Let us know the year,make and model of your old car including mileage so we can give you the right offer. You can use your old car as part down payment for another car.

What is the best Used Car Dealer in Columbus?

Columbus Auto Group West is a premier Used Car Dealer based in Columbus, OH. We have the best used car deals and offers for those who live on the Westside Columbus, Far Westside Columbus or Southwest Columbus OH.

What areas does Columbus Auto Group West serve?

West Side Columbus OH, Far West area of Columbus, German Village, Lockbourne, Grove City, Galloway OH, West Jeff, and parts of Franklin County Ohio.

Does Columbus Auto Group West accept credit cards?

Columbus Auto Group West accepts the following forms of payment: American Express, Discover, PayPal, Financing Available, Personal Checks, Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, Insurance, Google Wallet

7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Suspension This Pothole Season (and How to Fix Them in Westside Columbus OH) - Columbus Auto Group West | (614) 272-2035

Name: Columbus Auto Group West
Address: 2035 Sullivant Ave, Columbus, OH, 43223, US
Telephone: (614) 272-2035

If you live in Westside Columbus OH, you know that springtime isn’t just about blooming flowers and shorter lines at the local Dairy Queen. It’s also the official start of “Pothole Season.” Whether you’re cruising down Sullivant Ave or navigating the Southwest of Columbus OH backroads, those craters in the asphalt are waiting to give your car’s suspension a beating.

Think of your car’s suspension like a pair of high-end running shoes. When they’re fresh, you’re walking on air. When they’re worn out, every step (or mile) feels like you’re hitting the pavement with bare feet. Unfortunately, many drivers around here are making some major mistakes that are turning “minor bumps” into “major repair bills.”

At Columbus Auto Group West, we see it all the time. To help you keep your ride smooth and your wallet full, I’ve put together the seven biggest mistakes people make with their suspension during pothole season: and exactly how to fix them.

1. The “Nose-Dive” Neglect

Have you ever hit the brakes at a red light in Westside Columbus OH and felt like your car was bowing to the person in front of you? That’s called a “nose-dive,” and it’s a classic sign that your shocks or struts are toast.

When your suspension is shot, it can’t properly manage the weight transfer of the vehicle. This isn’t just about comfort; it actually increases your stopping distance. If you’re following these car maintenance tips Westside Columbus OH drivers need to know, you’ll realize that a nose-diving car is a safety hazard, especially on wet or icy roads.

Sedan performing a nose-dive stop on a wet street, showing the need for car maintenance tips in Westside Columbus OH.

2. Assuming a “Bumpy Ride” is Just Part of the Westside Charm

We all know the roads in the Southwest of Columbus OH can be a little… adventurous. But if you’re feeling every single pebble, crack, and sewer lid through your seat, your suspension isn’t doing its job.

Mistake number two is assuming that a rough ride is just “how old cars feel.” In reality, your shocks and struts are designed to dampen that impact. If you’re bouncing three or four times after hitting a bump on Sullivant Ave, your dampers have left the building. Ignoring this puts extra stress on your frame and tires, leading to more expensive problems down the road.

3. Treating Potholes Like a Speed Challenge

We get it. You’re in a hurry to get to the Hilltop or heading home after a long shift. But hitting a pothole at 40 mph is vastly different from hitting one at 5 mph.

One of the best car maintenance tips Westside Columbus OH locals can follow is the “slow and steady” approach. If you see a crater you can’t avoid, don’t slam on the brakes while you’re in it. Braking causes the front of the car to dip, putting even more pressure on the front suspension components right at the moment of impact. Slow down before you reach the hole, then let off the brakes to let the suspension travel freely as you roll through.

Car tire hitting a large pothole in Southwest of Columbus OH, showing why car maintenance is vital in pothole season.

4. Skipping the “Scallop” Check on Your Tires

Did you know your tires can tell you exactly how your suspension is feeling? It’s like a diagnostic report written in rubber.

Take a look at your tire tread. Do you see “scalloping” or “cupping”? These are smooth, worn-out divots in the tread that look like someone took an ice cream scoop to your tire. This happens when the tire is literally bouncing down the road because the suspension can’t hold it steady. If you see this, don’t just buy new tires: you need to fix the suspension first, or your brand-new tires will be ruined in a month.

Front lot of Columbus Auto Group West showcasing a diverse lineup of pre-owned vehicles

5. Ignoring the “Lean”

Next time you park your car on a flat surface in Westside Columbus OH, take a step back and look at it from the front. Does one side look lower than the other? Does it look like your car had one too many drinks at the local pub and is leaning to the left?

A leaning car usually means a broken or sagging spring. Springs support the weight of the vehicle, while shocks control the movement. If a spring snaps (which often happens during a brutal pothole season), your car’s handling becomes unpredictable. It’s one of those car maintenance tips Westside Columbus OH owners often overlook until they hear a terrifying “clunk” while turning a corner.

6. Forgetting the Alignment After a “Big One”

We’ve all had that moment. You hit a pothole so hard your teeth rattle and you immediately apologize to your car. Even if nothing “broke,” a hit like that can easily knock your wheels out of alignment.

If your steering wheel is crooked when you’re driving straight, or if the car constantly pulls toward the ditch, your alignment is off. Driving with a bad alignment is like dragging your tires sideways across the pavement. It kills your gas mileage and destroys your tires. After a rough winter in the Southwest of Columbus OH, a quick alignment check is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy.

Professional wheel alignment service in Westside Columbus OH to fix suspension issues after pothole season.

7. Waiting for a Total Collapse

The biggest mistake? The “I’ll fix it later” mentality. Suspension components are like a row of dominoes. When your ball joints go, they put pressure on your control arms. When your shocks go, they kill your tires and bushings.

Addressing a small squeak or a minor rattle today can save you thousands of dollars tomorrow. If your car is starting to feel like a boat in a storm, it’s time to take action. This is the gold standard of car maintenance tips Westside Columbus OH: proactive care is always cheaper than reactive repairs.

When the Repair Bill Outgrows the Car

Sometimes, pothole season wins. If you’re looking at a $2,000 suspension repair on a car that’s only worth $3,000, it might be time to stop throwing good money after bad.

At Columbus Auto Group West, we specialize in helping Westside residents get out of their old, beat-up rides and into something reliable. Whether you’re dealing with a suspension that’s held together by luck and duct tape or you’re just ready for an upgrade, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose Columbus Auto Group West?

Trade-Ins Welcome: We’ll take that “bouncy” car off your hands. Use your old vehicle as a down payment toward something that can actually handle the Westside roads. Check out our Trade-In Page for more info.
Flexible Financing: Bad credit? No credit? No problem. We work with all kinds of credit situations in the Southwest of Columbus OH. Check our Bad Credit Category to see how we help.
Warranty Protection: All our cars come with a warranty, so you can drive off the lot with peace of mind.
Quality Inventory: From reliable used sedans to affordable SUVs, we keep our lot stocked with vehicles that are ready for Ohio weather.

Customer stands next to a shiny blue sedan in front of the Columbus Auto Group West dealership

Don’t let pothole season ruin your commute or your budget. Keep these car maintenance tips Westside Columbus OH in mind as you navigate the city, and remember that we’re right here on Sullivant Ave when you’re ready for a fresh start.

If you’re ready to see what you can afford, apply online and get approved the same day!

Columbus Auto Group West
2035 Sullivant Ave, Columbus, OH 43223
(614) 272-2035
Mon–Fri: 10am–5pm
Sat: 10am–1pm
Closed Sunday
https://columbusautogroupwest.com

Columbus Auto Group West | (614) 272-2035 | 2035 Sullivant Ave Columbus OH 43223

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7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Suspension This Pothole Season (and How to Fix Them in Westside Columbus OH)