Prepare for financing disclosures, optional products and the final contract without losing track of the OTD deal.
Bring the agreed deal structure
Keep the itemized buyer’s order and your financing comparison available. Confirm that vehicle price, credits, trade and OTD total have not changed.
Review credit terms
Check amount financed, APR, term, finance charge, total of payments, first-payment date and any prepayment language. A familiar monthly payment is not enough.
Treat each add-on as a new purchase
Ask for the cash price, provider, coverage, exclusions and cancellation terms. Do not accept a product only because its cost is presented as a small monthly increase.
Confirm financing status
Ask whether the lender has given final approval or whether delivery is conditional. Keep copies of any conditional-delivery agreement.
Take the documents
Obtain signed copies of the buyer’s order, retail installment contract, product contracts, odometer disclosure, warranty documents and temporary-registration information before leaving.
Convert monthly add-ons back to dollars
A service contract is presented as “only $38 more per month” on a 72-month loan. That framing represents $2,736 in scheduled payments before considering whether the payment difference also includes interest or other products. Ask for each product’s cash price and contract before deciding.
Questions to ask before agreeing
- Is the vehicle price unchanged from the buyer’s order?
- Is financing final with a named lender?
- What is the cash price of each product?
- Which products are optional?
- Can I take copies before signing?
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to buy products in the F&I office?
Optional products should be evaluated separately. Ask the lender directly if anyone claims a product is required for approval.
Why does a product look cheap per month?
The monthly presentation spreads the cost across the loan term and can omit the interest generated by financing it.
Can I leave and review the documents?
Dealers set their process, but you should not sign documents you do not understand. Ask for time and written copies.
Official sources and further reading
These sources support the guide’s definitions and consumer-protection context. State-specific rules and individual contracts can change the result.
Consumer guidance on reviewing contracts and removing unauthorized or unwanted add-ons.
Consumer Financial Protection BureauWhat is included in the monthly auto loan payment?Explains principal, interest and financed optional products inside an auto-loan payment.
Consumer Financial Protection BureauWhat can I negotiate when shopping for a car or auto loan?Official guidance on negotiating vehicle price, interest rates and add-on products.
Car Deal Audit provides educational calculations and document-review guidance, not legal, tax, credit or insurance advice. Verify current state rules, lender terms and signed contracts for your transaction.