Making car payments, moving, and need answers...?

Question

The dealership where I got my car is a little ma and pa place. It's not the nicest car in the world (about a decade old and I'll have it paid off in a year, a total of $3,500). Yes, it's a cheap car... I didn't get a loan, or anything. Just went in and agreed to a monthly payment of $150. Part of my agreement was that I not take the car out of state (Kentucky) until it's paid for. Kinda silly, but whatever... Anyway, the car and insurance is in my dad's name. I'm just on the papers at the dealership. Now, a job change is forcing me to move halfway across the country. 

So, questions... Assuming I continue to make my monthly payments, would the dealership hunt me or my dad down? And if they did have a problem if/when they found out I moved, would that be a legal problem for us, or would they just harass me with letters and phone calls until the car was brought back?

And if I sound like an idiot, it's because I am. 22 years old, and never had a car payment in my life. Yes, I'm an idiot.

rmm · Accepted Answer

How long have you had the car - and been making payments in full/on time every month?

If you have a good payment record with the dealer, go talk to them and explain the situation. I bet they will modify the agreement (if all is OK on your payments), or let you (your dad) pay it off now.

The reason they don't want it out of state is so that if you fail to make payments they can more easily (cheaper) repossess it.

Up front and honest is the best way to deal with anything.

Alex · Answer

You're not an idiot...  I don't think they can arrest you for singing a contract to keep the car within the state until the car is paid off. If anything they would harass you and possible fine you or charge interest. But who is to say that they would even know. Do you really think ma and pa dealerships have that kind of money to trace your every move??

I wouldn''t worry about it - unless you get any tickets or the car breaks down or you miss insurance payments because in that case the dealership might find out.

But to be on the safe side - could you get your dad to pay off the loan and then you pay him back? Or maybe get a friend to go into the dealership and inquire about the monthly payment plan, and then have them ask whether if they were to move due to an emergency or a new job, if they could move the car to another state? That way if the dealership says they are able to make exceptions and on what conditions, then you can go in yourself a few weeks later and work something out - just make sure you are sure of what your answer might be (AKA do your research!!!)

Making car payments, moving, and need answers...?

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