About 45% of first-time car buyers intend to apply for loans in the first half of 2023. To find the car buying process exciting and fulfilling,  it’s important to do your research and read the fine print before signing that contract. This is particularly true when it comes to auto loans. They can be confusing and it’s easy to miss important details that could affect your financial well-being in the long run.

Here, we discuss five warning signs of a bad car loan so you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

1. You Didn’t Agree to Extra Charges But They’re Included

“Loan packing” is when the dealer adds extra fees to your loan, such as GAP insurance or extended warranties. They can be great add-ons that protect you if something happens to your car, but they will also increase the price of your loan which means more money out of your pocket. Be sure to read through all paperwork carefully and make sure you understand exactly what you’re paying for.

Some of the legitimate charges you can expect to pay include:

• Documentation fees
• Sales tax
• Destination charges
• Title and registration fee
• Advertising fees

These charges are not negotiable in most cases, but they will add to the overall cost of your car loan. On the other hand, you’ll notice charges that you didn’t agree to and that don’t seem legitimate. If you’ve not given direct permission, don’t be fooled by a predatory lender with charges like:

• VIN etching
• Pinstriping
• Fabric protection
• Upgrades like alloy wheels
• Cargo and floor mats
• Undercoating
• Rustproofing
• Paint sealant
• Security systems

2. The Price By the Salesman is Different From What You Find in the Finance Office

Let’s say you agree with the price given to you by the car salesman. When you go to finance your loan, however, the final number is higher than what was initially quoted. This could be an indication of a bad deal as predatory lenders try to charge more for their services without your knowledge.

When you notice this discrepancy, the dealer may claim that the salesman or woman was factually inaccurate. But regardless of who is at fault, don’t sign because the dealer is just trying to get the most out of the transaction.

If they can’t stick to their agreed-upon price, it’s not worth entering into a car loan agreement with them.

3. The Contract is a Conditional Sales Agreement

A conditional sales agreement entails that the lender retains ownership of the vehicle until the loan has been completely paid back. This means that if you default on your payments, they can repossess the car without any prior warning.

The majority of typical car loans are installment agreements, which allow borrowers to keep their vehicles while they’re paying off their debt. If a dealer or lender is offering a conditional sales agreement, it may be best to look for another source of financing.

This team will try to have you sign a loan agreement with high-interest rates to let you get the car now. High-interest rates can cause you to pay more money in interest than what the vehicle actually costs.

4. The Terms of Approval Are Different From the Approval

You should be aware of the terms and requirements for the loan before signing any documents. This includes the interest rate, monthly payment, and the terms of the loan. If the terms change after you have been approved for the loan, it’s a sign that something is not right and you should walk away. It can be common for lenders to try to add in extra fees or charges that weren’t mentioned before, which could put you at an even greater financial risk.

5. The Prepayment Penalties are Too High

Paying down your loan faster than originally agreed upon can be a great way to save on interest and fees. Many lenders will offer prepayment penalties, which are charges for paying off the loan earlier than anticipated. This is meant to protect the lender from losing out on interest, but if the penalties are too high it’s a sign that you’re not getting a great deal.

Be sure to read through the loan agreement and ask questions about any prepayment penalties before signing. Ensure that the amount of these penalties are reasonable and won’t eat away at any savings you may have from paying off the loan early.

Final Thought on Warning Signs of a Bad Car Loan

These are just three warning signs to keep in mind when looking for a car loan. Always make sure you read the fine print and understand all the terms before signing any contracts. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or turn down offers that don’t seem right.

Need help buying your dream car? We’ll help you find the best car loan to meet your needs. Don’t get stuck with a bad car loan—get smart about financing and start driving home happy. Contact us today for a free loan consultation.

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