Used car buyer FAQ: straight answers.
The questions people ask us most, answered plainly. How appointments work, what to bring, how trade-ins are valued, and what to check before you buy.
- 4.6 stars from 134 Google reviews
- 4× voted best used car dealer by local readers
- 27+ years of Ben Mayfield buying and selling cars on the Gulf Coast
Ask us anything.
Buying a used car comes with a lot of small questions, and most of them deserve a short, honest answer instead of a sales pitch.
Ben Mayfield has well over 27 years of experience locating, buying and selling vehicles in the Gulf Coast area. The answers here come from how we actually work at our lot on US-98 in Daphne. Where a question depends on the law or on your lender, we say so and point you to the right place to check.
If your question is not here, call 251-625-2131 or email Ben@sportcenterimports.com.
Seven questions, answered in full.
Each one starts with the short answer, then goes into the detail if you want it.
What ‘by appointment’ means
Why we ask you to call first, and how to set up a test drive.
What to bring
The license, insurance and trade-in papers that make signing quick.
How trade-in value is worked out
What an appraiser looks at, and what you can do before you bring it in.
What a history report tells you
Reading the free AutoCheck report on every listing, and where it stops.
Dealer or private seller?
An honest look at the trade-offs, and how to protect yourself either way.
Buying from out of state
How buyers from other states shop with us, and what to check at home.
Test drive checklist
What to look at, listen for and ask about before you say yes.
Quick answers.
What are your hours?
Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm, and Sunday by appointment. Because we work by appointment, please call 251-625-2131 before you come so the car you want is ready. More on that in what “by appointment” means.
Do I need an appointment for a test drive?
Yes, please call to arrange one. It means the vehicle is pulled up, and someone is there to answer your questions and hand you the keys.
Can I get financed with bad credit or no credit?
We offer several financing options for all credit needs and situations, including bad credit and no credit history yet. Start with the secure online application on our financing page, and you can add a co-buyer or a trade-in to it.
Do you take trade-ins, or buy cars outright?
Both. You can take cash or trade-in credit, and we will buy your vehicle even if you are not buying one from us. See trade-ins and how trade-in value is worked out.
Do you sell to buyers from other states?
Yes. Buyers have come to us from Mississippi and other states, and our reviews say so. Registration rules depend on your home state, so read buying from out of state first.
Can I see a vehicle history report?
Yes. Every vehicle listing has a free AutoCheck report. Here is what a history report tells you, and what it cannot.
What if you do not have the car I want?
If we don’t have it, we will find it. Tell us the make, model and budget through our vehicle finder and we will go looking.
What kinds of vehicles do you sell?
Everything we sell is used: cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans, and at times travel trailers and boats. The live inventory shows what is on the lot right now.
Why people come back.
Ben puts it this way: “Most of the cars we sell are to repeat customers.” Here is what a few of them wrote.
I just bought a 2018 Jeep Wrangler from Ben and Gayle which makes the fourth car I've bought from them in the past 10 years they are the best folks around to deal with when you need a vehicle. Go see them if you want a good honest car buying experience. Get to know them they are great people.
We love this place! My family just bought their 5th vehicle from Sport Center imports! It is always the best no hassle, honest car buying experience. Ben and Gayle are wonderful to work with and can find you whatever you’re looking for at a price that can’t be beat!! You can’t go wrong at Sports Center Imports!
I buy all my cars here. Great, honest dealership!
Still have a question?
Call during business hours, or send a message any time. We are 1/2 mile south of I-10, on the right at the 3rd traffic light on US-98. Directions and parking are on the visit page.
| Monday | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm |
| Sunday | By appointment |
Ready to look at the cars?
Browse what is on the lot, then call 251-625-2131 to set up a test drive. No pressure, and no rush.