Shields Ford FAQs

CREDIT CARD FEES

We accept all major credit cards with a maximum down payment of $2,000. There is a 3% fee for credit card transactions. No fee for Debit, however most debit cards have a daily limit. Please call your bank to let them know that you may be making a larger transaction prior to arrival.

ALL CUSTOMERS INTENDING TO PURCHASE FROM OUT OF STATE SHOULD READ THE FOLLOWING:

Can I title and register the Shields Auto Group vehicle I purchase outside the state of Illinois?

We would love to sell you a vehicle, however, several states and financial institutions have new regulations and requirements making it difficult, or even impossible. Title and registration information must be obtained regarding your home state. The vehicle you are inquiring about will not be held during that time. We will need additional time to gather all of the necessary information from your home state regarding taxes, fees, inspection and emission information, and required forms. Rarely will you be able to take delivery the same day.

Will you ship me the vehicle?

Due to proof of identity requirements, in most cases you must sign all documents in person and take delivery from the dealership. Shields Auto Group does not arrange shipping or recommend a shipping partner. Those arrangements must be made by the purchaser. Shields Auto Group assumes no responsibility for vehicles that are purchased and picked up by a transit carrier by the customer.

Pricing and rebates?

The advertised pricing for the new vehicles on our website and other medias is after all manufacturer incentives, applicable to residents in our region. All manufacturers. may offer different incentives for your home address, therefore the pricing may be different. We are happy to search for current incentives in your area. Due to a high amount of fraudulent activity, Shields Auto Group reserves the right to withold rebate money awarded by the manufacturer until the vehicle is registered and proof of registration is provided to the dealership. We will honor all sale pricing and provide rebates back to customer when the manufacturer provides them to the dealership. The manufacturer requires that all retail purchases are registered in the state listed on the purchase agreement and does not issue rebates to us in the event that the vehicle isn't registered.

What about taxes?

Many states, but not all states, are "reciprocal" with Illinois for sales tax. States that are not, you would be responsible for paying your sales tax on the vehicle to that state. Shields Auto Group assumes no responsibility for any out of state tax situation resulting from an individuals personal tax situation, rebates or tax incentives that may be offered in your home state, or other tax issues resulting from a vehicle purchase. Discovery that you do not qualify for EV tax credits or other tax incentives or credits after purchase, etc. will be the purchaser's responsibility to bear.  Customers with concerns related to out of state taxes should review those concerns with a trusted tax professional familiar with that locale prior to purchasing.

Can I register any Shields Auto Group vehicle in my home state?

Some states have different emission requirements than Illinois. Shields Auto Group makes no guarantees and assumes no responsibility for a Shields Auto Group vehicle passing state emissions outside of Illinois.

Can I finance with my bank or credit union?

Certified or wired funds must be received from your lender by the dealership before delivery. Drafts, letters of credit, or funds on hold will not be accepted on out of state deals. We will also be happy to assist you with financing.

What if my financing requires a co-signer?

Shields Auto Group requires all signers to be present at the dealership for physical delivery and to provide wet signatures on documents that require them in Illinois. At this time we are able to process credit and pre-approvals generally for out of state co-signers, but we will not allow customers to take delivery without all buyers/ signers  present. We are also not accepting notarized documentation of co-signers at this time. 

What about insurance?

You will be required to provide state and VIN specific insurance, driver's licenses from your state, and if transferring a license plate, a copy of your state registration. All of these items must match the address of your new registration.

What if I am not returning home soon?

No problem, unless your home state requires a vehicle/emissions inspection in your home state before they will title and register the vehicle.

Can I handle my own title and registration?

Yes, if you purchase a preowned vehicle with immediately available certified funds. No, if your purchase any new vehicle, or financed preowned vehicle. Lenders require the dealership provide proof of registration and lien record. Manufacturers requires proof of registration matching any incentives received.

What about additional fees charged by my state?

There are a few states that will not/cannot give us the amount of local/city/county/ state fees, sales tax, ad valorem tax, or use tax. For the same reasons as in the above answer, we would not be able to deliver the vehicle.

How long will it take to receive my new registration?

Each state varies greatly on how fast they process out of state titles and registration. If you must provide emissions, state inspection, ad-valorem or paid property tax-fees-assessments receipts, this will increase the processing time. Our goal, if we have all the documents, is to complete the registration within 60 days.

Travel at Your Own Risk.

Shields Auto Group does not hold vehicles without a signed purchase order, a down payment, and approved credit. We will not release any vehicle until we are fully funded on the transaction. If you are making plans to travel to the dealership it is best to make sure that you have arranged financing with us or that your payment method is cleared with the dealership. If there is a bank involved on a Saturday, etc. and we cannot reach them or complete the transaction, the vehicle will not be released.

If I have an appointment does that mean the vehicle is being held for me?

No. Shields Auto Group does not hold vehicles for any reason. Vehicles are sold on a first come, first-served basis. If an individual is on location test driving the vehicle, they will have the opportunity of "first right of refusal" during that visit. If they do not purchase, then the next customer or appointment in can view the vehicle from there. This is not done for any other reason than that we invest a lot to advertise each vehicle and at any given time, multiple people are "considering" most of the vehicles in our inventory. When we have customers with sales appointments, the team does their best to advise anyone traveling to the dealership that someone is looking at their vehicle of choice, however that isn't always possible. Once a vehicle is advertised or promoted online, they often sell very quickly and often without warning. Not all customers contact the dealership prior to visiting.