The 10-Point Pre-Signing Checklist
- Vehicle price matches negotiated out-the-door price: Verify the total vehicle price in the purchase agreement. Any dealer fees not previously disclosed should be questioned.
- Trade-in value matches agreement: Confirm the trade-in credit is exactly what was agreed in writing during price negotiation.
- Loan APR matches pre-approval or agreed rate: The APR on the financing contract must match exactly what was quoted and agreed.
- Loan term is correct: Verify the number of months (48, 60, 72) matches your agreement. Extended terms are sometimes added without explicit discussion.
- Monthly payment calculation is correct: Use the auto loan calculator to verify the monthly payment given the loan amount, rate, and term. They should match.
- No unauthorized F&I products: Review the financing contract for any add-ons (extended warranty, GAP, paint protection) you did not explicitly agree to purchase.
- GAP insurance terms if purchased: If you’re buying GAP, confirm the provider and coverage terms. GAP from your auto insurer is typically 80% cheaper than dealer GAP.
- Manufacturer warranty is documented: New car warranty terms should be in writing. For CPO vehicles, confirm the CPO warranty is documented and its coverage period.
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the car you’re buying: Verify the VIN on the contract matches the vehicle you test drove and inspected.
- You have copies of all signed documents: Before leaving, confirm you have copies of the purchase agreement, financing contract, and any F&I product documents.
Common Last-Minute Issues Found at Signing
Common issues found at car buying signing appointment
| Issue | Frequency | Impact | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate higher than quoted | Occasional | $1,000–$3,000 in extra interest | Request correction or use pre-approved rate |
| Term extended without discussion | Common | $1,000–$2,500 extra interest | Request correct term in contract |
| Undisclosed F&I add-ons | Very common | $1,500–$5,000 | Cross out; refuse or renegotiate |
| Trade-in amount reduced | Occasional | $500–$3,000 | Demand written explanation; walk out if unexplained |
| VIN doesn’t match test vehicle | Rare | Wrong vehicle entirely | Stop signing; verify VIN against physical vehicle |
⚠️Your Right to Walk Away
You have the right to walk away from any car purchase at any point before signing the final documents — even if you’ve spent 4 hours at the dealership and your trade-in is on their lot. Never feel pressured to sign a contract with terms you didn’t agree to or don’t understand.
Verify Your Deal Is Correct
Enter the loan amount, rate, and term from your contract — confirm the monthly payment matches what you’re signing.