What Fast Track Auto Mall Is

Fast Track Auto Mall is a used-car dealership chain operating in multiple states, primarily in the South and Midwest. The company buys, reconditions, and sells used vehicles directly to consumers, and also offers in-house financing for buyers who cannot obtain a loan through a traditional bank or credit union.

Fast Track operates as a buy-here-pay-here (BHPH) dealership model, meaning it both sells the vehicle and finances the purchase itself rather than referring buyers to external lenders. This structure allows the dealership to work with buyers who have poor credit, no credit history, or recent financial problems — situations that would disqualify them from conventional auto loans.

The dealership's revenue comes from the sale price of the vehicle, the interest charged on the financed amount, and weekly or bi-weekly payments collected directly from the buyer. Because Fast Track retains ownership of the vehicle until the loan is paid in full, it can install GPS tracking and starter interrupt devices (technology that prevents the car from starting if a payment is missed) to protect its investment.

Key Takeaways

  • Fast Track Auto Mall finances its own vehicle sales, so it can work with buyers who have poor credit or no credit history, but the interest rates and total cost are significantly higher than traditional auto loans.
  • The dealership collects payments weekly or bi-weekly in person, by phone, or online, and retains a lien on the vehicle until the loan is fully paid.
  • Most Fast Track vehicles come with GPS tracking and starter interrupt devices that allow the dealership to disable the car remotely if a payment is missed.
  • The vehicles sold are typically older, higher-mileage used cars, and the warranty coverage is limited or nonexistent depending on the vehicle's condition and price.
  • Buying from Fast Track costs substantially more over time than obtaining a traditional auto loan, even with poor credit, so exploring credit unions and subprime lenders first is usually worth the effort.

How the Financing Structure Works

When you buy a vehicle from Fast Track, you negotiate a price with the dealership, then explore for in-house financing. The dealership pulls your credit report and verifies your income, but approval standards are much looser than a bank's — the dealership is betting on the starter interrupt device and GPS tracking to recover the vehicle if you stop paying.

The loan terms vary by location and the vehicle's price, but typical Fast Track loans run 24 to 60 months with weekly or bi-weekly payment schedules. Interest rates are substantially higher than traditional auto loans — often ranging from 18% to 29.9% APR depending on your credit profile and the dealership's assessment of risk. A $5,000 vehicle financed over 48 months at 24% APR, for example, costs roughly $8,000 to $9,000 in total payments.

You must make payments in person at the dealership, by phone, or through the dealership's online portal. Missing a payment typically triggers a warning call within one or two days. If you miss a second payment or fall significantly behind, the dealership can use the starter interrupt device to disable the vehicle remotely, preventing it from starting until you make a payment or contact the dealership to arrange a catch-up plan.

Vehicle Condition, Warranty, and Mechanical Risk

Fast Track vehicles are used cars, typically between 5 and 15 years old, with mileage ranging from 80,000 to 150,000 miles or higher. The dealership reconditions vehicles before sale — meaning it performs basic repairs, detailing, and mechanical checks — but does not may provide the vehicle's long-term reliability.

Most Fast Track vehicles are sold as-is with no warranty, or with a very limited warranty (often 30 to 90 days on mechanical parts). This means if the transmission fails, the engine develops a knock, or the air conditioning stops working after you drive off the lot, the repair cost is yours alone. Because you are financing the vehicle through Fast Track, you cannot straightforward walk away — you still owe the full loan balance even if the car becomes unreliable.

Before purchasing, have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic at a shop not affiliated with Fast Track. This inspection typically costs $100 to $150 and can reveal hidden problems that the dealership's reconditioning may have missed or deferred. Many buyers skip this step to save money upfront, then face thousands in repair bills later while still making loan payments on a car that no longer runs.

GPS Tracking and Starter Interrupt Devices

Nearly all Fast Track vehicles are equipped with a GPS tracking device and a starter interrupt system. The GPS allows the dealership to locate the vehicle at any time. The starter interrupt device is wired into the vehicle's electrical system and prevents the engine from starting if a payment is missed or if the dealership remotely activates it.

The dealership uses these tools to manage risk and enforce payment discipline. If you fall behind, the dealership can disable your vehicle without a court order, repossess it, and resell it to recover the outstanding loan balance. This is legal under the terms of your loan agreement, though state laws vary on how much notice the dealership must give before disabling the vehicle.

Some states have begun restricting the use of starter interrupt devices, citing consumer protection concerns. Before financing through Fast Track, check your state's laws on starter interrupt technology. Even where it is legal, the devices can malfunction, disable the vehicle at inconvenient times, or be triggered by dealership error — situations that leave you stranded and still obligated to pay the loan.

Total Cost Compared to Other Borrowing Options

The total cost of financing through Fast Track is substantially higher than traditional auto loans, even for buyers with poor credit. A $5,000 vehicle financed at 24% APR over 48 months costs roughly $8,500 in total payments. The same vehicle financed through a credit union or subprime lender at 15% APR costs roughly $6,800 — a difference of $1,700.

Before turning to Fast Track, explore these alternatives: credit unions (which often offer auto loans to members with credit scores as low as 550), online subprime lenders, and buy-here-pay-here dealerships with lower interest rates in your area. Some credit unions also offer financial counseling and can help you understand what loan terms you might may have access to for before you explore.

If you have no credit history or very recent negative credit events (bankruptcy, foreclosure, repossession), a credit union may still decline you. In that case, a subprime lender or a BHPH dealership with lower rates than Fast Track may be your next option. Fast Track should be a last resort, not a first choice, because the long-term cost is so much higher.

What Happens If You Miss Payments or Default

If you miss a payment, Fast Track will contact you by phone within one or two business days. Most dealerships offer a grace period of a few days to a week, depending on your payment history and the terms of your loan agreement. If you can pay within this window, the vehicle remains operational and no additional fees are charged.

If you miss a second payment or fall more than one payment behind, the dealership can set up the starter interrupt device, disabling the vehicle. You must contact the dealership, make the missed payment (plus any late fees), and sometimes pay a reactivation fee before the vehicle will start again. Repeated missed payments can result in repossession, in which the dealership takes the vehicle back and resells it.

If the vehicle is repossessed and resold for less than the remaining loan balance, you may still owe the difference (called a deficiency). State laws vary on whether the dealership can pursue you for this amount, but in many states it can. This means you could lose the vehicle and still be responsible for thousands in debt.

State Regulations and Consumer Protections

Buy-here-pay-here dealerships like Fast Track are regulated by state and federal consumer protection laws, but the rules vary significantly by location. Some states cap the interest rate that BHPH dealerships can charge; others do not. Some states require the dealership to disclose the use of starter interrupt devices in writing before the sale; others do not.

Before financing through Fast Track, review your state's regulations on BHPH lending. Your state's attorney general's office or consumer protection agency can provide this information. Ask the dealership directly about the interest rate cap in your state, the dealership's policy on starter interrupt devices, and the notice period before repossession.

Federal law requires the dealership to provide you with a Truth in Lending disclosure that shows the annual percentage rate (APR), the finance charge in dollars, and the total amount you will pay over the life of the loan. Read this document carefully before signing. If the numbers do not match what the salesperson told you, ask for clarification in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay off a Fast Track loan early without a penalty?

Most Fast Track loans allow early payoff, but check your loan agreement for prepayment penalties. Some dealerships charge a fee if you pay off the loan before a certain date. Even without a penalty, paying early saves you money on interest, so it is worth asking the dealership about the exact terms before you sign.

What if the starter interrupt device disables my car while I am driving?

Starter interrupt devices are designed to prevent the engine from starting, not to shut it off while you are driving. However, malfunctions can occur. If this happens, contact the dealership when ready and document the incident. Depending on your state's laws, you may have grounds to dispute the charge or file a complaint with your state's consumer protection agency.

Can Fast Track repossess my car without warning?

State laws vary on repossession notice requirements. Some states require the dealership to give you written notice before repossession; others do not. Your loan agreement should specify the dealership's repossession policy. If you fall behind, contact the dealership when ready to discuss a payment plan or catch-up arrangement before repossession becomes an option.

Is it better to buy from Fast Track or a traditional used-car dealer?

A traditional used-car dealer typically offers lower prices and no financing, so you avoid the high interest rates. However, if you need financing and cannot obtain a traditional auto loan, Fast Track's in-house financing may be your only option. Compare the total cost (vehicle price plus all interest and fees) across multiple dealerships before deciding.

What should I do if Fast Track charges me a fee I do not recognize?

Ask the dealership for a written explanation of every fee on your loan statement. Common fees include late fees, reactivation fees (for starter interrupt resets), and administrative fees. If you believe a fee is incorrect or unauthorized, dispute it in writing and request a corrected statement. Keep copies of all correspondence with the dealership.