- Used Car
Used Car Dealership in Southgate, MI
A family-run used car lot a short drive north of Eureka Road.
Quality Used Cars, Trucks & SUVs for Sale in Southgate, Michigan
Eureka Road is Southgate’s shopping strip, and plenty of people searching for a used car dealership in Southgate start their hunt along it. If you want a family-owned dealership that treats every credit situation with respect, it’s worth heading a little farther north. Father & Son Auto Sales is on Ford Road in Dearborn, about 20 to 30 minutes from Southgate by way of I-75, Southfield Road, and the Southfield Freeway.
We hand-pick every used car, truck, SUV, and van on our lot. We help buyers whose credit is strong, damaged, or still being built, and we’ll make an offer on your current vehicle whether or not you buy from us. Apply online, call to confirm the vehicle you want, and make one easy trip up to drive it home.
Why Southgate Drivers Choose Father & Son Auto Sales
Southgate sits right in the middle of Downriver, and plenty of residents put real miles on their vehicles commuting up I-75, out to the airport, or over to the plants and refineries along the river. They need a vehicle that holds up and a dealer who’s straight with them. That’s what we focus on.
Family-Owned and Operated
Father & Son Auto Sales is a family business. There’s no corporate office calling the shots and no rotating crew of salespeople. You deal with the people who choose the vehicles and stand behind them, and you’ll see the same faces when you come back.
Hand-Picked Inventory at Competitive Prices
We pick each vehicle one at a time from dealer auctions and private-party purchases, and we skip the ones that aren’t worth your money. Pricing stays competitive with the Metro Detroit market, and new vehicles arrive regularly as others sell.
Inspected Vehicles and Straight Answers on Condition
Our vehicles are inspected before they’re listed for sale. If you want to know about a vehicle’s condition, service records, or history, ask us, by phone before you make the drive if you’d like. You’ll get a straight answer.
No-Pressure Sales: Same Family, Same Lot, Every Visit
Take your time. Walk the lot, drive what interests you, and go home to think about it if you need to. No one will chase you to the parking lot with a last-minute offer. When it’s time for your next vehicle, the same family will be right here on Ford Road.
Browse Our Used Car Inventory in Southgate
Get a head start from home. Each category below opens a filtered view of what’s on our lot today. Vehicles sell quickly, so call (313) 846-4633 to make sure the one you want is still available before you head north.
Shop Used Cars by Make
Used Ford Vehicles in Southgate
Used Fords are some of the easiest vehicles to own Downriver, with parts and experienced mechanics just about everywhere. We regularly carry F-150s, Escapes, Explorers, Expeditions, and Fusions.
Used Chevrolet Vehicles in Southgate
A used Equinox handles the daily commute up I-75 comfortably, the Malibu keeps costs low, and the Tahoe has room for the whole family on a trip down to Lake Erie Metropark.
Used Ram & GMC Trucks
Tradespeople, contractors, and anyone who works around the industrial sites along the river need trucks and vans that hold up. Browse used Ram pickups and ProMaster cargo vans, plus GMC trucks and SUVs like the Terrain and Acadia.
Used Jeep & Dodge Models
A four-wheel-drive Jeep Grand Cherokee handles a snowy Eureka Road commute and a summer weekend up north equally well. Dodge sedans and SUVs come through regularly too, along with the occasional Challenger.
Used Toyota, Honda & Nissan Models
If you want low running costs and a vehicle that keeps going, look for Camrys, Accords, Civics, CR-Vs, Altimas, Sentras, and Rogues as they come in. You can also browse our used Honda and used Nissan pages.
Shop Used Cars by Body Style
Used SUVs and Crossovers
A compact crossover like the Escape or Equinox makes quick work of a Saturday on Eureka Road and still holds a week of groceries. When you need a third row, look at the Explorer, Tahoe, and Expedition.
Used Pickup Trucks (4x4 and 2WD)
A 4×4 is worth it if you pull a boat to the Detroit River launches, plow a driveway, or work on rough sites. A 2WD pickup costs less to buy and fuel if it mostly stays on paved roads. We carry both, including F-150 and Ram 1500 models.
Used Sedans and Coupes
A sedan keeps commuting costs down, whether you’re headed up I-75 to Detroit or out to Metro Airport. Malibus, Fusions, Accords, and Altimas are common on our lot, and coupes like the Mustang and Challenger show up, too.
Used Minivans for Southgate Families
School pickup, hockey practice at the Southgate Ice Arena, and weekend visits across Downriver all go smoother with sliding doors and three rows. A used Chrysler Pacifica has room for kids, gear, and groceries.
AWD and 4WD Vehicles for Michigan Winters
Eureka and Fort Street get plowed early, but Southgate’s subdivision streets can stay snow-packed for days. All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive help you get moving in snow and slush. They won’t help you stop sooner, so good tires matter just as much.
Shop Used Cars by Budget
Used Cars Under $10,000
A good place to look for a first car for a Southgate Anderson student, a reliable work car, or a backup vehicle for the household. These vehicles are usually older or higher in mileage, so ask about history and condition and plan for routine maintenance.
Used Cars Between $10,000 and $20,000
This range gets you newer model years, lower mileage, and features like backup cameras and Bluetooth while keeping your loan manageable.
Vehicles Under $300 per Month
This filter shows vehicles with an estimated monthly payment under $300, based on an assumed down payment, loan term, and interest rate. Your actual payment depends on your credit, down payment, trade-in, taxes and fees, and the lender’s terms.
Shop by Mileage and Model Year
Low-Mileage Used Cars (Under 100,000 Miles)
Lower mileage usually means less wear on the parts that cost the most to fix. A low-mileage vehicle with good service records is a strong place to start.
Late-Model Vehicles (2021 and Newer)
Newer model years bring current safety and tech features, and some may still carry part of the original factory warranty, depending on age and mileage. Ask us to check warranty status on any vehicle you’re considering.
If the vehicle you want isn’t on the lot today, send us a shopping request with the make, model, budget, and features you’re after. Our team will use our industry connections to look for it.
Used Car Financing in Southgate, MI
You can find out where you stand on financing without leaving Southgate. Father & Son Auto Sales works with multiple lenders to find options for buyers with good credit, struggling credit, and no credit history at all.
Bad Credit and No Credit Car Loans
A layoff, a medical bill, a divorce, or a few rough months can drag down anyone’s credit. We work with buyers who have low scores, collection accounts, a past bankruptcy, or a previous repossession. Lenders look at more than the number, including your income, how long you’ve been at your job, how long you’ve lived at your address, and your down payment. Steady pay stubs from the airport, a plant, a refinery, or a store on Eureka can carry real weight.
In-House Financing Help and Buy Here Pay Here Alternatives
Plenty of Southgate shoppers look for buy here pay here lots because they want the dealership to handle everything. That’s how our finance office works. You fill out one application with us, our team sends it to the lenders we work with, and we go over the offers together before you sign. You get one team for the car and the loan, plus a look from more than one lender. If you’re rebuilding credit, ask whether your loan reports to the credit bureaus, since reported on-time payments can help over time.
First-Time Buyers and Students
If you’ve never had a car loan or credit card, lenders just haven’t seen your history yet. We can still send your application to lenders that work with first-time buyers. Students at Wayne County Community College’s Downriver campus or another school should bring proof of income from a job. A co-signer with established credit can help in some cases.
What You Need to Get Approved
Each lender sets its own requirements, but these items cover most applications. Call before you come in, and we’ll tell you exactly what to bring.
Proof of Income
Recent pay stubs usually cover it. If you work overtime, rotating shifts, or a turnaround schedule at a plant, bring several weeks of stubs so lenders see your full earnings. Self-employed buyers, tradespeople, and anyone paid in cash should bring bank statements or tax returns that show regular deposits.
Valid Michigan Driver's License
Lenders verify your identity with your license, and you’ll need it to drive home. If your license is from another state, call us before your visit so we can explain how that affects the paperwork.
Proof of Michigan Auto Insurance
Michigan requires no-fault insurance before a vehicle can be registered and driven, and lenders usually require collision and comprehensive coverage on a financed vehicle. Wayne County premiums can run high, so get a quote on the specific vehicle before you buy. The personal injury protection (PIP) level you choose under Michigan’s no-fault law also affects your rate.
Down Payment and Trade-In Equity
A bigger down payment lowers what you borrow and strengthens your application. If your current vehicle is worth more than you owe, that equity counts toward your down payment. Buyers with a qualifying trade-in may be able to put $0 down. The exact amount depends on your credit, income, the vehicle, and the lender.
Estimate Your Monthly Payment
Your monthly payment comes from the vehicle price, sales tax, title and registration fees, your down payment and trade-in, the interest rate, and the loan term. Our finance team will give you real numbers once your application is reviewed. Michigan’s tax rules factor in, too.
How Michigan's 6% Sales Tax Affects Your Total
Michigan charges 6% sales tax on vehicle purchases, and Southgate and Wayne County don’t add a local tax. On a $14,500 used SUV, that’s $870. If you roll the tax into your loan, you’ll pay interest on it, so covering tax and fees in your down payment can lower your total cost.
How a Trade-In Reduces Your Taxable Price
At a licensed Michigan dealer, your trade-in value is subtracted before sales tax is calculated, up to a state cap of $12,000 for 2026 purchases. The cap rises by $1,000 every January. If you buy an $18,500 truck and trade in a car worth $6,500, you’re taxed on $12,000. You pay $720 instead of $1,110 and keep $390, which you’d miss with a private sale.
Apply for Financing Online in Minutes
Our secure online application takes a few minutes, and you may be prequalified in as little as 15 minutes. Prequalifying won’t affect your credit score. Ask our team whether a hard credit inquiry will be needed later on. Keep sensitive details like your Social Security number on the secure application, never in a text or email.
Financing is subject to lender approval. Rates, terms, down payment requirements, and vehicle eligibility vary by applicant.
Trade In Your Vehicle at Our Lot Near Southgate
Your current vehicle can help pay for the next one, or you can sell it to us for cash. Start online so you know where you stand before the drive.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Trade Appraisal
Fill out our online trade form with the year, make, model, trim, mileage, and condition, and our team will follow up with next steps. A few honest photos of the interior, exterior, and any damage help us give you a realistic starting point. We set the final offer once we see the vehicle in person, based on its condition, history, mileage, and current Metro Detroit market value. The appraisal is free, and you’re never obligated to accept.
We Buy Cars Even If You Don't Buy From Us
Whether you’ve got a car you no longer need, a parent who’s stopped driving, or you’d simply rather skip a private sale, we’ll make an offer on your vehicle even if you don’t buy from us. No online listing, no lowball messages, and no title transfer to handle with a stranger.
What to Bring for a Trade-In in Michigan
Bring the vehicle, every key and fob, and a valid photo ID for each person on the title. In Michigan, your plate belongs to you, so you can move it to the vehicle you buy.
Title, Registration and Lien Payoff Information
If the vehicle is paid off, bring the Michigan title and current registration, and wait to sign the title until you’re with our team. If you still owe on it, bring your lender’s name, your account number, and a recent payoff statement. The lender holds the title, and the payoff is handled as part of the transaction. If you owe more than the vehicle is worth, our team will walk you through how that would be handled. If you’ve lost the title, request a duplicate from the Michigan Secretary of State before your visit.
How We Select and Check Our Vehicles
What happened to a used vehicle before you met it tells you a lot about what comes next. Here’s how we choose what we sell and what you can learn about any vehicle on our lot.
Pre-Sale Mechanical Inspection
Our vehicles are inspected before they’re offered for sale. Each used vehicle has its own age, mileage, and history, so ask us for the inspection details on the one you’re considering, including any work done before it was listed. If you’d like your own mechanic to take a look, tell us and we’ll talk through how to arrange it.
Vehicle History Reports
A CARFAX or AutoCheck report shows reported accidents, title brands like salvage or flood, odometer readings over time, and how many owners a vehicle has had. Ask whether a report is available for the vehicle you’re interested in, and we’ll walk through it with you. A report only reflects what was reported, so it’s best paired with a physical inspection.
Rust and Undercarriage Check: Why It Matters in Michigan
I-75, Eureka, Fort Street, and every side street in Southgate get salted heavily each winter. That brine sticks to the underside of a vehicle and, over several seasons, can corrode brake lines, fuel lines, exhaust parts, rocker panels, and the frame. Light surface rust on an older Michigan vehicle is normal. Flaking metal, holes, or soft spots on structural parts are warning signs. Look underneath any vehicle you’re considering, check the rockers and wheel wells, and inspect the lower edges of the doors. Ask us to show you the underside before you buy.
Warranty and Service Contract Options
Coverage depends on the vehicle. Some are sold as-is, some newer ones still carry part of their factory warranty, and some may qualify for an optional service contract. Federal rules require a Buyers Guide on every used vehicle a dealership offers for sale, and it shows whether the vehicle is sold as-is or with a warranty. Read it, ask what applies, and get any coverage terms in writing.
Powertrain Coverage
Powertrain coverage protects the engine, transmission, and the parts that send power to the wheels. A late-model vehicle may still be within its factory powertrain warranty, and some of that coverage may transfer to you. Every manufacturer handles it differently. Hyundai and Kia, for example, give original owners longer powertrain coverage than later owners. We can check remaining coverage by VIN.
Extended Service Contracts
An extended service contract, often called an extended warranty, is an optional plan that pays for certain repairs after the factory warranty ends. Before you buy one, compare what’s covered and excluded, the deductible, the term, where repairs can be done, and the total cost.
Service and Parts After the Sale
Father & Son Auto Sales has its own repair department, so you have somewhere to turn after the sale. Southgate customers can bring their vehicle back for maintenance or repairs, whether they bought it from us or not.
Oil Changes, Brakes and Routine Maintenance
Our technicians handle oil changes, brake work, fluid services, batteries, and the routine maintenance that keeps a used vehicle dependable. All the stoplights along Eureka and Dix-Toledo wear on brakes, so tell us about any squealing, grinding, or a soft pedal when you book.
Michigan Winter Prep and Tire Service
Before the first snowfall, have us test your battery, check the coolant, brakes, and wipers, and measure your tire tread. On an icy morning on I-75, good tires do more for you than all-wheel drive. Ask us about tire options before winter.
Schedule Service at Our Location Near Southgate
Call our service team or request an appointment online. Tell us what your vehicle is doing, and we’ll find a time that works for you.
Steps
The Buying Process, Start to Finish
Southgate buyers can handle most of the details from home before the short drive north. Here’s how it goes.
Step 1: Browse Inventory Online or On the Lot
Pick a few vehicles from our online inventory, then call to confirm they're still available and ask about history and condition. If you'd rather see them in person, come by and browse the lot.
Step 2: Test Drive on the Southfield Freeway Toward Southgate
Your trip home runs down the Southfield Freeway and I-75, so test the vehicle at highway speed. Take Ford Road west to M-39, head south, and get it up to speed. Listen for wind noise and clunks, feel for vibration between 60 and 70 mph, and check the brakes, heat, and A/C on the way back. Bring a valid driver's license.
Step 3: Apply for Financing or Arrange Payment
Apply online from Southgate to save time, or fill out the application at the dealership. If you're paying cash or financing through your own bank or credit union, let us know up front so we're ready.
Step 4: Title, Plates and Registration Through Michigan SOS
As a licensed Michigan dealer, we prepare and file your title application and registration with the Michigan Secretary of State as part of the sale, and sales tax and state fees are collected at signing. You can transfer your current Michigan plate or get a new one, so there's no extra trip to a Secretary of State office. Have proof of Michigan no-fault insurance on the vehicle before you drive away. If you finance, the lender holds the title until the loan is paid off.
Step 5: Drive Home, Often the Same Day
Once your financing is approved, insurance is in place, and the paperwork is signed, many buyers drive home the same day. Bringing your documents and insurance information helps keep everything moving.
Areas Served
Serving Southgate and Surrounding Communities
Our dealership is on Ford Road in Dearborn, and we work with buyers throughout Downriver. Most Southgate customers start online or by phone, then make one trip up I-75 and M-39 to drive and sign.
Neighborhoods and Areas We Serve
North Southgate:
Neighborhoods toward the Lincoln Park and Allen Park borders
Central Southgate:
The Eureka Road corridor, near the civic center and the Southgate Ice Arena
South Southgate:
Subdivisions toward the Riverview line
East and West Southgate:
Streets along Fort Street and Dix-Toledo toward Wyandotte on the east, and near I-75 and Allen Road toward Taylor on the west
ZIP code: 48195
Nearby Cities:
East of Southgate, Used Car Dealership in Wyandotte, MI shoppers can take Eureka to I-75 and follow the same route north. Just north, our Used Car Dealership in Lincoln Park, MI page covers buyers along Fort Street and Southfield Road. West across I-75, see our Used Car Dealership in Taylor, MI page. We also work with drivers from Allen Park, Riverview, and Trenton.
Directions to Our Dealership From Southgate
Plan on 20 to 30 minutes from most of Southgate, depending on traffic.
From I-75
Take I-75 North to Exit 41 for Southfield Road (M-39). Follow Southfield Road northwest into Allen Park, where it becomes the Southfield Freeway at I-94. Continue north to the Ford Road exit and head east. Father & Son Auto Sales is on Ford Road, near the Detroit city line.
Hours and Contact Information
Address
Father & Son Auto Sales
10700 Ford Road, Ste B
Dearborn, MI 48126
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri
Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Phone Number
Google Reviews
What Southgate Customers Say About Us
Recent Reviews
Read what our customers have to say about buying from us, straight from Google.
4.4
Visit us at 10700 Ford Road Dearborn MI, 48126
Repeat and Referral Buyers
Downriver families talk, and a good recommendation travels fast. We work to earn the kind of trust that brings customers back for their next vehicle and gets them sending coworkers, neighbors, and relatives our way. If someone recommended us, let us know who when you stop by.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Used Car in Southgate, MI
Do you finance buyers with bad credit or a repossession?
Yes. We help buyers with bad credit, a past repossession, or a previous bankruptcy, and we submit applications to multiple lenders. Approval, interest rate, and down payment depend on your income, credit history, the vehicle, and the lender’s review.
What's the minimum down payment on a used car?
There’s no one minimum for every buyer. It depends on your credit, income, the vehicle’s price, and the lender’s requirements. With a qualifying trade-in, some buyers may be able to put $0 down. Our finance team will confirm your amount after reviewing your application.
Can I buy a car with no credit history?
Yes. We work with first-time buyers and send applications to lenders that consider applicants with no established credit. Proof of steady income makes a real difference, and a co-signer with good credit can help in some cases.
Do you accept trade-ins with a loan balance?
Yes. Bring your lender’s name, your account number, and a recent payoff statement. Any equity goes toward your next vehicle. If you owe more than your trade is worth, our team will explain how that balance would be handled.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Michigan?
Michigan charges 6% sales tax on vehicle purchases, and Southgate doesn’t add a local tax. When you trade in at a licensed dealer, your trade-in value is subtracted from the taxable price up to a state cap of $12,000 for 2026 purchases. Title and registration fees are charged separately.
Do you handle title and plate transfers in-house?
Yes. As a licensed Michigan dealer, we prepare and file your title and registration with the Michigan Secretary of State as part of the sale. You can transfer your current plate or get a new one without a separate Secretary of State visit.
Can I get pre-approved before I visit the lot?
Yes. Complete our secure online application from Southgate, and you may be prequalified in as little as 15 minutes. Prequalifying doesn’t affect your credit score. Final approval depends on the lender’s review.
Do your vehicles come with a warranty?
It depends on the vehicle. Some are sold as-is, some late-model vehicles still carry part of their factory warranty, and some may qualify for an optional service contract. Each vehicle’s Buyers Guide shows its warranty status, and we’ll put any coverage terms in writing.
How long does the buying process take?
If you’ve picked your vehicle, your financing is approved, and your insurance is in place, many purchases are wrapped up in a single visit. Calling ahead to confirm the vehicle is available keeps the trip from Southgate worthwhile.
Visit Us
Visit Father & Son Auto Sales Near Southgate, MI Today
Apply online, send us your trade-in details, and call to confirm the vehicle you want. Then head up I-75 and M-39 to test drive, sign, and drive home with a vehicle from a family business that stands behind it.
Address
Father & Son Auto Sales
10700 Ford Road, Ste B
Dearborn, MI 48126
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri
Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed