Buying your first car is a big moment. It can also feel like a lot: financing, credit scores, paperwork, and a bunch of terms nobody explained in school.
That is where we come in. At Chalmers Ford, we walk you through the whole thing step by step, in plain language, at your pace. No pressure, no surprises, and no question too basic to ask.
Real Value. Real People. Real Simple. It is how we do business, and it is exactly what your first car deal should feel like.
What You Get
Qualified applicants may be eligible for a lower APR.
No prior auto credit history needed. This program was built for first-timers.
Qualify on your own.
Choose terms up to 84 months to fit your monthly budget.**
Get started with as little as $750 down.
Here Is How to Know If You Qualify
You do not have to guess. If these sound like you, you are likely a great fit:
- ✓This is your first vehicle. No car loans or leases on your credit report.
- ✓You have been with your current employer for at least 6 months.
- ✓Your credit is in good standing, with a FICO score of 620 or higher.
- ✓You can put at least $750 down.
- ✓You plan to finance or lease through Ford Credit.
Check every box? Great, let us get started. Not sure about one or two? Reach out anyway. We will help you figure out exactly where you stand, with no obligation and no pressure.
Pick Your First Ford
The $750 Bonus Cash* is available on the purchase or lease of these eligible new Ford models:
2025 Models
2026 to 2027 Models
One heads-up so there are no surprises: Raptor models and the 2026 Bronco Stroppe are not eligible for this offer.
How It Works
Apply online in a few minutes, or stop by and we will do it together. Either way works.
Choose from the eligible new models above. Take your time. Test drive a couple.
A driver’s license, proof of income, and proof of residence cover most situations. If anything else is needed, we will tell you before you come in, not after.
Your $750 Bonus Cash* is applied to the deal, and you leave knowing exactly what you are paying and when.
Still in School? There Is a Student Program Too.
Ford’s College Student Recognition Cash Reward is a separate program from First-Time Buyer, and only one can be used on a deal. If you are enrolled at UNM, CNM, or anywhere else, or you graduated within the last 2 years, you may qualify for either program. We will run your deal both ways and set you up with whichever one saves you the most.
Questions First-Time Buyers Actually Ask
What is the Ford Credit First-Time Buyer Program?
It is a program from Ford Credit designed to help people financing or leasing their first vehicle. Qualified buyers get $750 Bonus Cash* on an eligible new Ford, may be eligible for a lower APR, and will not need a cosigner.** You finance or lease through Ford Credit, right here at the dealership.
I have never had a car loan. Is that a problem?
The opposite. That is exactly who this program is for. Having no auto credit history is not the same as having bad credit, and this program treats it that way. If your overall credit is in good standing with a FICO score of 620 or higher, you may qualify.
Do I need a cosigner?
No cosigner is required for this program.** Depending on your credit history, Ford Credit may ask for additional documentation or a larger down payment, and we will walk you through it if that happens.
Does the $750 Bonus Cash count as my down payment?
No, they are separate. The program requires a minimum $750 down payment from you, and the $750 Bonus Cash is applied to the deal on top of that. Think of it as Ford matching your first $750.
Can I combine the Bonus Cash with other offers?
In most cases, yes. It works alongside most current public Ford offers. It cannot be combined with Ford private offers or a 90-day payment deferral, and it does not combine with Ford’s College Student Recognition Cash Reward. If you qualify for both programs, we will run your deal both ways and use whichever saves you the most.
Can I lease instead of buy?
Yes. The program applies to the purchase or lease of an eligible new Ford, as long as you finance or lease through Ford Credit.
What should I bring to the dealership?
A driver’s license, proof of income, and proof of residence handle most situations. Depending on your credit history, Ford Credit may request additional documentation. Ask us before your visit and we will give you a simple list, so there are no surprises.
How long do I have?
The program runs through September 30, 2026. You need to place a new retail order or take delivery from dealer stock by 9/30/26.
Your First Dealership Should Feel Like a Good Decision Too
Plenty of first-time buyers walk into a dealership braced for a hard sell. That is not how it works here.
At Chalmers Ford, we serve our neighbors in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, and the surrounding communities, and we plan on being here long after your first oil change. So we do it the way we would want it done for our own kids: honest numbers, clear next steps, and a deal that is exactly what we promised.
You will leave with more than a new Ford. You will leave knowing you did it right.
Ready for the First One?
Get prequalified in minutes, or come by and let us walk you through it in person. Either way, we will make it simple.
Offer Details
* $750 First-Time Buyer Bonus Cash available to customers with no current automotive history on their credit report and a minimum of 6 months’ time with current employer. Credit must be in good standing with a minimum FICO score of 620. Available on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2025 Ford Bronco®, Bronco Sport®, and Ranger®; 2026-2027 Bronco®, Bronco Sport®, Explorer®, F-150®, Maverick®, Mustang®, Mustang Mach-E®, and Ranger only. Not available on all other Ford and Lincoln vehicles including all Raptor® and 2026 Bronco Stroppe models. Limit one purchase or lease per eligible buyer. Not all buyers will qualify. Must finance or lease through Ford Credit. May not be used/combined with any Ford private offers or a 90-day deferral. Minimum $750 down payment required. U.S. residents only. Place a new retail order or take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 9/30/26. (PGM #33248) Offer subject to confirmation of eligibility. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.
** A cosigner or higher down payment may be required based on credit history and underwriting guidelines. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.