Buying your first vehicle should feel exciting — not intimidating. If you’re in Savannah or the surrounding coastal communities and have limited or no prior auto credit, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. The Ford Credit First-Time Buyer Program is designed to help qualified buyers take their first step into vehicle ownership with confidence.

At J.C. Lewis Ford, we work with first-time buyers every day. Whether you’re starting your career, building credit, or purchasing your first vehicle independently, this program may help open the door.

What Is the Ford Credit First-Time Buyer Program?

The Ford Credit First-Time Buyer Program is a limited-time pilot initiative designed to help customers who have not previously established auto credit. Running through March 31, 2026, the program allows eligible buyers to qualify for a maximum Tier 2 rate enhancement.

In practical terms, that means Ford Credit may evaluate qualified first-time buyers for more competitive financing consideration than they might otherwise receive without prior auto credit history. The goal is simple: make new and certified Ford vehicles more accessible to responsible buyers who are just getting started.

Because this is a time-based pilot program, availability and terms may change after the pilot period concludes.

What Vehicles Qualify?

Eligible vehicles include:

  • New Ford vehicles

  • FordBlue Advantage Certified vehicles

  • Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned vehicles

This flexibility allows first-time buyers to choose from a wide range of cars, trucks, and SUVs — whether you’re interested in a brand-new model or a certified pre-owned option.

Who Is This Designed For?

  • No prior auto credit on their credit bureau

  • No major derogatory credit history

  • Verifiable monthly income sufficient to cover vehicle payment and living expenses

  • Personal-use vehicle contracts

Final approval is based on individual creditworthiness, but if you’re employed, financially responsible, and ready for your first vehicle, this program may be a strong fit.

Why Tier Enhancement Matters

Without prior auto credit, lenders have limited history to review, which may result in less favorable financing tiers.

A Tier 2 rate enhancement may help eligible buyers access:

  • More competitive APR consideration

  • Potentially lower monthly payments

  • Greater flexibility when selecting a vehicle

For first-time buyers, that difference can make ownership more attainable while helping build positive credit.

FAQ: Ford First-Time Buyer Program at J.C. Lewis Ford

These FAQs explain how the Ford Credit First-Time Buyer Program works, who it’s designed for, and what to expect when you apply. Use them to quickly understand eligibility basics, vehicle options, and next steps before you start financing.

 

Does Ford offer a first-time buyer program? ▼
Yes. Ford Credit offers a First-Time Buyer Program designed to help qualified customers with no prior auto credit access competitive financing consideration on eligible new and certified vehicles.
What credit history is required to qualify? ▼
The program is generally intended for buyers with no prior auto credit and no major derogatory credit history. Final approval is based on individual credit evaluation.
What vehicles are eligible under the program? ▼
Eligible vehicles include new Ford models, FordBlue Advantage Certified vehicles, and Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.
Is approval guaranteed? ▼
No. Meeting general eligibility guidelines does not guarantee approval. All applications are evaluated based on individual creditworthiness and program requirements.
What does a “Tier 2 rate enhancement” mean? ▼
It means eligible first-time buyers may be evaluated for a stronger financing tier than they might otherwise receive without prior auto credit. This can help some buyers access more competitive APR consideration.
Who is this program designed for? ▼
It’s designed for qualified first-time buyers who haven’t established auto credit yet, have no major derogatory credit, and can provide verifiable income for a personal-use vehicle contract.
How long is the First-Time Buyer pilot available? ▼
The First-Time Buyer pilot runs through March 31, 2026. Because it’s a pilot program, availability and terms may change after the pilot period ends.
Where can I get help with the Ford First-Time Buyer Program near Savannah? ▼
J.C. Lewis Ford can help you explore the Ford Credit First-Time Buyer Program and understand your options. We support shoppers in Savannah, Hilton Head, and Beaufort, with a finance team that can walk you through the process step by step.

Start Your First Ford Journey in Savannah

Your first vehicle purchase should come with clarity and support. At J.C. Lewis Ford, our finance team takes the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and guide you through the process without pressure.

From Savannah to nearby coastal communities, we’re here to help you take that first step with confidence.

You can begin with a simple conversation or start your application online — whichever feels most comfortable.

 

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