Luther Nissan’s Steppingstone Financing Program

Take your next step with the finance specialists that are here to guide you through each step of your journey.

Bad Credit
Bankruptcy
Junk trades
Collections

1st time Auto Loan
Late payments
No Money Down
ITINs

Maxed out credit cards
Fixed Income/Self Employed
Previous Credit Denials
Multiple Auto Loans

Get Pre-Approved - NO impact to your credit score Contact Us

Jessica Gitch

Steppingstone Finance Manager

Email: [email protected]

Direct: 651-240-7327

Get Started Today with No Hard Inquiry to your Credit Bureau!

At Luther Nissan, regardless of your past, we are here to help, which is why we are excited to introduce our newest program, The Steppingstone Auto Finance Program, with a team of Finance Specialists that are dedicated to see you gain auto financing success. Life happens to us all, planned and unplanned. When the unexpected happens, all we can do is take one step at a time and move forward. The Steppingstone Finance Program is designed specifically to help individuals that have “had life happen”. Bad credit, no credit, less than perfect credit, or even “new to credit with limited credit experience” are all okay, starting with one step at a time!

It’s okay to be nervous, scared, concerned about wasting time in fear it won’t work out. Our most successful customers likely had the same feelings until they took the first step of reaching out and speaking with our team of specialists. With the Steppingstone Financing Program, you may qualify to secure an auto loan and start building or rebuilding your credit as soon as today! Our Steppingstone Finance Specialist will work directly with you and our trusted lenders to find solutions that fit your unique situation, regardless of past credit denials.

Simply give us a call today to learn more about how our program works, to discuss your goals, and answer any initial questions you may have. If you like what you hear, the next step is to prepare you for your visit to the dealership where you could be driving away the same day with your financing success. You never know until you try! We are confident you will be glad you made that first step, call, or visit us today and ask for The Steppingstone Finance Team.

Get Started Today with No Hard Inquiry to your Credit Bureau!

Ready to take the next step? It’s easy! Simply fill out the secure credit application below with NO impact to your credit score or call us today and ask for the Steppingstone Finance Team! 651-240-7317

Buying Your Next Car is as Easy as 1-2-3

Woman on laptop filling out credit application

Fill out our Credit Application with no hard inquiry – Begin the process with a quick and secure application online

Get Pre-Approved

Speak with a Steppingstone Finance Specialist to prepare you for your arrival to the dealership by calling us directly or expect our call once you fill out our application.

filling out paperwork and accepting keys

Finalize your loan and take delivery of your vehicle as soon as the same day. (See a Steppingstone Finance Specialist for details)

Apply Now

What documents are typically needed?

Proof of Income

Proof of Residence

Valid Government Issued Photo ID

Full coverage insurance at time of sale

Do I need a down payment? If so, how much?

This varies on a case-by-case basis. See a Steppingstone Finance Team member for recommendations specific to you.

The vehicle I have is not worth trading in. I paid cash for it (or it is now paid off) and I think I could sell it for more than I’d get at a dealership as a trade in. What is recommended? Can I trade it in?

Yes! We highly encourage you to keep it, regardless of its value, mechanical, or body condition. Please speak with a Steppingstone Finance Specialist before making any final decisions to salvage it, donate it, or sell it.

I do not have valid driving privileges ( a driver’s license), but I have a valid government issued photo ID. Can I apply for an auto loan?

Yes! At the time of delivery someone with a valid driver’s license will be needed to drive the vehicle off the lot.

I do not have a social security number, but I have an ITIN number, do you work with ITIN numbers?

Yes!

Can we get this process started and have you work on my application ahead of time or over the phone/email?

We do not work on applications ahead of time because we want to see you successful with your auto financing goals! When it comes to more complex or tougher to get approved credit scenarios, every detail matters and if we don’t understand the details, then it makes it difficult to give you accurate results.

We understand your time is valuable. Think about it like this, rushing this process is like rushing cooking a turkey on Thanksgiving Day when you are hosting for friends/family. Find a way to do it in 2 hours and save time but have not a great outcome or prepare ahead for the extra time it takes to get the results you ideally want to have.

To save you time, we recommend speaking with a Steppingstone Finance Team member to prepare you with what is recommended to bring the day you arrive with a scheduled appointment. When you have an appointment, our team will have a dedicated time block set aside to focus on you and your success with our specialists.

What is the recommended minimum income to apply for an auto loan with your program?

Lenders minimum income requirements vary. In today’s economy, here’s what our specialists recommend for individuals.

Employed or Self Employed: $2500+/month Gross Income before taxes or deductions are taken out.

Fixed Income Only: $2000 +/month

Various types of income or a joint credit application: Contact Us for details

OAC. See a Steppingstone Finance Team member for questions specific to you.

What types of income are acceptable by lenders for financing?

Current income that is received on a regular basis. Most common types of income that are accepted but not necessarily limited to the following: Employment, self-employment, fixed income, child support, alimony, foster care, adoption assistance, cash income that is verifiable, pension, retirement, rental income, Door Dash, Uber, Lyft, etc.

Income that is typically not accepted by lenders: Government approved cash assistance, food stamps, payments from student loans or school grants, income given to you by friends or family to help pay your bills, someone else’s income including a spouse or significant other that lives with you but not going on the application with you if you live in MN.

Contact a Steppingstone Finance Team member for questions about income related to you specifically.

What vehicles are available to this program?

Anything we have available for sale; however vehicle availability changes on a day-to-day basis. If you are looking for something specific that is not in our inventory, contact our Steppingstone Finance Team as we may be able to obtain other inventory options for you. OAC and pending current availability.

What is my interest rate?

The interest rate is based on your creditworthiness and lender specific guidelines or available promotions/programs. We will go over your options and the rate you qualify for at the time of your visit.

I have filed for bankruptcy. When can I apply for an auto loan?

Bankruptcies, both open and discharged are one of the most common credit scenarios we specialize in. We encourage you to contact the Steppingstone Finance Team to get started.

How long are the appointments?

On average 2.5-4 hours. This will ultimately depend on your goals, your preparedness, if you are on time for your appointment, how busy the dealership is the day you arrive, vehicle availability, how complex your unique situation is, and how busy the lenders are when we call. For tougher credit, it may take more time. We won’t give up until you do if we find a bank willing to work with you under the right scenario. Stick with us and we will do everything we can until we find a direction. We are confident it will be worth your time. OAC.

Do I need to schedule an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are always welcomed; however, we cannot guarantee our team’s availability if you do not have a scheduled appointment but will do the best we can to help regardless of when you arrive. To save you the most time, we recommend contacting a Steppingstone Finance Specialist to reserve your dedicated time at the dealership.

I’m not sure if I have full coverage insurance or just liability. How do I know the difference?

The difference between full coverage and liability is having collision and comprehensive coverage. The maximum deductible for both is $1000. It can be less; it just cannot be more if you are financing the vehicle with a lender.

I have a security freeze on my credit bureaus, which bureaus do I need to unlock/unfreeze? How long should I unlock them?

Contact the 3 major credit bureaus, Equifax, Transunion & Experian and unlock them for a minimum of 24-48 hours starting the day of your visit. If you do not have their contact information, you can search it on the internet or contact our team for details prior to your appointment.

What is OAC?

On Approved Credit.

The Luther Advantage