If you are a first-time car buyer with limited or no credit, then you should know that the Ford First-Time Car Buyer’s Program could be the ideal way to get behind the wheel of a new Ford model. Recently expanded, the program now covers 10 Ford models and makes it easier than ever to get financed—even without a purchase history. With this program, Valley Ford Truck of Cleveland brings you a lower $750 minimum down payment, cheaper monthly payments, and access to Ford’s Max Tier 1 Rate.
To apply for this program, you can’t have prior auto tradelines or major derogatory credit, such as a prior charge-off, bankruptcy, or current delinquency. You’ll need a minimum monthly income of $2,000, along with proof of income and residence, which are verified at the time of the credit offer. Financed or leased vehicles must be for personal use.
Our goal is to help you get into the driver’s seat of the car you want at a price that fits your budget. Valley Ford Truck of Cleveland, your local Ford dealer serving the Greater Cleveland area and Cuyahoga County, wants to help you through every step of the car-buying experience.
The eligible lineup has doubled—the program now covers 10 new Ford models, from the Escape and Bronco Sport all the way up to the F-150 and F-150 Lightning.
New Ford Mustang, Escape, Bronco Sport, Bronco, and Explorer models are available through the program.
New Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150, F-150 Lightning, and Mustang Mach-E models are available through the program.
This is a pilot program available for a limited period, from July 7, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Vehicles financed or leased through the First-Time Buyer Program must be for personal use only and are not eligible for commercial or business use.
With the First-Time Buyer Program, qualifying customers may receive Ford’s Max Tier 1 Rate when buying or leasing—the kind of rate normally reserved for shoppers with high credit scores. This can apply to both standard rates and any available promotional offers, helping keep your monthly payments more manageable.
Retail Financing: Traditional auto financing with fixed monthly payments. Terms are available for up to 84 months.
Flex Buy® (New Vehicles Only): A financing option that can structure payments differently over the term to better fit your budget. Terms are available for up to 66 months.
Lease (New Vehicles Only): Drive a new Ford with lower monthly payments compared to traditional financing, within mileage and condition guidelines. Terms are available for up to 36 months.
The program is now available with a minimum FICO score of 620, lowered from 640, giving buyers with limited credit history a better chance at approval. Your tier and rate are evaluated during your Ford Credit application.
A $750 minimum customer cash down payment is required, lowered from $1,000. This must be your own cash contribution and cannot include rebates, discounts, or trade-in equity.
Monthly payments under this program are generally limited to 22% of your income, promoting manageable payment structures.
The program also allows up to a 100% advance before add-ons, enabling financing up to the full price of the vehicle before optional products.
While we will do the best we can to help you, eligibility does not guarantee credit approval. The following cannot be combined with the First-Time Buyer Program:
Ready to get behind the wheel of your first Ford? Additional first-time buyer incentives may be available to qualified customers. Contact Valley Ford Truck of Cleveland to learn more and take the next step.
