Promissory Note Examples for Car Loans

Explore practical examples of promissory notes for car loans, ensuring clarity and compliance.
By Jamie

Understanding Promissory Notes for Car Loans

A promissory note is a written promise to pay a specific amount of money to a designated person or entity under agreed-upon terms. In the context of car loans, it serves as a legal document detailing the borrower’s commitment to repay the loan, including terms like interest rate, payment schedule, and consequences of default. Here are three practical examples of promissory notes tailored for car loans:

Example 1: Simple Car Loan Promissory Note

This example covers a straightforward car loan where an individual borrows money from a friend.

John needs $10,000 to purchase a used car. He decides to borrow the amount from his friend, Sarah. They agree on a repayment plan that includes a 5% interest rate over two years.

Promissory Note
Date: February 1, 2023
Borrower: John Doe, 123 Main St, Anytown, USA
Lender: Sarah Smith, 456 Elm St, Anytown, USA
Loan Amount: $10,000
Interest Rate: 5% per annum
Payment Schedule: Monthly payments of $500
Maturity Date: February 1, 2025
In the event of default, the borrower agrees to pay any legal fees incurred by the lender in the collection process.

This example illustrates a simple agreement between individuals and highlights the importance of clearly outlining payment terms, interest rates, and consequences of non-payment.

Example 2: Detailed Car Loan Agreement with Co-Signer

This scenario involves a detailed promissory note for a car loan taken at a bank, with a co-signer.

Emily wants to buy a new car worth $25,000 but needs a co-signer due to her limited credit history. Her father, Robert, agrees to co-sign the loan.

Promissory Note
Date: March 1, 2023
Borrower: Emily Johnson, 789 Oak St, Anytown, USA
Co-Signer: Robert Johnson, 321 Maple St, Anytown, USA
Lender: ABC Bank, 100 Bank St, Anytown, USA
Loan Amount: $25,000
Interest Rate: 4% per annum
Payment Schedule: Monthly payments of $600
Maturity Date: March 1, 2026
Late Payment Penalty: $50 if payment is more than 10 days late
In the case of default, the lender may initiate legal proceedings against both the borrower and the co-signer.

This example emphasizes the inclusion of a co-signer, and the necessity of detailing penalties for late payments, which can provide additional security for the lender.

Example 3: Secured Car Loan Promissory Note

In this case, the promissory note is secured by the vehicle itself, which serves as collateral for the loan.

Michael is purchasing a new truck for his landscaping business and opts for a secured loan to obtain $30,000 from a local credit union.

Promissory Note
Date: April 1, 2023
Borrower: Michael Brown, 456 Pine St, Anytown, USA
Lender: Local Credit Union, 200 Credit Union Ave, Anytown, USA
Loan Amount: $30,000
Interest Rate: 6% per annum
Payment Schedule: Monthly payments of $700
Maturity Date: April 1, 2028
Collateral: 2023 Ford F-150
In the event of default, the lender reserves the right to repossess the vehicle.

This example illustrates the importance of collateral in securing a loan, as well as the potential consequences of defaulting on payments.

These examples of a promissory note for a car loan serve as templates for various borrowing scenarios, ensuring that all parties understand their rights and obligations.