Welcome to Sponsler Automotive
At Sponsler Automotive, our mission is to be your trusted automotive partner in Ohio, with convenient locations in Ashland, Shelby, Galion, and Mount Vernon. Whether you're shopping for a new or used vehicle, scheduling service, or exploring financing options, our experienced and friendly team is here to help every step of the way.
Serving Ohio Families Since 1977
Since 1977, we've believed that buying a car should feel personal, not transactional. Founded by Robert Donley, Sponsler Automotive was built on a commitment to treat every customer like family, offering a more personalized experience than larger dealerships. Now owned by Ryan & Kerri Sponsler (Donley), the same values and commitment have been carried on now under the Sponsler Automotive name.
Our four locations across central Ohio offer one of the largest selections of vehicles in the region—giving you big-dealer inventory with small-town service tailored to your unique needs.
The Sponsler Promise
At Sponsler Automotive, you get the best of both worlds: the selection of a major dealer and the care of a local business. Unlike competitors, our growth has been driven by honest pricing, respectful service, and long-term customer relationships—not flashy ads or high-pressure tactics.
Put simply: we’ve reimagined the car-buying process to focus on what matters—your comfort, your confidence, and your satisfaction.
Why Choose Us?
From leasing and financing to repairs, accessories, and certified Ford service, our team is equipped to handle all your automotive needs. We’re proud to offer Ohio’s top-selling models, including the F-150, Bronco, Escape, Explorer, and Ranger—along with unmatched service before and after the sale.
Looking at a pre-owned vehicle? Thinking about switching dealerships for service? We’re here to earn your trust, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth. Many of our service customers came to us after being let down elsewhere—and they stay because we put people first.
Driven by Community
We believe great dealerships don’t just serve customers—they serve their communities. Sponsler Automotive is proud to support local organizations, create jobs, and help strengthen the towns we call home.
So why shop anywhere else? Stop by or contact your nearest Sponsler Automotive location. Experience the Sponsler Automotive Promise for yourself today.
Dealer FAQs
Yes. Buying a clean, affordable used car on our lot at a great price is easy. Simply browse our expansive online inventory and you'll see precisely why Sponsler Automotive is the first name so many turn to in Ashland when the time comes.
Because so many other discerning car shoppers turn to us first. For some, the allure of shopping with us comes from our outstanding selection of quality used cars and our affordable pricing that always puts your budget first. For others, our respectful team and a shopping environment that places a priority on your comfort and satisfaction serves as the cherry on top.
When paired with our plethora of positive customer reviews, the above benefits of buying a used car from Sponsler Automotive make one thing readily apparent: You will always find the most enjoyable and budget-friendly used car shopping experience at our friendly and clean used car lot.
Yes. Check out the latest deals on our used car specials page and see for yourself just how much we can save you on the stellar used car, truck, or SUV you've always wanted.
Absolutely. Whether you are celebrating a recent graduation, a new job, or you have a new baby on board, one thing always remains the same: We have the most fantastic prices on quality cars, trucks, and SUVs. Our team takes an extreme amount of pride in delivering this massive amount of value directly to you during whichever major life event brings you to our showroom floor, so you can shop with confidence knowing that you really are getting the best price possible on the vehicle that piques your interest.
It's easy with Sponsler Automotive on your side. We have helped thousands of used car buyers with this process over the years, and the best place to start is by considering the particulars of your unique situation. Are you interested in the utility of a pickup, the ample legroom of an SUV, or the eco-friendly gas mileage of a compact car or sedan to help lower the cost of fuel that comes with your daily commute?
Once you have spent some time pondering these questions, browse our expansive online inventory or call 419-863-3867. From here, we will be more than happy to assist you in exploring all of your options and help ensure that you drive away from our used car lot with a smile on your face and in a used car that suits you perfectly.
Yes. If you see a vehicle listed on our website, that means it has already passed our rigorous quality inspection process and is ready and waiting to impress you when you come in to take it for a test drive.
No. Your comfort and satisfaction are our primary focus, so you can shop with confidence knowing that you are in complete control of this process from start to finish. Our sales team has a sterling reputation based on our commitment to always doing right by local car shoppers, which is why so many individuals in or near Ashland, Galion, Mount Vernon, and Shelby proudly consider themselves customers for life.
We are dedicated to sourcing quality used vehicles for all of our customers, so let us know what you are in the market for and we'll get to work immediately on finding your preferred used car through our expansive dealer resource network. Use our handy used car locator service today and you'll soon find yourself driving home in your dream car, truck, or SUV.
Yes, and it only takes a couple of clicks to leverage the power of our useful comparison tool. For each vehicle you would like to compare side-by-side, click the button labeled "Compare" on the vehicle details page, or the comparison arrows icon for the associated vehicle on the list page you are currently viewing.
All incoming used cars undergo a rigorous inspection process that ensures our vehicles meet — and exceed — your expectations. Holding our inventory to the highest standards possible guarantees that you enjoy peace of mind and comfortable travel.
Great question. A certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle is a used car, truck, or SUV that comes with a warranty backed by the manufacturer, in addition to other premium services, like 24/7 roadside assistance. To earn this designation, the CPO vehicle must have less than a set limit of miles traveled and pass an in-depth multipoint inspection. As for used cars at Sponsler Automotive, these offerings also undergo a rigorous inspection process to guarantee superb quality, in addition to providing you with access to the remainder of the factory warranty (if applicable) in terms of extended coverage.
Yes, and it only takes a moment to schedule an appointment. Call 419-863-3867 and we will get you on the books for a complimentary test drive of whichever vehicle piques your interest and offer guidance to you along every step of the way until you find the ideal car that fits your unique needs.
We highly recommend taking advantage of this complimentary service. Feeling good about buying a quality used car, truck, or SUV that will last you long into the future requires being completely comfortable with the vehicle that intrigues you. Our experts transportation consultants are happy to schedule a quick test drive so that you can proceed with confidence when the time comes to finalize this major decision.
Anytime during our normal operating hours. We always have a friendly and helpful car consultant available to help you find the right car or truck that fits your routine. Feel free to stop by at any convenient time for you, or give us a call at 419-863-3867 to schedule an appointment so we can be ready to drive the car you're looking at when you get here. Either way, you'll find that shopping at Sponsler Automotive is always a pleasant and convenient experience.
Yes. Transparency is a cornerstone of our car buying experience, so our friendly sales team is pleased to provide you with an accurate and up-to-date vehicle history report covering every vehicle that piques your interest in our inventory. Each used car sold on our lot adheres to a strict commitment to quality and reliability, so shop with confidence knowing that a complimentary, comprehensive vehicle history report that confirms this sterling standard is always available for you at Sponsler Automotive.
We are committed to your satisfaction throughout each phase of the car buying process — even after you sign on the dotted line. Our team is only a quick phone call away, and we will do everything in our power to allay any concerns you might have regarding your recently purchased used car, truck, or SUV. This way, you can keep riding in style and enjoy all of the benefits that come with upgrading your daily driver.
This is a great question. Sponsler Automotive has years of experience spotlighting the advantages related to these two choices, so here's a quick overview.
Buying a new car is a great idea if:
- You like driving new cars.
- You want the latest and greatest in terms of safety technology.
- Cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity with your smart devices is a top priority.
- You like the confidence that comes with being protected by a warranty.
- You want the lowest interest rate possible.
- You want to take advantage of new car incentives directly from the manufacturer.
Buying used is probably the right call if:
- The budget-friendly nature of pre-loved cars appeals to you.
- You want to get more bang for your buck and are seeking a gently used premium option.
- Keeping your car insurance rates low is important to you.
- You want to take advantage of Sponsler Automotive's commitment to reliability through our in-depth inspection, repair, tune-up, and detail process.
Because you want to feel respected and choose from one of the best selections of reliable vehicles. Or because you want to take advantage of a customer-first approach and affordable pricing. Maybe because leaning on the assistance of friendly professionals who cater to your unique situation and help guide you through the search for the right vehicle is an invaluable asset to have on your side.
Simply put, because you — like other discerning shoppers — deserve to enjoy all of the benefits that come with shopping at the most trustworthy dealership in or around Ashland.
Buying a car from us is all about maximizing your return on this major investment. Our friendly sales professionals always put your needs first, and will help you navigate our expansive selection of reliable, affordable, and alluring cars and trucks. At Sponsler Automotive, we've crafted a shopping experience that makes finding your perfect car straightforward and downright fun!
Sponsler Automotive's current hours of operation can be found on our contact page. Our business hours are subject to change throughout the year based on seasonal considerations. We stay open long hours so that serving your travel needs is as convenient as possible.
Sponsler Automotive is committed to offering you the most competitive financing rates possible in Ashland. How do we do this? By working with lots of lending institutions and being flexible regarding your credit history, loan terms, and past financial hardships or considerations, we are able to provide access to impressively low rates that put you behind the wheel of your dream car and still keep your bank account happy along the way.
Want to learn more about your specific loan rate? It's easy, call us today.
Yes. Nearly all car loans bundle the taxes, registration fees, and other expenses into the loan. This is a great way for savvy shoppers to reduce the upfront expenditure associated with buying a car and registering it.
Yes. We know that being flexible with financing additional services over time goes a long way toward making the car-buying process more convenient and relaxed for everyone.
If you would like to take advantage of optional upgrades when financing your next car, truck, or SUV, let us know when you come in and we will be happy to help you spread out the cost of over the term of your loan.
Yes. Sponsler Automotive offers zero down payment financing to qualified buyers. Let us know that you want to consider this option when the time comes to apply for a loan and we will help you get it done.
Yes, we do it everyday. We work with lots of different lenders to help people from all walks of life get into suitable cars and trucks. We shop your loan on your behalf which pits the banks against each other and gets you the best possible rate, regardless of your credit history.
Yes. Connecting first-time buyers with the loan they need to purchase a new or used car is one of our many specialties. Call 419-863-3867 today and we will be happy to lay out how our approach makes financing easy and simple for newer and first-time car buyers.
Good question. We've helped many customers in this situation secure the financing they need to get into a reliable and affordable used car. Thanks to our easy loan application process, all it takes is a few minutes to get the process started. We can often leverage our large network of banks to find a trusted partner that will make an exception if your life situation has improved markedly since the hiccup.
Yes. Getting approved for the right loan as a person receiving disability and Social Security disbursements is a piece of cake with our helpful finance experts on your side. Many lending institutions consider these payments as sources of income when determining the type of loan you qualify for and the loan's total value — a crucial fact that greatly improves your terms when you are approved for financing.
Getting approved for a loan as a self-employed tax payer is a simple matter. Income verification will be the key to your success. Once we review the documents that verify your income such as your tax returns, bank statements, or canceled checks, you'll find that getting approved is simple, straightforward, and convenient.
Yes. Starting a new job can be an exciting time. Let us help you make this big moment even sweeter by connecting you with the right loan on your next vehicle. Your employment status is just one of the myriad factors that go into the loan approval process, so if you recently upgraded into a better position at a new company, you can apply with confidence knowing that our financing team are prepared to secure a great loan at the lowest interest rate possible.
Helping guide first-time car buyers through this important — and exciting — event is one of our specialties. Let our trustworthy and friendly team take the lead on this for you and you will soon see why so many first-time buyers lean on us when the time comes to finance an affordable and reliable new or used car with budget-friendly payment.
Commonly called under water, or upside down, in an inequity position, or buried, our finance team has seen it before. We leverage many years of professional experience assisting shoppers through this situation. It starts with a fair offer to buy your trade-in.
We can typically roll any inequities into the new loan which means that we pay off the difference and you start a new loan on the new car. This way you can drive home in style in the car or truck that you really want.
Being employed is one of a host of factors that will go into any car loan approval process. Our team of experts can do what they do best and work hard to secure you the perfect loan for your unique situation, but you're still going to have to pay it back. Banks like to see a steady history of income and you'll need to be clear about your other sources of income and how you intend to pay back the loan without a job.
Yes. Securing an offer on your trade-in starts with a quick chat about your car. For shoppers who prefer to keep things digital, check out our friendly trade appraisal tool to request a quote to buy your car.
With the utmost care and consideration. We make it a point to provide the most customer-friendly trade-in experience imaginable. We are happy to make a fair offer on any vehicle you want to trade toward your next car. This commitment to going above and beyond is why local car buyers shop with confidence at Sponsler Automotive.
Yes. We are always ready and willing to buy your car for a fair amount and our check is good today.
Finding out if you qualify for loan is fast and has no impact on your credit score. Use our quick pre-approval tool.
If you prefer to work with your personal bank on the financing, we are eager to help you pick out the perfect car, truck, or SUV for you. Before you make your final decision, we would suggest that you connect with our financing team to see if we can find a better rate or more favorable terms.
The short answer? It's easy, convenient, and it's the best option. We employ a swift process that keeps your interest rate and fees low. We work hard to find the best loan terms and our team makes a point to keep you in the know from start to finish.
Conventional wisdom suggests that putting down 20 percent of the total cost of the car at signing is a smart idea. However, your unique situation may require something different, and that is always fine by us.
GAP insurance is an form of protection that provides insurance coverage for the remainder of your auto loan should an accident or collision completely total your vehicle. GAP insurance kicks in to safeguard your credit in the event of the total loss of your car and pays off the negative equity in your loan if you owe more than the depreciated value of your vehicle.
GAP insurance is a great asset to have on your side if you:
- Made a small down payment.
- Selected a loan term with a 48-month or longer duration.
- Plan on putting more mileage on your vehicle than the average driver.
- Value the confidence that comes with complete financial protection.
Having a co-signer can make getting approved for a loan easier because of the combined credit score, income, and financial history. To determine if this is the best fit for you, let our team of experts leverage their years of experience to provide a hand as you consider your options.
Walk-in customers are always welcome, come on in and sit down for a chat regarding your car loan financing options at a time convenient for you. You can also call ahead to schedule an appointment with a friendly team member.
We make the process fast and easy. Our goal is to get you behind the wheel of your dream car as soon as possible. You can count on us to have everything ready when you come in to pick up your new car.
The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is a tool used by lenders to represent the amount of money owed on your loan relative to the value of your vehicle. For example, if you currently have a loan for $15,000 on a vehicle that is worth $20,000, your LTV is 75%.
If you owe more than your current vehicle is worth, your LTV will need to be addressed. Sponsler Automotive has decades of experience assisting car shoppers through this exact situation.
The payment-to-income (PTI) ratio is a percentage that describes your car payment in relation to your pre-tax income. As an example, if your monthly car payment is $300 and your gross monthly income is $3,000, then your PTI is 10%. Lenders usually look for a PTI that sits at around 15% when considering how large to make a loan, but this is just one of a host of factors that go into the process of securing the best financing options your unique situation.
The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio represents all of your monthly debt divided by your monthly income. Credit card payments, mortgage payments, and other recurring expenses are factored into this metric, which most lenders suggest keeping at or below 50%.
"POI" stands for proof of income and is a metric that helps our associated lenders verify your stated income during the loan application process. Some common examples of proof of income include:
- Pay stubs
- Bank statements
- Last year's federal tax return
- Form W-2
"POR" stands for proof of residency and is a tool that aids our stable of high-quality lenders confirm your residency during the car loan application process. Some common examples of proof of residency include:
- Vehicle registration or title
- Voter registration card
- Utility or telephone bill
- Selective Service card
- Checking or savings account statement
"APR" stands for the annual percentage rate. Typically referring to the interest rate of your car loan. This yearly interest rate is what you'll pay in addition to the amount you borrow initially, and can be fixed (unchanging for the duration of your loan term) or variable (may change over the life of the loan).
"ACV" stands for the actual cash value. ACV is used to describe the amount of money a car can be expected to sell for through the large auction networks right now. This is the amount that we can expect to recoup should we choose to sell your car at auction.
Yes. Transparency is paramount for our team. If you have any questions regarding specific inclusions within this agreement, the friendly and knowledgeable team member working with you will be happy to review and explain every line.
Yes. Leasing a new car at Sponsler Automotive is all about having your cake and eating it too. We are proud to pair up an impressive selection of head-turning vehicles with a leasing program that makes upgrading your daily commute a breeze. Simply stop by our showroom floor today or shop online and call 419-863-3867 whenever works best for you. From here, we will get you behind the wheel of the vehicle you've been dreaming about in a flash, all at a low monthly price that fits your budget.
A new car lease gives you the opportunity to take to the streets in an alluring and feature-rich new car at a cost that is often significantly lower than traditional monthly car payments. As part of the program, you'll enjoy the perks that come with owning your car for a predetermined term length of time.
When this term reaches completion, you'll still have the flexibility to purchase your car at a great price if you decide to keep it. Leasing keeps you in control by creating lots of options down the road.
Financing a car places complete control in your hands for as long as you own your vehicle, while leasing is a temporary ownership arrangement that pre-negotiates the value of your car at the end of the lease. With a lease, you can switch into new cars every couple years and never be surprised by an unexpected dip in value. To determine which option works best for you, connect with us and we will layout the options in plain English which makes your decision easy.
This depends on your unique needs. To help make the choice between buying or leasing a vehicle easy, here's an overview of the benefits.
You should lease a new car if:
- You love the idea of upgrading into the hottest new Ford every couple years.
- You only need a car for a short time and would rather not set up longer-term financing.
- You are seeking a lower out-of-pocket cost at signing.
- You prefer lower monthly payments.
You should buy a new Ford car if:
- You love the idea of owning the vehicle you drive.
- You want the freedom to sell your vehicle whenever you want.
- You want to keep your insurance costs as low as possible.
- You know you will put a lot of miles on your car.
Financing a new car gives you complete ownership, while leasing comes with a fixed term of possession. At the end of this period, you can either upgrade into another new car with the latest tech and comforts, or you can purchase your current vehicle at the pre-negotiated buyout price.