Visiting Our Dealership
Where is Friendship Chevrolet of Forest City located?
We are located at 1740 College Ave, Forest City, NC 28043 — right along Highway 221A (College Ave) in Forest City.
We proudly serve truck, SUV, and car buyers from Forest City, Rutherfordton, Spindale, Shelby, Hendersonville, Marion, and across Rutherford, Cleveland, and Polk counties.
What are your sales, service and parts hours?
Our current operating hours are:
- Sales: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–7:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am–6:00 pm; Sunday closed
- Service: Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:30 pm; Saturday 8:00 am–2:00 pm; Sunday closed
- Parts: Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:30 pm; Saturday 8:00 am–2:00 pm; Sunday closed
Feel free to call ahead if you are planning a visit late on a Saturday afternoon.
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 Silverado, Tahoe, Corvette, or Equinox 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 Silverado 2500/3500 HD Diesels, Blazer EV, or Silverado EV. Call 828-351-3136 or schedule online with your vehicle of interest.
Shopping & Buying
What Chevrolet models do you sell?
We are a full-line factory-authorized Chevrolet dealership carrying the complete lineup:
- Trucks: Colorado, Silverado 1500, and Silverado HD (2500/3500)
- SUVs & Crossovers: Trax, Trailblazer, Equinox, Blazer, Traverse, Tahoe, and Suburban
- Electric Vehicles: Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV
- Performance & Cars: Corvette and Malibu
- Commercial: Express cargo and cutaway vans
In addition to new inventory, we maintain a robust inventory of pre-owned vehicles and Chevrolet 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, 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 & NC Taxes
How much is the Highway Use Tax on a vehicle in North Carolina?
Unlike standard state retail sales tax, North Carolina assesses a statewide 3% Highway Use Tax (HUT) on motor vehicle purchases (N.C.G.S. § 105-187.3) rather than local county sales tax rates.
For example, purchasing a $40,000 vehicle results in a 3% HUT total of $1,200. Local county registration fees and standard DMV titling fees are added separately at purchase.
Does North Carolina cap the dealer documentation fee?
North Carolina law does not strictly cap dealer documentation fees, but dealerships must register their standard doc fee with the state. Market averages across regional dealers generally range between $500 and $700.
Dealer fees are itemized clearly on all transparent out-the-door price quotes and are subject to the 3% North Carolina Highway Use Tax.
Can you give me an out-the-door price?
Yes. We provide complete, transparent out-the-door price quotes in writing. A North Carolina vehicle quote includes:
- Negotiated selling price (including destination charges and installed options)
- Dealer documentation fee
- North Carolina 3% Highway Use Tax
- NC DMV title and license plate fees (approx. $113 state title fee structure plus registration)
- Optional protection items (GAP insurance, vehicle service contracts, prepaid maintenance — all optional)
Note for EV buyers: North Carolina collects an annual registration renewal surcharge for electric vehicles during yearly tag renewals.
Does North Carolina require vehicle inspections?
Yes. North Carolina requires an annual safety inspection for registered vehicles statewide. Additionally, vehicles registered in Rutherford County must pass an on-board diagnostic (OBD) emissions inspection if they are less than 20 model years old and under a certain weight threshold.
New vehicles purchased directly from our dealership come with valid initial inspections completed.
Trade-Ins
Does my trade-in lower my North Carolina Highway Use Tax?
Yes. Under North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 105-187.3), the value of a trade-in vehicle directly reduces the taxable base for the 3% Highway Use Tax.
For instance, if you purchase a $50,000 Silverado and trade in a vehicle valued at $20,000, your 3% HUT is calculated on the remaining $30,000 balance ($900 tax instead of $1,500), giving you an immediate $600 in direct tax savings. Trades must be conducted in the same transaction to qualify for the tax credit.
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.
Financing & Credit
What credit score do I need to buy a car?
We work with a broad network of financial institutions, including GM Financial, 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 subvented lease programs, subprime and 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 throughout the Rutherford County and Foothills region, such as Summit Credit Union, Local Government Federal Credit Union, and local community banks. Bring your draft check or approval letter to streamline delivery.
We also compare your pre-approved rate against factory subvented finance programs through GM Financial 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 Chevrolet technicians and specialized tools are assigned to your vehicle.
For routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections, 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 Chevrolet include complimentary scheduled maintenance?
Yes. Chevrolet includes First Maintenance Visit coverage on all new vehicle purchases and leases, covering one complimentary oil change, tire rotation, and multi-point vehicle inspection within the first year of ownership.
Services must be performed at an authorized GM dealership like Friendship Chevrolet of Forest City.
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 software updates must be performed at an authorized GM dealership.
Parts & Accessories
Do you sell genuine GM parts and accessories?
Yes. We stock authentic OEM Chevrolet parts, filters, fluids, brakes, and batteries. We also supply factory-approved accessories, including:
- Silverado/Colorado bed liners, tonneau covers, and multi-flex tailgates
- All-weather floor liners, splash guards, and roof rack crossrails
- Performance parts and trailering equipment
Genuine GM accessories installed by our dealership carry factory warranty coverage.
Warranty & Certified Pre-Owned
What does the factory warranty cover on a new Chevrolet?
New Chevrolet vehicles carry comprehensive factory warranty protection:
- Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Powertrain Limited Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles (extended to 5 years / 100,000 miles for heavy-duty Duramax diesel trucks)
- Electric Vehicle Battery & Components (Equinox EV, Blazer EV, Silverado EV): 8 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance: 5 years / 60,000 miles (24/7 towing, jump starts, flat tire changes)
What does a Chevrolet Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle include?
To earn Chevrolet Certified Pre-Owned status (either Chevy Certified or Certified Pre-Owned Elite), vehicles must meet strict age and mileage limits, have a clean title, and pass a detailed 172-point inspection. Benefits include:
- Extended Powertrain Limited Warranty: 6-year / 100,000-mile (from original in-service date)
- Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty: 12-month / 12,000-mile (starting when the CPO purchase happens)
- Roadside Assistance and courtesy transportation during warranty repairs
- Scheduled Maintenance Program (includes 2 included maintenance visits within 2 years / 24,000 miles)
- 3-month SiriusXM trial & CARFAX vehicle history report
Truck & SUV Questions
What are the towing capacities for Chevrolet trucks and SUVs?
Properly equipped towing capacities across popular models include:
- Silverado 3500 HD (Duramax Diesel): Up to 36,000 lbs max towing
- Silverado 2500 HD: Up to 22,070 lbs max towing
- Silverado 1500 (3.0L Turbo-Diesel / 6.2L V8): Up to 13,300 lbs max towing
- Colorado: Up to 7,700 lbs
- Suburban / Tahoe: Up to 8,300–8,400 lbs
- Traverse: Up to 5,000 lbs
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.
Have additional questions?
Our team in Forest City is ready to assist you with vehicle selection, trade estimates, or service appointments.