Moronic auto finance question

[Gold Metal Flake]

I am looking into refinancing my car through my credit union. I have a chunk of cash to throw at the principle (having sold another car) and then I can refinance it as new because of certain rules at the credit union. Lower rate, lower monthly payment.

I bought the car new from Ford on a 60 month note, and then the note went to Long Beach Acceptance Corp. I called today to check on the pay off amount (via an automated phone system), and then I just now checked that payoff amount against the payoff amount that is on the mailed bill I have here at the house. Problem is, the mount I was quoted on the phone is exactly $1000 more than what it says on my paper statement.

I'll call tomorrow (permahold hell) but I was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience, and if it's customary to expect a charge for early payoof?

[SeattleGirl]

1. Some creditors do charge for early pay-off, unfortunately.

Also, did they give a date, or number of days, ie, the pay off amount in 10 days is $_____, or the pay off amount is $_____ if paid by DATE?

If so, they would also be calculating in the interest between today's date and those payoff dates.

[Gold Metal Flake]

2. I can't answer these questions, so I gotta call them tomorrow.

Gotta get this cleared before proceding.