Frequently Asked Questions
Financing & Credit Flexibility
At Hawthorne Auto Square we only require three things:
- Proof of income
- Proof of residence
- Form of identification
- Driver’s license
- ID
- Passport
- Matricula
- Other forms of foreign government identification
For those who have no proof of income, we have special finance programs in place just for you!
At Hawthorne Auto Square, we accept all forms of income. If you have a normal check stub, like most, no problem! However, if you get paid SSI, retirement benefits, VA, or any other form of government benefit, we accept those as well. For those who get paid cash, we have finance programs in place for you.
No, at Hawthorne Auto Square we are the bank and we loan our own money. So, we don’t need to find a third-party lender who’s gonna scrutinize you on your credit or job. Whether you have an income or not, at Hawthorne Auto Square we’re gonna guarantee you an approval.
Our in-house financing program is one of the biggest perks Hawthorne Auto Square has. Most customers will be eligible for that within a two-year period. The program is built for those who are first-time buyers, those who really want to establish themselves, and even those who will be making more money in the future and want to upgrade into a nicer car within two years and not have to wait for five, six, or even seven.
At Hawthorne Auto Square we focus on 48-month terms with affordable car payments. We want to make sure our clients can pay off their cars quicker and not be buried in high interest charges. Unlike other dealers, we don’t like to stretch out our cars for six, seven, or eight years. We want to make sure that our customers are not buried in cars they can’t get out of.
Well, at Hawthorne Auto Square we are the bank. We’re the biggest and largest in-home, buy here, pay here dealer. We’ve been at the same location for over 25 years helping good people get back on their feet. We’re not credit-driven and more income-based. So, if you’re worried about your credit situation getting you into a car, don’t let that bother you. At Hawthorne Auto Square, I’m going to guarantee you a loan today.
Unlike other dealers or traditional banks, Hawthorne Auto Square will not deny you based on your credit score. So, whether you’re a first-time buyer, you have perfect credit, or even a repo yesterday we have finance programs in place to get you the best deal.
The answer to that is yes. For well-qualified buyers, we have credit unions willing to do 100% financing. So, don’t stress and don’t worry. Come on down to Hawthorne Auto Square and let our finance managers find you the best deal.
Yes, Hawthorne Auto Square works with buyers across the entire credit spectrum — bad credit, good credit, no credit, and first-time buyers — through our in-house Buy Here, Pay Here financing plus outside subprime lending partners.
Start with our secure online application.
Down payment requirements vary by vehicle and financing program — qualified buyers may access $0 money down or low-down options through our preferred lenders. Any trade-in equity applies directly toward your down payment, often lowering your out-of-pocket cost significantly.
Get a personalized number with our online pre-qualification tool.
Yes, self-employed buyers and 1099 contractors finance vehicles with us every week. In place of traditional pay stubs, we accept bank statements (typically the last three months). Our finance team works one-on-one with freelancers, gig workers, and business owners to structure an approval that fits real income patterns.
Interest rates vary by credit history, loan term, down payment, and the vehicle’s age and mileage — there’s no single rate that applies to everyone. We do our best to get you the lowest rate possible.
Because Hawthorne Auto Square offers both in-house and outside financing options, we can often find a workable rate even for buyers turned down elsewhere. Get your personalized, no-obligation rate quote through our online pre-approval tool in minutes.
Yes, our in-house financing team looks past repossessions and bankruptcies — Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 — that would stop most traditional lenders. We evaluate your situation today, not your history.
Trade-Ins, Selling, & Valuations
Bring your vehicle to 11646 Prairie Ave for a free, no-obligation appraisal — most are completed in under 30 minutes.
Yes, an existing loan balance won’t stop the sale. Our team contacts your lender directly to get the exact payoff amount, then handles the payoff paperwork for you. If your car is worth more than you owe, that equity comes to you (or rolls into your next purchase) — if you owe more, we’ll walk you through the options.
Our appraisers weigh five main factors: current mileage, overall condition (interior, exterior, and mechanical), accident and title history, maintenance records, and — critically — real-time demand for your exact make and model in the Los Angeles market right now. Popular, fuel-efficient vehicles and clean-title trucks/SUVs typically appraise higher in our local market.
Inventory, Vehicle History, & Quality Assurance
Yes, every vehicle on our lot includes a free CARFAX report, so you can see accident history, title status, and service records before you buy. All cars come with a 30-day / 1,000-mile warranty. Most vehicles have the option for an extended warranty.
Browse our current inventory and history reports.
Yes, absolutely — we welcome and encourage independent pre-purchase inspections at a mechanic near our dealership. You can also bring your mechanic with you. We’re confident enough in our own reconditioning process to open the hood to a second opinion. It’s one more way we keep the buying process transparent, with nothing to hide.
Yes, our lot carries far more than sedans — current inventory spans SUVs, pickup trucks, hatchbacks, minivans, and cargo vans alongside fuel-efficient sedans, with roughly 200+ vehicles in stock at any time. Whether you need family seating, work-ready towing capacity, or an efficient daily commuter, browse our full inventory.
Local Credibility, Trust, & Logistics
We’re located at 11646 Prairie Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250, near the intersection of Prairie Ave and W 117th St. We proudly serve Hawthorne, Lawndale, Compton, Lennox, Inglewood, Carson, Gardena, El Segundo, Riverside, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Palmdale and Long Beach, plus buyers from across Los Angeles County.
Unlike a faceless national platform, Hawthorne Auto Square is a locally rooted, independent dealer — you can test-drive before you buy, meet your finance team face-to-face, and get service from people who live in this community. All backed by straightforward, no forced add-ons, no-hidden-fee pricing throughout.
No — we believe in “no surprises” pricing.
The answer to that is yes! We have a referral program that pays up to $200 per referral you send us. We’ve had clients make well over thousands of dollars doing so! So, help us get you paid.