What is AutoNation?
AutoNation combines new-car dealerships, AutoNation USA used-car stores and its own lender. It is worth comparing when a store is nearby and you want the purchase, financing and service in one network.
AutoNation, Inc. is a publicly traded automotive retailer with its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Its 2025 annual report (Form 10-K) says it owned and operated 323 new vehicle franchises at 245 stores as of December 31, 2025, selling 30 new vehicle brands in mostly Sunbelt metro markets. The group also runs 26 AutoNation USA used-vehicle stores, 52 AutoNation-branded collision centers, 4 auction operations and 3 parts distribution centers. A captive lender, AutoNation Finance, finances qualified buyers on certain vehicles the group sells. We compared the terms the company publishes. We did not buy a car from it.
What you get with AutoNation
AutoNation combines a large franchised network with its own used-car brand, lender and collision centers. These are the features that matter most when you compare dealer groups.
Written pre-owned return terms
A store FAQ lists 5 days or 250 miles.
Confirm that the same policy applies to your vehicle, selling store and delivery location.
Trade-in offer
A published offer lasts 7 days or 500 miles.
Ask the store which condition and mileage checks apply before relying on the amount.
Online steps and home delivery
The 10-K lists several steps you can finish online.
They include a guaranteed vehicle price, a certified trade-in offer, a financing application, and scheduling in-store pick-up or home delivery.
Captive lender
AutoNation Finance lends on cars the group sells.
The 10-K describes it as a captive finance company that provides financing to qualified retail customers on certain new and used vehicles.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Sells 30 new vehicle brands through 245 stores, per the 2025 10-K.
- A store FAQ publishes a 5-day, 250-mile pre-owned return guarantee.
- Gives a trade-in offer that lasts 7 days or 500 miles.
- Has a captive lender, AutoNation Finance, plus 52 collision centers.
Cons
- Stores are concentrated in the Sunbelt, mainly Florida, Texas and California.
- The 5-day return window is short next to a 7-day window at some rivals.
- Terms sit on store pages, so they can vary by store or for out-of-state delivery.
AutoNation at a glance
| What to compare | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Network | 245 new-vehicle stores and 26 AutoNation USA stores at Dec. 31, 2025 |
| Location | Facilities in 20 states; check the selling store |
| Inventory | New and used vehicles |
| Online process | Vehicle selection, trade-in and financing steps |
| Financing | AutoNation Finance serves qualified buyers on eligible vehicles |
| Return example | A store FAQ lists 5 days or 250 miles for pre-owned cars |
| Trade-in example | The same FAQ lists 7 days or 500 miles |
How it works
Pick a store near you
The 10-K lists facilities in 20 states. Check that a store serves your area before you start.
Choose a vehicle and price
The 10-K says you can select a vehicle with a guaranteed price online and schedule a test drive.
Get an offer on your car
Ask for a certified trade-in or purchase offer. The offer is guaranteed for 7 days or 500 miles.
Apply for financing
Apply for financing online. AutoNation Finance is the captive lender on certain vehicles, and you can compare it with your bank.
Pick up or schedule delivery
Choose in-store pick-up or home delivery. The pre-owned guarantee starts when the car is delivered.
Use the guarantee if needed
Pre-owned cars can be returned within 5 days or 250 miles, according to the store FAQ.
From browsing to keys
Vehicle prices depend on the car and selling store. Use this sequence to compare the complete offer before you sign.
Browse and price the car
AutoNation's 10-K says you can select a vehicle with a guaranteed price online. AutoNation does not publish a fee schedule, so ask the store for the out-the-door price in writing.
Confirm taxes, title and documentation charges before you commit.Value your trade-in
The offer on your current car is guaranteed for 7 days or 500 miles. You can redeem it at any AutoNation store and get paid the same day.
Keep your mileage under 500 miles while the offer is open.Finance and sign
The 10-K says you can apply for financing and sign paperwork electronically. Compare AutoNation Finance with a quote from your own lender.
Ask for the APR and the loan term in writing.Take delivery
The pre-owned money-back window of 5 days or 250 miles starts when the car is delivered.
Note the delivery date and odometer reading.Return window ends
After 5 days or 250 miles, whichever comes first, the guarantee no longer applies.
Decide before the window closes.Is AutoNation a good fit?
AutoNation vs. the alternatives
AutoNation
- 245 franchised stores plus 26 used-car stores
- Captive lender, AutoNation Finance
- 5 days or 250 miles on pre-owned cars
- Facilities in 20 states
Lithia Motors
- 455 locations in the U.S., U.K. and Canada
- Driveway.com ships cars to your home
- 7 days or 400 miles on pre-owned cars under $100,000
- Captive lender, DFC
Sonic Automotive
- 111 franchised stores in 18 states
- 18 EchoPark used-car stores in 10 states
- 7 days or 250 miles at EchoPark outside California
- Third-party financing only
Counts are as of December 31, 2025, from each company's 10-K. Return terms come from company websites, checked November 2, 2026.
Before you sign
Where our information comes from
We compare published company information and offer terms. We did not buy a car or test these services. Ratings are editorial estimates. Confirm the terms with the selling store.
- AutoNation, Inc. Form 10-K for fiscal 2025: store, franchise and brand counts, AutoNation USA, collision centers, 20 states, AutoNation Finance, online steps. Checked November 2, 2026.
- AutoNation Ford Katy FAQ: 5-day, 250-mile guarantee, 7-day or 500-mile offer, 12-month or 12,000-mile repair guarantee, cancellation timing. Checked November 2, 2026.
Alternatives
Hendrick Automotive
Lithia Motors
Asbury Automotive
Sonic AutomotiveFrequently asked questions
How many AutoNation stores are there?
AutoNation's 2025 10-K reports 245 new vehicle stores and 26 AutoNation USA used-vehicle stores as of December 31, 2025. It also reports 52 collision centers.
Can I return a used car to AutoNation?
Pre-owned cars carry a 5-day, 250-mile money-back guarantee, according to an AutoNation store FAQ. Confirm the terms for your car before you sign.
Does AutoNation make loans?
Yes. AutoNation Finance is its captive lender and finances qualified buyers on certain vehicles the group sells. Compare it with other lenders in our auto loan comparison.
Which states does AutoNation operate in?
Its 10-K lists facilities in 20 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.