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Finance source for smaller dealers

I would start with RouteOne and Dealertrack first, then keep pushing CUDL.

For lenders, I would try:

Capital One
Ally
TD Auto
Westlake
Lobel
Veros
CPS
Exeter
Santander
GLS
United Auto Credit
Credit Acceptance

For SoCal credit unions, I would call:

Kinecta
Wescom
Logix
SchoolsFirst
California Credit Union
Credit Union of Southern California
Orange County’s Credit Union
Southland Credit Union
Premier America
Patelco
Partners Federal

Ask for the indirect lending manager or dealer relationship manager. Do not just ask the branch.

The main question to ask is simple:

Do you work with smaller independent dealers directly, or only through CUDL?

I would also be careful with modified cars. Use clean-title regular inventory first when trying to get approved with new lenders. It will be easier for them to underwrite and easier for you to build the relationship.
 

✨ AI Highlights

A SoCal independent dealer specializing in modified used cars asks for financing sources after struggling with limited lenders and being unable to meet CUDL's revenue requirements. Other small dealers chime in with similar frustrations, noting that CUDL's entry requirements keep rising, while experienced members offer practical alternatives including direct credit union contacts, RouteOne, Dealertrack, and a list of indirect lenders ranging from prime to subprime. The key takeaway is that smaller dealers should pursue direct relationships with regional credit unions and platforms like RouteOne before relying on CUDL.

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