Financing at Max Motors
See your buying power with no score impact, or get a lender decision. Max Motors does both.
Prequalification is an estimate of what you can afford, built from a soft credit inquiry that has no impact on your credit score. Pre-approval is a full credit application sent to lenders; it uses a hard inquiry and returns a lender decision before the deal is finalized. Every Max Motors store offers both online.
Each store runs both tools on its own site. Pick yours: the soft pull is Check My Buying Power; the hard pull is the finance application.
Butler, MO
Clinton, MO
Nevada, MO
Nevada, MO
Nevada, MO
| Question | Prequalification (soft) | Pre-approval (hard) |
|---|---|---|
| Credit score impact | None | Can lower your score a few points, temporarily |
| Who sees it | Only you; invisible to lenders | Lenders who review your report |
| Info needed | A few answers; no Social Security number | Full application with SSN, income and employment |
| What you get back | An estimated payment range and terms | A lender decision before the deal is finalized |
| How long | About a minute | Lender responses often come back in seconds |
| Best when | You are shopping and want a budget | You have picked a vehicle and are ready to buy |
| Is it an offer of credit? | No | It is a lender decision; final approval depends on the vehicle, structure and down payment |
Every credit check falls into one of two buckets, and only one of them can move your score. Lenders often use “prequalified” and “pre-approved” interchangeably. At Max Motors, prequalification always means a soft pull and pre-approval always means a hard pull.
Prequalification is an estimate of the payment range and terms you may qualify for, based on a soft credit inquiry and the answers you provide.
A pre-approval is a lender decision on a full credit application, made before your deal is finalized, and it uses a hard credit inquiry.
A soft credit inquiry is a credit check only you can see, and it does not affect your credit score.
A hard credit inquiry happens when a lender reviews your credit to decide on an application; lenders can see it, and it can lower your score slightly for a short time.
Comparing auto lenders generally will not stack up damage. Most scoring models treat auto hard inquiries within 14 days as one (some allow 45). Each inquiry remains on your report for two years; the score effect is typically small and short-lived, a few months.
Source for credit-scoring facts: Experian, “Prequalified vs. Preapproved” (September 25, 2026).
You are comparing vehicles and want a payment range first.
Start with: Check my buying powerYou know the vehicle; now you need the loan answer.
Start with: Get pre-approvedYour score is recovering and you want options without a hard pull yet.
Start with: Check my buying powerYour trade value changes your budget, so value it first.
Start with: Value my tradeExperts at both
Knowing which check moves your score is our job, not yours. We run soft and hard pulls every day and tell you which one you need first.
Only at Max Motors: the $500 Deal Match Guarantee, Max Transit home delivery, and the KBB Instant Cash Offer headquarters for our five-county area.
No. Prequalification uses a soft inquiry to estimate what you can afford. Pre-approval sends a full application to lenders, uses a hard inquiry and returns a lender decision.
No. What's My Buying Power uses a soft inquiry. It has no impact on your credit score, and lenders cannot see it.
A pre-approval uses a hard inquiry, which lenders can see. Generally it can lower a score by a few points for a few months, and the inquiry stays on your report for two years.
Fast. The soft-pull estimate is immediate, and lenders often respond to the finance application in seconds. Timing varies by lender, and a finance team member follows up either way.
No. Prequalification is an estimate, not an offer of credit. A pre-approval is a lender decision, and the final approval still depends on the vehicle, structure and down payment.
That is set by each lender, so the window varies. Your finance manager can tell you exactly how long yours lasts.
Generally, yes. Most scoring models treat auto loan hard inquiries made within 14 days as one inquiry, and some allow up to 45 days.
Prequalify while you shop, then apply when you are ready to buy. The soft pull sets your budget; the application gets the lender's answer.
Start with prequalification; it shows your options without touching your score. When you apply, our finance team reviews your application and calls you with real terms.
Prequalifying does not require your Social Security number. A finance application for pre-approval does, plus income and employment information.
The Easiest Place To Buy A Car.
Prequalification estimates are based on a soft credit inquiry and the information you provide. They are not an offer of credit and do not guarantee approval, rate or terms.
Submitting a finance application (pre-approval) authorizes a credit inquiry that may affect your credit score.
Approval, APR and terms are set by the lender and depend on creditworthiness, the vehicle selected and down payment. Lender response times vary. Credit-scoring information on this page is general education, not financial advice.
The "Apply with GM Financial" button opens GM Financial's secure online application.
See dealer for details; dealer reserves the right to correct any errors.
Last updated October 7, 2026. MAX CREDIT EDUCATION v2.0
