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Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC
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Protecting the Rights of Consumers For Over 25 Years

Auto Financing Attorneys in Chicago

Legal Representation against Predatory Lending

If you are considering purchasing a car, it is important to educate yourself on smart car purchasing before you buy. At Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC, we meet many clients who have been defrauded by car dealers, banks, and lending companies. If you do your homework before purchasing a car, it can prevent you from becoming the victim of fraud later.

Our Chicago consumer protection attorneys can help you if you have a problem with a car purchase or financing plan. We have represented countless clients in situations similar to yours and are adamant about holding those responsible accountable. Buying a car should be an exciting milestone, not a complicated legal mess. Unfair auto financing can affect your finances and your future, so consult with our team as soon as you become aware of the illegal activity.


Contact Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC online or by phone at (312) 626-3585. Se habla español.


Do Your Homework before the Purchase

Before visiting the dealership to buy a new car, you should always prepare yourself properly. Determine what the monthly payment should be for the price range and interest rate you want ahead of time. Negotiate a good price for the car before you discuss financing terms. You may want to consider obtaining financing on your own, such as from a bank or credit union – you can often get a better deal that way.

You should also research what the going price is for the new or used car you want, what the interest rate should be for someone with your credit score, or what your trade-in is worth. We recommend that you try to get price quotes from dealers before you even go to the dealership.

Protect Yourself from Unfair Financing Practices

When you decide to purchase a car from a dealer, use a calculator to determine if you are actually getting the price you negotiated before you sign the documents. Make sure the dealer documents every promise they make to you in writing.

Carefully review every document you sign before you sign it – especially the financing documents (retail installment contract). Do not sign blank documents or inconsistent documents and be on the lookout for changes in the agreed-upon price, add-ons you did not request, hidden charges, etc.

When financing a car purchase, you are entitled to a copy of the financing document, which is called the Retail Installment Contract in Illinois. Do not leave the dealership without it. All financing terms should be disclosed in writing.

This includes the:

  • Amount being financed
  • Interest rate
  • Number of payments
  • Monthly installment amounts

Often, car dealers make a transaction dependent on finding financing. If they cannot do so or if your credit is not approved, you have a right to get your down payment and trade-in back.

Car dealers and lenders also often charge usurious interest rates (rates that are ridiculously high). Many parties also think they can get away with imposing unfair and abusive loan terms on car buyers because they know how desperately buyers need their car. Dealers and lending companies must be held accountable for these illegal practices – at Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC, we do just that.

If you believe you have been the victim of unfair financing practices by a car dealer, our car financing attorneys in Chicago may be able to help. We fight tirelessly to ensure that innocent buyers like you are not unfairly treated by dealers and lenders.


Request a free initial consultation with ECLG by calling us at (312) 626-3585.


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  • 9 Knowledgeable Attorneys
    ECLG is one of the largest Consumer Rights firms in Illinois and has the bandwidth to meet your needs.
  • 200+ Years of Combined Experience
    Our team has over two centuries of combined experience representing consumers like you.
  • $500 Million Recovered for Consumers
    When your rights have been violated, you need attorneys who can
    achieve results.
  • No Fees Unless We Recover Compensation for You
    We handle many cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay anything unless we win your case.