Joe's Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that claiming to have a FUN, laid back, and stress-free car-buying process sounds crazy... Whether you have purchased many cars in the past, or if you are a first-time car shopper, we understand you may have some questions.

Here are some of the most frequent questions we are asked. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to stop in or call us at (515) 265-1467, where one of our team members will gladly be willing to assist you!

Is Joe a real person?!

Yes, of course, Joe is a real person! And YES, that is really his voice on the radio! Unlike a lot of big-box dealers in the metro, Joe is a local Iowan, who has been in the car business for 35+ years. When he's not helping the team provide solutions, Joe likes to spend time with his family, attend concerts, and play (really bad) golf.

Why should I buy a car from Joe and the Capital City Team?

Are you tired of the same-old car buying experience? - Spending hours at the dealership, high-pressure salespeople, and just a flat-out boring experience? Or do you have credit concerns and feel that other dealerships aren't putting in the proper effort to get you approved?


Joe Clemons is on a mission to put the fun back into buying a car and treat our customers with the respect they deserve. We believe that if you treat people courteously and truly help them, they'll become customers for life. We want to earn your business by providing a huge selection of pre-owned inventory, offering top trade allowances, and a fun car-buying experience with a credit approval process that is fast, stress-free and no-pressure. We pledge to work harder than anyone to get you approved, because we believe everyone deserves to drive a Nicer, Newer Car.


What is your "One-of-a-Kind Credit Approval Process?"

Joe's One-of-a-Kind Credit Approval Process isn't just EASY, NO-STRESS, PRESSURE & JUDGEMENT-FREE; but it also can SAVE you HOURS at the dealership! Whether you have good credit, bad credit, no credit, or somewhere in between - Our process focuses on the important things first: 1. Your wants & needs, and 2. Your budget. Our team of Solution specialists can have you in and out the door in a car you LOVE, with a payment you LOVE in as little as one hour!

Are you a "Buy-Here Pay Here" dealership?

No, we are not. In fact, our goal is to let the people know that they have solutions outside of "Buy-Here Pay-Here" dealerships. We are the best in the Des Moines Metro at achieving REAL bank loans for people with less than perfect credit or no credit. If you have any concerns about credit or getting approved, ask us about our "Second Chance" and "First-Time Buyer" programs!

Do you only serve customers with challenged credit?

Nope! We have lending programs and inventory for ALL types of credit and customers! We have relationships with over 40+ lenders fighting for your loan - from big national banks, to small local credit unions. We can secure competitive interest rates for you within minutes, to save you time from rate shopping on your own!

Where do you get all of your cars from?

Unlike most dealers who buy their cars mostly from auctions, we acquire the majority of our inventory from the public! 80%+ of our cars come to us locally- From customer trading their cars in, or one of the hundreds of consumers per month who take advantage of our top offers from our Vehicle Buying Center!

Can I just sell you a car, without purchasing a new one?

Yes, you can! This is actually Joe's favorite way to acquire new inventory. In fact, he has a whole team dedicated to solely purchasing cars from the public! For this reason, Capital City Motor Company has built the reputation of paying the MOST for your car, with NO pressure to buy. We have the ability to hand you payment same day, with instant up-front offers; So you can avoid the stress of trying to sell it yourself online, scammers, and countless lowball offers from other dealers.

Should I expect a high-pressure environment, like most dealers?

Nope! At Capital City Motor Company, we pride ourselves on providing a no-pressure, laid back, and most importantly, FUN car-buying experience. Our non-commission Solution Specialists are here to help you every step of the way, and once you do find the perfect Nicer, Newer Car, there is NO finance manager or high-pressure finance office!

Do you tack on extra fees or mandatory products, like other metro dealers?

Absolutely not! Our prices are ALWAYS up-front and transparent! When you inquire on a Nicer, Newer Car from Capital City, you can expect:

NO hidden junk fees added to our price

NO pre-installed packages or products added to our price

NO 'Bait & Switch' Pricing - NO financing and NO trade required for our price!


Internet Price = Your Price!

Do you speak Spanish?

Yes, we have multiple bilingual members on our sales team and in our service department!


¡Sí, contamos con varios miembros bilingües en nuestro equipo de ventas y en nuestro departamento de servicio!


Do you deliver?

Yes, we do! Do you have your eyes on a Nicer, Newer Car, but live too far or can't make the drive? That's OK, we deliver for FREE up to 250 miles!

What is the minimum credit score required?

We do not require a minimum credit score! At Capital City Motor Company, we believe EVERYONE deserves to drive a Nicer, Newer Car - No matter what their current credit situation is. Sure, we have great programs for good credit customers, but we also work harder than anyone to secure REAL bank loans for people with all credit scores, all income types, and all situations that hold back the everyday person from driving the Nicer, Newer Car they deserve.

What kind of cars do you have in inventory, and what price ranges?

We aim to serve customers of all credit types, income levels, and preferences. For that reason, we carry a VERY wide-ranging selection of inventory, with the goal to have a Nicer, Newer Car for every driver! We have access to over 300+ pre-owned vehicles for sale, starting as low as $3,000 to $60,000+! Our typical inventory is clean title, and inspected, so you don't have to worry about any surprises down the road. Our cars do move quickly, so please don't hesitate to contact one of our Solution Specialists when you find the one you love!

Do you take trade-ins?

Yes, we accept trade-ins! Not only do we accept them, we pay the MOST for trade-ins! No matter if your ride is next-to-new, or if it's seen better days - We want your trade! Trade-ins can help lower payments and provide more options and flexibility with finance terms.

What if my trade is broken down/on its last leg?

Is your car broke down, or on its last leg? That's okay, it had a good life. We will STILL accept it as a trade-in, and we will STILL pay you top dollar for it. We'll even tow it for FREE!


What if I am tight on cash for a down payment?

We understand that times can be tight. Not everyone has 25-30% to put down on a vehicle like most dealers require. That's why with Joe's "One-of-a-Kind Credit Approval Process;" we work with the lenders to secure an approval with what YOU want to put down. We even have financing options with as low as $7 down!

Do you have a referral program?

Yes, we do! If you refer a friend or family member to Capital City, and they purchase a Nicer, Newer Car; We'll send you a check for $100! The best part is, there's NO limits on referral checks! Come by the store, or ask your Solution Specialist on how to get referral cards!

Do I need a driver's license to buy a car?

No, a driver's license is not required to purchase a Nicer, Newer Car! It depends on lender requirements, but a lot of our preferred lenders will accept a valid government ID, and some do not require any identification at all to purchase a vehicle! We have relationships with over 40+ banks/credit unions to help you find the perfect lender that will be the right fit for you.

Do you have a military/Veteran's Discount/Special Offer?

Yes, we do! Please call us at (515) 265-1467 and ask to speak to a Solution Specialist to see what this month's Military/Veteran's discount/Special offer is!

Do you offer any protection or warranties on your cars?

Yes, we do! In addition to our dealer warranty, we also offer various warranties and protection plans. Depending on lender approval and the vehicle you choose to purchase, you may be eligible to purchase:

• Vehicle Service Contract - These are extended protection plans that cover the cost of repairs and parts for your vehicle. We offer various plans with flexible options that match your lifestyle and your budget! These service contracts also may offer additional benefits, such as 24/7/365 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, tow reimbursement, + more!

• Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) - This is a plan that covers the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle and the balance of your loan, in case of a total loss or theft.

• 3-in-1 Road Hazard Protection - This cost-effective protection plan has you covered for the inconvenient cosmetic damages your vehicle will see in its life, bundled into one plan: 1. Windshield Repair, 2. Paintless Dent Repair, 3. Tire & Wheel Repair. We are able to offer flexible options for you that match your lifestyle and your budget! This plan also offers additional benefits such as 24/7/365 roadside assistance and rental reimbursement.