Visiting Our Dealership
Where is Friendship Ford of Bristol located?
We are located at 3192 W. State Street, Bristol, TN 37620 — right on West State Street on the Tennessee side of Bristol, just minutes from I‑81 and the Bristol Motor Speedway corridor.
We regularly serve truck, SUV, and performance buyers from Bristol, Blountville, Kingsport, Johnson City, Elizabethton, and Piney Flats in Tennessee, as well as Bristol, Abingdon, Damascus, and Washington County in Virginia. Because State Street straddles the state line, many of our daily inquiries involve cross-border tax and titling rules. You will find a full breakdown on state taxes below.
What are your sales, service and parts hours?
Our current operating hours are:
- Sales: Monday–Saturday 8:00 am–8:00 pm; Sunday closed
- Service: Monday–Friday 7:00 am–6:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am–5:00 pm; Sunday closed
- Parts: Monday–Friday 7:00 am–6:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am–5:00 pm; Sunday closed
Holiday schedules may vary. If you are traveling in from across county or state lines, feel free to call ahead to confirm staff availability on weekend afternoons.
Do I need an appointment to test drive a vehicle?
No — walk-in guests are always welcome. However, setting an appointment in advance helps us ensure the exact truck, SUV, or Mustang is pulled up front, fueled or charged, clean, and ready for a test drive when you arrive.
This is especially recommended for high-demand models such as Super Duty trucks, Broncos, Mustang Mach-E, or F-150 Lightnings. Call 423-652-6200 or schedule online with your vehicle of interest.
Shopping & Buying
What Ford models do you sell?
We are a full-line factory-authorized Ford dealership carrying the complete lineup:
- Trucks: Maverick, Ranger, F-150, and Super Duty (F-250, F-350)
- SUVs: Escape, Bronco Sport, Bronco, Edge, Explorer, and Expedition
- Electric Vehicles: Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning
- Cars: Mustang
- Commercial: Transit and Transit Connect vans
In addition to new inventory, we maintain a robust inventory of pre-owned vehicles and Ford Blue Advantage Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) models.
Can I start or complete the purchase online?
Yes. You can complete trade valuations, structure monthly lease or finance payments, apply for credit, and reserve inventory directly through our website.
State law requires original wet signatures on final title documents and out-of-state affidavits, which means delivery takes place at our dealership. However, all negotiations and paper prep can be finalized before you step foot on the lot.
Pricing, Fees & Tennessee Taxes
How much is sales tax on a vehicle in Tennessee?
Tennessee vehicle sales tax is lower than most buyers expect because the full 9.25% general sales tax rate does not apply to motor vehicles. It is calculated in three distinct brackets:
- 7% state sales tax on the total taxable purchase price (Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-202)
- 2.75% state single article tax applied only to the portion of price between $1,600.01 and $3,200 — capped at $44
- Local option tax applied only to the first $1,600 of the price. In Sullivan County, this is capped at approximately $36
For example, on a $50,000 taxable price: $3,500 (7% state) + $44 (single article cap) + ~$36 (local cap) = ~$3,580 total tax. That represents an effective tax rate of ~7.16%, saving you hundreds compared to standard retail tax estimates.
Does Tennessee cap the dealer documentation fee?
No. Tennessee law does not impose a statutory cap on dealer documentation fees. Market averages across regional dealerships typically fall between $600 and $700.
Per Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission rules effective April 20, 2022, dealers are required to disclose document fees clearly on price quotes and state that the fee is excluded from advertised vehicle prices. Please note that in Tennessee, document processing fees are subject to state sales tax.
Can you give me an out-the-door price?
Yes. We provide complete, transparent out-the-door price quotes in writing. A Tennessee vehicle quote includes:
- Negotiated selling price (including destination charges and installed options)
- Documentation fee (taxable)
- Tennessee sales tax (7% base + single article cap + local option cap)
- Title & registration clerk fees (approx. $14 in Tennessee)
- State license plate fees (approx. $29/year for standard Sullivan County passenger tags)
- State tire environmental fee ($5 total)
- Optional protection items (GAP insurance, vehicle service contracts, prepaid maintenance — all optional)
Note for EV and Hybrid buyers: Tennessee collects an annual registration renewal fee ($200/year for pure EVs like the Mach-E and F-150 Lightning through Dec 31, 2026; $100/year for plug-in hybrids like the Escape PHEV). This is paid directly to your county clerk upon annual tag renewal.
Does Tennessee require an emissions test or safety inspection?
No. Sullivan County does not require emissions testing or annual safety inspections. Tennessee ended all vehicle emissions testing statewide on January 14, 2022. Tennessee does not conduct periodic safety inspections on passenger vehicles.
If you live across the border in Virginia, annual safety inspections are required by Virginia law. See the out-of-state registration details below.
Buying From Virginia or North Carolina
I live in Virginia. Do I pay Tennessee sales tax if I buy from you?
No. Virginia residents pay 0% Tennessee sales tax when buying from us. Under Tennessee regulation (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1320-05-01-.03), out-of-state buyers who remove the vehicle from Tennessee within three calendar days are exempt from Tennessee sales tax.
At delivery, we complete state form RV-F1300901 (Affidavit of Out-of-State Removal). You will pay Virginia’s Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (SUT) directly when you title and register your vehicle at the Virginia DMV.
What does a Virginia buyer actually pay in tax and fees?
Virginia buyers pay Virginia’s 4.15% Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (SUT) based on the net sales price ($75 minimum). DMV titling and registration fees include:
- Title Fee: $15
- Passenger Registration: $30.75/yr (<4,000 lbs) or $35.75/yr (4,001–6,500 lbs)
- Truck Registration: Based on gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for heavier F-250 and F-350 trucks
- Annual Safety Inspection: $20 (required annually in Virginia)
- Emissions Inspection: Not required in Southwest Virginia (Bristol VA / Washington County)
Virginia buyers have 30 days from delivery to transfer title and registration. We provide 30-day temporary registration tags at vehicle pickup.
Tennessee vs. Virginia: which is actually cheaper?
Virginia is typically cheaper at initial purchase, while Tennessee is more economical over the lifetime of ownership.
At purchase, Virginia’s 4.15% SUT rate yields a lower tax bill than Tennessee’s ~7.16% effective tax on vehicles without significant trade equity. However, Virginia municipalities levy an annual personal property tax on motor vehicles (for example, Washington County, VA assesses $1.70 per $100 of assessed value annually). Tennessee has no personal property tax on automobiles.
We calculate side-by-side tax estimates for buyers residing along the State Street border to ensure complete clarity before purchase.
Does my trade-in or my rebate lower my tax? It depends which state you register in.
Tax deductions vary significantly based on your state of registration:
- Tennessee: Trade-in allowances directly reduce taxable sales price. Manufacturer rebates do not reduce taxable price (tax applies before rebates). Dealer discounts do reduce taxable price.
- Virginia: Trade-in allowances do not reduce taxable price (Va. Code § 58.1-2401). However, manufacturer rebates do reduce the taxable amount in Virginia.
- North Carolina: NC buyers pay a 3% Highway Use Tax (HUT) that does allow trade-in deductions (N.C.G.S. § 105-187.3) and exempts TN state sales tax via the 3-day removal affidavit.
Trade-Ins
How do I find out what my trade-in is worth?
You can receive an initial trade estimate using our online trade appraisal tool. This provides an estimated value range based on real-market transaction data for your vehicle's year, trim, and mileage.
To lock in a firm written offer, visit our dealership for a quick 15-minute physical appraisal. We inspect body condition, tire depth, mechanical performance, and vehicle history. Our written trade offer is valid whether you purchase a vehicle from us or not.
Can I trade in a vehicle I still owe money on?
Yes. We routinely handle trade-ins with existing loan balances. We contact your lender to secure an official 10-day payoff statement and settle the account directly.
If your vehicle's appraised value exceeds your payoff amount, the remaining positive equity is applied toward your down payment. If the payoff exceeds appraisal value (negative equity), the difference can either be paid out-of-pocket or rolled into your new financing package, subject to lender approval.
Does trading in a vehicle lower my Tennessee sales tax?
Yes. In Tennessee, vehicle sales tax is assessed strictly on the net price difference after trade credit is deducted.
For example, purchasing a $50,000 Ford F-150 with a $20,000 trade allowance reduces your taxable base to $30,000. This lowers your state tax from $3,500 down to $2,100 — providing an instant $1,400 in direct tax savings (7% of the trade value). Trades must be conducted in the same transaction to qualify for Tennessee tax credit.
Financing & Credit
What credit score do I need to buy a car?
We work with a broad network of financial institutions, including Ford Credit, national banks, and regional credit unions to secure financing options for diverse credit profiles.
While tier-one credit scores unlock low promotional APR rates and special lease programs, special financing programs are available based on debt-to-income ratios, employment history, down payment, and vehicle equity. Submit a secure credit application online to review personalized financing terms.
Can I use financing from my own bank or credit union?
Yes. We regularly process pre-approved loans from local lenders including Eastman Credit Union, ETMA Federal Credit Union, Bank of Tennessee, and Horizon Credit Union. Bring your draft check or approval letter to streamline delivery.
We also compare your pre-approved rate against factory subvented finance programs through Ford Credit to ensure you secure the lowest overall cost of borrowing.
Service & Maintenance
Do I need an appointment for service, or can I walk in?
We recommend scheduling an appointment for diagnostic work, check engine lights, recall updates, and complex mechanical repairs to ensure certified Ford technicians and specialized tools are assigned to your vehicle.
For routine maintenance like The Works™ oil change package, tire rotations, and battery replacements, walk-ins are welcome during regular service hours. Online booking allows you to select advisor preferences and view available service slots in real time.
Does Ford include free scheduled maintenance with a new vehicle?
While Ford does not offer a blanket "free maintenance" program, they do offer FordPass Rewards. When you purchase or lease a new Ford and activate your FordPass App, you earn FordPass Rewards Points.
- Gas engines: 42,000 points
- Diesel engines: 75,000 points
- Electric Vehicles: 22,000 points
These points can be redeemed for your first few routine maintenance visits (like The Works™ packages), essentially giving you complimentary service up front, or you can save them for accessories and future repairs.
Do I have to service here to keep my factory warranty valid?
No. Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, you can have routine maintenance performed at any qualified service facility without voiding your factory warranty. However, keeping detailed maintenance receipts is required to substantiate warranty claims.
Note: Factory recall repairs, warranty claim replacements, and specialized Ford software updates must be performed at an authorized Ford dealership.
Warranty & Certified Pre-Owned
What does the Ford factory warranty cover?
On a new Ford:
- Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Powertrain Limited Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Diesel Engine Powertrain Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Electric Vehicle Component / Battery Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
- Corrosion Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside Assistance: 5 years / 60,000 miles
What does Ford Blue Advantage Certified Pre-Owned include?
The Ford Blue Advantage program features two levels of certification to give buyers peace of mind:
- Gold Certified: For Ford models up to 6 years old with less than 80,000 miles. Must pass a 172-point inspection. Includes a 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty, a 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, 24/7 Roadside Assistance, and 22,000 FordPass Rewards Points.
- Blue Certified: For any make/model up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles. Must pass a 139-point inspection. Includes a 90-day/4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty, 24/7 Roadside Assistance, and 11,000 FordPass Rewards Points.
Ford Vehicle Questions
What are the towing capacities for Ford trucks and SUVs?
Properly equipped maximum towing capacities across popular Ford models include:
- Super Duty (F-250/F-350/F-450): Up to 40,000 lbs (gooseneck) depending on engine and configuration
- F-150: Up to 13,500 lbs
- Ranger: Up to 7,500 lbs
- Maverick: Up to 4,000 lbs (with 4K Tow Package)
- Expedition: Up to 9,300 lbs
- Explorer: Up to 5,000 lbs
- Bronco: Up to 4,500 lbs (Raptor) or 3,500 lbs (standard trims)
Always consult your vehicle owner’s manual and door jamb payload sticker to confirm specific hitch, axle ratio, and gross vehicle weight ratings before towing.
Can Ford electric vehicles use Tesla Superchargers?
Yes. Ford was the first major automaker to secure access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Drivers of the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning can utilize more than 15,000 Tesla Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada.
To use them, existing owners require a Fast Charging Adapter (NACS adapter), which allows the vehicle's CCS port to connect seamlessly to the Tesla plug. The entire charging experience, including payment, can be managed directly through the FordPass App or the vehicle's touchscreen via the BlueOval™ Charge Network.
Have additional questions?
Our team is ready to assist you with vehicle selection, trade estimates, or service appointments.