<PAGE>   1
 
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 22, 1997
 
                                                    REGISTRATION NO. 333-
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                    FORM S-1
 
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                           UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                                 <C>
              DELAWARE                              5521                             86-0721358
      (STATE OF INCORPORATION)          (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL              (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                        CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)             IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
                      2525 EAST CAMELBACK ROAD, SUITE 1150
                             PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85016
                                 (602) 852-6600
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
 
                            STEVEN P. JOHNSON, ESQ.
                   SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                           UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION
                      2525 EAST CAMELBACK ROAD, SUITE 1150
                             PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85016
                                 (602) 852-6600
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
 
                                    COPY TO:
 
                            STEVEN D. PIDGEON, ESQ.
                             SNELL & WILMER L.L.P.
                               ONE ARIZONA CENTER
                          PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004-0001
                                 (602) 382-6000
                            ------------------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
   From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
                            ------------------------
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. [X]
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
------------
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
------------
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
------------
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
check the following box. [ ]
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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<S>                                                                     <C>               <C>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                                                  AGGREGATE OFFERING     AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                                                  PRICE(1)      REGISTRATION FEE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, $.001 par value...........................................    $40,781,250       $12,030.47
Warrants................................................................         0                0
Common Stock underlying Warrants(2)(3)..................................     $6,500,000       $1,917.50
          Total.........................................................                      $13,947.97
============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
    pursuant to Rule 457(c) and (g) under the Securities Act of 1933, as
    amended.
 
(2) Pursuant to Rule 416, there are also being registered such additional shares
    as may be issuable pursuant to anti-dilution provisions of the Warrants.
 
(3) Consists of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE
ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY
DETERMINE.
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED DECEMBER 22, 1997
 
                              [UGLY DUCKLING LOGO]
 
                        5,325,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
 
                                      AND
                     325,000 COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANTS
 
     This Prospectus relates to (i) warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase up to
325,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share ("Common Stock"), of
Ugly Duckling Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), which may be
issued to First Merchants Acceptance Corporation ("FMAC") and distributed by
FMAC to its unsecured creditors and/or equity holders in connection with a plan
of reorganization of FMAC (the "Plan of Reorganization") to be filed by FMAC in
the Bankruptcy Case (defined below), and the shares of Common Stock underlying
the Warrants (the "Underlying Shares"), and (ii) up to 5,000,000 shares of
Common Stock of the Company (the "Distribution Shares") that may be issued in
the future at the election of the Company in lieu of making cash distributions
otherwise payable to FMAC or the unsecured creditors and/or equity holders of
FMAC from proceeds of certain residual interests in securities held by FMAC or
certain subsidiaries of FMAC. See "FMAC Transaction." On July 11, 1997, FMAC
filed for reorganization under the Federal Bankruptcy Code in the United States
District Court for the District of Delaware (the "Bankruptcy Court") and such
petition is currently pending as Case No. 97-1500 (JJF) (the "Bankruptcy Case").
 
     The Warrants will be exercisable at any time within three years from the
date of issuance to purchase an aggregate of 325,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock at a price of $20.00 per share and will be redeemable by the
Company for $.10 per Warrant if the market price of the Common Stock closes at
or above $28.50 per share during any 10 consecutive trading days. The number of
shares of Common Stock purchaseable upon exercise of the Warrants and the
exercise price of the Warrants are subject to adjustment in certain events. See
"Description of Capital Stock -- Warrants." All or a portion of the Distribution
Shares will be issued, if at all, at an assigned value of 98% of the average of
the closing prices of the Company's Common Stock for the ten trading days prior
to the date of issuance, provided that the Company's Common Stock is then
trading at, and the closing price of the Common Stock on each day during the 10
previous trading days was equal to, at least $8.00 per share and certain other
requirements are satisfied. See "FMAC Transaction." Substantially all of the
expenses in connection with the registration of the securities offered hereby
will be borne by the Company. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
     The Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq") under
the symbol "UGLY." On December 15, 1997, the last reported price of the Common
Stock was $7 11/16 per share.
 
  SEE "RISK FACTORS" AT PAGE 10 OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
 FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE SECURITIES
                                OFFERED HEREBY.
 
     THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PLAN OF
REORGANIZATION AND THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT (DEFINED BELOW) OF FMAC. SEE
"PROSPECTUS SUMMARY" AND "FMAC TRANSACTION."
                            ------------------------
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                               CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
              The date of this Prospectus is               , 1997.
<PAGE>   3
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the detailed
information and consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto,
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Investors should carefully consider the
information set forth under the heading "Risk Factors."
 
     As used herein, amounts followed by "(pro forma)" do not include revenues
or sales derived from one Company dealership which was sold December 31, 1995.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Introduction."
 
     This Prospectus should be read in conjunction with the Plan of
Reorganization and FMAC's Joint Disclosure Statement Of Debtors In Connection
With Solicitation Of Ballots With Respect To Joint Plan Under Chapter 11 Of The
United States Bankruptcy Code (the "Disclosure Statement"). The Plan and/or
Disclosure Statement sets forth a description of the rights of various classes
of creditors and equity holders of FMAC, as well as a liquidation analysis of
FMAC, and certain information concerning the residual interests in
securitizations of FMAC and projected cash flows therefrom, anticipated
recoveries estimated by FMAC for each of FMAC's significant asset categories,
and certain estimated ranges of potential creditor recoveries. The Company makes
no representations with respect to the information included in the Plan of
Reorganization and Disclosure Statement and assumes no responsibility for the
accuracy or adequacy thereof.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The Company operates the largest publicly-held chain of "Buy Here-Pay Here"
used car dealerships in the United States and underwrites, finances, and
services retail installment contracts generated from the sale of used cars by
its dealerships and by third party used car dealers located in selected markets
throughout the country. As part of its financing activities, the Company has
initiated a collateralized dealer financing program pursuant to which it
provides qualified independent used car dealers with operating credit lines
secured by the dealers' retail installment contract portfolios. The Company
targets its products and services to the sub-prime segment of the automobile
financing industry, which focuses on selling and financing used cars to persons
who have limited credit histories, low incomes, or past credit problems
("Sub-Prime Borrowers").
 
     The Company has expanded significantly in recent periods. From 1995 to
1996, total revenues increased by 55.2%, from $48.7 million (pro forma) to $75.6
million. The Company's net income grew to $5.9 million in 1996 (including $4.4
million in gains recognized from the sale of contract receivables pursuant to a
securitization program (the "Securitization Program")), or $.60 per share,
compared with a net loss of $(4.0) million, or $(.67) per share in 1995. During
the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, total revenues increased by
108.3% to $120.2 million from $57.7 million in the comparable period in 1996.
The Company's net income was $5.7 million during the nine month period ended
September 30, 1997 (including $10.3 million in gains recognized from the sale of
contract receivables under the Securitization Program), or $0.32 per share,
compared to $4.1 million (including $2.6 million in gains recognized from the
sale of contract receivables under the Securitization Program), or $0.46 per
share in the comparable period in 1996.
 
     During the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, the Company
originated 10,208 contracts with an aggregate principal balance of $76.1 million
at its used car dealerships ("Company Dealerships") and purchased 26,147
contracts from third party used car dealers ("Third Party Dealers") with an
aggregate principal balance of $144.2 million, compared to 5,413 contracts
originated at Company Dealerships with an aggregate principal balance of $38.2
million and 5,781 contracts purchased from Third Party Dealers with an aggregate
principal balance of $32.9 million during the comparable period in 1996. In
addition, during the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, the Company
purchased a total of 13,250 contracts with an aggregate principal balance of
$55.4 million from E-Z Plan, Inc. and Seminole Finance Company in connection
with the acquisition of substantially all of the assets related to their
respective dealership and loan servicing operations. The principal balance of
the Company's total contract portfolio managed as of September 30, 1997 was
$270.7 million, including $229.0 million in contracts serviced under the
Securitization Program. Substantially all of the contracts the Company services
are with Sub-Prime Borrowers.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   4
 
     Company Dealership Operations.  The Company sells used cars through 40
wholly-owned used car dealerships in Arizona, California, Georgia, Texas,
Florida, Nevada, and New Mexico and finances such sales through retail
installment contracts that the Company services. The Company's competition for
its Company Dealerships are the numerous small independent used car dealerships
that sell and finance used cars to Sub-Prime Borrowers ("Buy Here-Pay Here
Dealers"). The Company estimates that there are over 63,000 independent used car
dealers in the United States, a substantial portion of which are Buy Here-Pay
Here Dealers. The Company distinguishes its Company Dealership operations from
those of typical Buy Here-Pay Here Dealers by providing multiple locations,
upgraded facilities, large inventories of used automobiles, centralized
purchasing on a regional basis, value-added marketing programs, and dedication
to customer service. Many Company Dealerships maintain extensive inventories of
100 to 300 used cars and feature a wide selection of makes and models (with ages
generally ranging from five to ten years). The average sales price per car at
Company Dealerships was $7,107 for 1996 and $7,364 during the nine month period
ended September 30, 1997. The Company has developed flexible underwriting
guidelines and techniques, which combine established underwriting criteria with
managerial discretion to facilitate rapid credit decisions.
 
     The Company believes it has achieved wide-spread brand name recognition
through extensive television, radio, and billboard advertising featuring its
widely-recognized animated duck mascot and logo. The Company emphasizes its
large network of Company Dealerships, its wide selection of quality used cars,
and its ability to finance most Sub-Prime Borrowers. The Company has also
established several innovative marketing programs that are designed to attract
Sub-Prime Borrowers by assisting them in re-establishing their credit, offering
rewards for timely payment on contracts, and promoting customer loyalty.
 
     Third Party Dealer Operations.  The Company also purchases and services
contracts originated by Third Party Dealers. Through its acquisition of Champion
Financial Services, Inc. in 1994, the Company entered the Third Party Dealer
financing market in order to leverage the contract servicing expertise it had
acquired through its Company Dealership activities. Since that time, the Company
has significantly expanded its Third Party Dealer contract purchasing operations
and, as of the date of this Prospectus, has opened 83 Third Party Dealer
contract buying offices ("Branch Offices") in 21 states and has entered into
contract purchasing agreements with approximately 4,000 Third Party Dealers.
 
     The Company is in the process of expanding its Third Party Dealer
operations by expanding its collateralized dealer financing program (the "Cygnet
Dealer Program"). The Company believes that providing operating credit lines to
qualified Third Party Dealers will give such dealers a unique opportunity to
obtain the debt financing necessary to expand their businesses while enabling
the Company to earn additional finance income and to diversify its earning asset
base. The Company also believes that the relationships established with these
dealers will provide it with a preferred position to acquire retail installment
contracts from them. Such contract purchases would provide these dealers with an
additional source of financing and enable the Company to further expand its
contract portfolio.
 
     In spite of the expansion of its Third Party Dealer operations, the Company
is undertaking a strategic evaluation that will consider, among other
alternatives, a sale or spin-off of these operations. See "Strategic Review"
below.
 
     The Company has also established insurance operations directed to the
sub-prime market. Its initial activities in this area have focused primarily on
force placing casualty insurance on its Third Party Dealer contracts.
 
     Loan Servicing and Collections.  The Company services loans that are
originated at its Company Dealerships, purchased from Third Party Dealers, and
securitized with servicing retained. In addition, in conjunction with the
acquisition of the Kars-Yes Holdings Inc. ("Kars") dealership and servicing
operations in September 1997, the Company began servicing the Kars loan
portfolio, which was retained by the prior owner of these dealerships. The
Company currently maintains loan servicing and collection facilities in Phoenix,
Arizona; San Antonio, Texas; Dallas, Texas and Tampa, Florida. Pursuant to the
terms of various servicing agreements, the Company generally receives monthly
servicing fees for servicing the securitized portfolios and the Kars portfolio
ranging from .25% to .33% of principal balances (3.00% to 4.00% per annum).
Under the terms of the servicing agreements, the portfolios must meet certain
performance criteria. Failure to
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   5
 
meet the specified performance measures could result in penalties, including
withdrawal of servicing from the Company. In connection with the FMAC
transaction (described below), the Company has executed or anticipates executing
certain agreements which, among other things, provide for the Company to service
the FMAC loan portfolio that has been acquired by an unrelated third party as
well as the receivables contained in certain securitized pools of FMAC. See
"FMAC Transaction."
 
     Recent Acquisitions.  The Company has expanded its Company Dealership and
loan servicing and collections operations through several recent acquisitions.
On January 15, 1997, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of
Seminole Finance Corporation and related companies ("Seminole"), including four
dealerships in Tampa/St. Petersburg and a contract portfolio of approximately
$31.1 million. On April 1, 1997, the Company purchased substantially all of the
assets of E-Z Plan, Inc. ("E-Z Plan"), a Company engaged in the business of
selling and financing used motor vehicles, including seven dealerships in San
Antonio and a contract portfolio of approximately $24.3 million. On September
19, 1997, the Company purchased substantially all of the dealership and loan
servicing assets (but not the loan portfolio) of Kars, including six dealerships
in the Los Angeles market, two in the Miami market, two in the Atlanta market,
and two in the Dallas market. The Company expects to continue to grow the
Company Dealership portion of its business through strategic acquisitions in the
future.
 
     FMAC Transaction.  In recent periods, the Company has been actively
involved in the reorganization proceeding of First Merchants Acceptance
Corporation ("FMAC"). FMAC was in the business of purchasing and securitizing
loans made primarily to Sub-Prime Borrowers by various third party used car
dealers. FMAC filed for reorganization under Title 11 of the United States Code
(the "Bankruptcy Code") on July 11, 1997 (the "Petition Date"). Concurrent with
the filing of the Chapter 11 petition, the Company, which owns approximately
2.5% of FMAC's common stock, agreed to provide up to $10.0 million in
debtor-in-possession financing to FMAC, of which $3.8 million was outstanding at
September 30, 1997. During the pendency of the proceeding, the Company acquired
FMAC's senior bank debt (the "Senior Bank Debt") aggregating $98.0 million in
principal amount as of the Petition Date. On December 15, 1997, the Bankruptcy
Court entered an order approving a transfer whereby the agent for the holders of
the Senior Bank Debt exchanged this debt for the contracts which secured the
debt (the "Owned Contracts"), and sold the Owned Contracts to a third party
purchaser (the "Contract Purchaser") for approximately $78.9 million. Of the
proceeds, approximately $60.4 million were used to acquire or to repay loans to
acquire the Senior Bank Debt, approximately $15.5 million have been added to
working capital and approximately $3.0 million were placed in a holdback account
for a period of sixty days. The Company expects to record a gain of
approximately $6.0 to $7.0 million ($3.6 to $4.2 million after income taxes)
from this transaction. The Company has guaranteed to the Contract Purchaser a
10.35% return on the transaction subject to a maximum guarantee of $10.0
million. In connection with the proposed FMAC Plan of Reorganization, it is
contemplated that the Company will agree to provide additional
debtor-in-possession financing (up to a total of $16.5 million), to issue the
Warrants and to provide FMAC an interest in any returns in respect of the Owned
Contracts in excess of a formularized amount. It is contemplated that FMAC will
agree to guarantee such formularized amount and to grant a lien on certain of
its assets to secure the same. In addition, it is contemplated that the Company
will obtain certain servicing rights and FMAC's servicing platform with respect
to such rights, and an interest in distributions to be made under the residual
interests held by FMAC in various securitization transactions. The Plan of
Reorganization also contemplates that the Company may increase its interest in
the cash distributions to be made in connection with the residual interests by
issuing the Distribution Shares, all as more fully provided in "FMAC
Transaction" below. Substantially all of the Company's rights as described above
are subject to certain limitations and conditions. See "FMAC Transaction" and
"Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to FMAC Transaction."
 
     Strategic Review.  The Company has begun an evaluation of strategic
alternatives for certain of its business segments. Specifically, the Company is
reviewing, among other alternatives, the potential sale or spin-off to third
parties or shareholders of the Company's Third Party Dealer operations,
including its Branch Office network and Cygnet Dealer Program, and related
portfolios. No change in the Company's primary business of selling and financing
used cars through its dealership network is being considered. Among other
matters, the evaluation will consider whether the Company should focus on its
core dealership operations, and
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   6
 
whether this focus would facilitate the ability of investors to evaluate the
Company. The strategic evaluation is expected to take several months, with a
recommendation to the Board of Directors anticipated in the first half of 1998.
Any sale or spinoff would be subject to a number of factors, including
satisfactory resolution of relevant business, accounting, regulatory, legal and
tax issues. See "Risk Factors -- Potential Change in Business Strategy."
 
     Capital Resources.  The Company finances its operations through the
issuance of equity securities and borrowings pursuant to various credit
arrangements, including a revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility")
with General Electric Capital Corporation ("GE Capital"), and its Securitization
Program which through September 30, 1997 has included the sale of $170.4 million
in Class A Certificates to SunAmerica Life Insurance Company ("SunAmerica") and
$85.1 million in Class A Certificates through Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc.
("Greenwich"). Through September 30, 1997, the Company had securitized an
aggregate of $155.9 million in contracts originated through Company Dealerships
and $157.8 million in contracts originated at Third Party Dealers and purchased
by the Company. Standard & Poor's has given ratings ranging from "BBB" to "A" to
the $170.4 million in securities issued to SunAmerica, and a "AAA" rating to the
$85.1 million in securities issued to Greenwich (which are insured by MBIA
Insurance Corporation), in connection with the Securitization Program. Moody's
Investors Service has given the $85.1 million in securities issued to Greenwich
an "Aaa" rating. The Company believes that the securitizations consummated with
SunAmerica are the only "investment grade" ratings given to certificates
collateralized by used car installment contracts originated at Buy Here-Pay Here
dealerships without any external credit enhancement. The Standard & Poor's and
Moody's Investors Service ratings are unrelated to an investment in the
Warrants, Underlying Shares, or Distribution Shares being offered pursuant to
this Prospectus.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   7
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>
Warrants offered...................    325,000 Warrants, each to purchase one share of Common
                                       Stock at $20.00 per share, at any time within 36
                                       months following the date of issuance, and subject to
                                       redemption by the Company for $.10 per Warrant if the
                                       Common Stock closes at or above $28.50 per share
                                       during any 10 consecutive trading days. The number of
                                       shares of Common Stock purchaseable upon exercise of
                                       the Warrants and the exercise price of the Warrants is
                                       subject to adjustment in certain events.
Common Stock offered...............    Up to 5,325,000 shares, including 5,000,000
                                       Distribution Shares and 325,000 Underlying Shares.
Common Stock outstanding(1)........    18,520,916
Use of Proceeds....................    The Warrants, Underlying Shares and Distribution
                                       Shares are being distributed hereunder in connection
                                       with the reorganization of FMAC. The Warrants would be
                                       and the Distribution Shares may be issued in
                                       consideration for a reduction in cash distributions
                                       that may otherwise be payable in respect of retained
                                       assets by FMAC or its unsecured creditors or equity
                                       holders and an increase in cash payments to the
                                       Company in respect of certain of FMAC's assets.
                                       Distributions or payments to the Company in connection
                                       with the FMAC reorganization will be used for general
                                       corporate purposes. See "FMAC Transaction".
Nasdaq Symbol......................    "UGLY"
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(1) As of December 15, 1997; excludes: (i) 1,340,402 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding at September 30, 1997
    under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan with a weighted average
    exercise price of $11.40 per share; (ii) 291,023 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon exercise of warrants issued in connection with the Company's
    initial public offering with a weighted average exercise price of $8.33 per
    share; and (iii) 500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
    warrants issued or to be issued (exclusive of the Warrants) in connection
    with the FMAC Senior Bank Debt purchase which have an exercise price of
    $20.00 per share. See "Management -- Long-Term Incentive Plan," "Description
    of Capital Stock," and "FMAC Transaction."
 
                     RISK FACTORS AND FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
     Prospective purchasers of Warrants, Underlying Shares or Distribution
Shares should carefully consider all of the information contained in this
Prospectus, particularly each of the factors set forth in "Risk Factors"
beginning on page 10. The Company has incurred, and may incur in the future,
losses from operations during various periods. Factors that may affect the
Company's business, results of operations and financial condition, and the price
and market for its securities, include, among others, the following:
 
     - The Company focuses on selling and financing used cars to persons who
       have limited credit histories, low incomes or past credit problems, and
       pose a high risk of defaulting on their loans.
 
     - The Company's operations are significantly dependent on its continuing
       ability to secure external financing. In recent periods, a number of
       companies in the business of financing used cars for sub-prime borrowers
       have incurred significant credit losses, and in some cases filed for
       bankruptcy, which has resulted in a tightening of credit to participants
       in this market.
 
     - A significant source of funding for the Company has been the sale of
       receivables through securitization transactions, which the Company
       remains dependent upon. Securitization transactions have also been
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   8
 
       significant contributors to profits in certain periods. More recently,
       however, the Company took a charge to earnings when it revalued its
       Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold based upon actual net charge off
       experience.
 
     - The charge to earnings was largely attributable to collection
       difficulties that the Company attributes to a system conversion earlier
       this year. While the conversion is substantially complete and operations
       are at normal levels generally, certain issues are still being resolved.
       Moreover, as a result of its various acquisitions, the Company's
       servicing operations are conducted on several different software
       platforms which are not fully compatible.
 
     - The Company has rapidly increased its dealership operations through
       acquisitions and its success is substantially dependent on its ability to
       integrate and improve acquired operations. The Company has also rapidly
       increased its network of Branch Offices and invested significant capital
       in its Cygnet Dealer Program. The success of the Company is dependent on
       its ability to manage these related but diverse operations.
 
     - In light of the diverse nature of its current operations, the Company is
       evaluating the potential sale or spin-off of its Third Party Dealer
       operations, including its Cygnet Dealer Program and Branch Office
       network. There can be no assurance that any such sale or spin-off will
       take place, if implemented will be successful, or that the failure to
       implement any such sale or spin-off will not adversely affect the
       Company's operations or the price for its securities. The Warrants do not
       provide for any adjustment or participation (except upon exercise prior
       to the transaction) in the event of a spin-off or sale of any subsidiary
       or business operation to a third party or stockholders.
 
     - The Company holds common stock in, and has made loans to or acquired
       loans from, FMAC, which filed for bankruptcy in July 1997. In connection
       with the reorganization, the Company has issued warrants to bank group
       members and may issue the Warrants, Underlying Shares and Distribution
       Shares to FMAC or its other creditors or equity holders. The Company's
       financial condition and results of operations are partially dependent on
       the successful resolution of various matters relating to FMAC's
       reorganization proceedings.
 
     This Prospectus contains forward looking statements. Additional written or
oral forward looking statements may be made by the Company from time to time in
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise. Such forward
looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Such
statements may include, but not be limited to, projections of revenues, income,
or loss, capital expenditures, plans for future operations, financing needs or
plans, and plans relating to products or services of the Company, as well as
assumptions relating to the foregoing. The words "believe," "expect,"
"anticipate," "estimate," "project," and similar expressions identify forward
looking statements. Forward looking statements are inherently subject to risks
and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future
events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in,
contemplated by, or underlying the forward looking statements. Statements in
this Prospectus, including those contained in the section entitled "Risk
Factors," in the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and in the Notes to the
Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, describe factors, among others,
that could contribute to or cause such differences. The Company undertakes no
obligation to update any forward looking statements.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   9
 
                   SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                            --------------------------    -----------------------------
                                               1997           1996         1996       1995       1994
                                            -----------    -----------    -------    -------    -------
                                            (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total Revenues...........................    $ 120,209       $57,736      $75,629    $58,203    $33,773
  Sales of Used Cars.....................       79,543        42,497       53,768     47,824     27,768
  Interest Income........................       23,390        11,881       15,856     10,071      5,449
  Gain on Sale of Loans..................       10,323         2,578        4,434         --         --
  Other Income...........................        6,953           780        1,571        308        556
Cost of Used Cars Sold...................       42,537        23,835       29,890     27,964     12,577
Provision for Credit Losses..............       15,367         7,713        9,811      8,359      8,140
Income before Operating Expenses.........       62,305        26,188       35,928     21,880     13,056
Total Operating Expenses.................       49,628        17,594       24,700     19,896     12,320
Income Before Interest Expense...........       12,677         8,594       11,228      1,984        736
Interest Expense.........................        2,914         4,479        5,262      5,956      3,037
Net Earnings (Loss)......................    $   5,745       $ 4,115      $ 5,866    $(3,972)   $(1,967)
Earnings (Loss) per Share................    $    0.32       $  0.46      $  0.60    $ (0.67)   $ (0.35)
Shares used in Computation...............       18,200         7,230        8,283      5,892      5,584
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,                 DECEMBER 31,
                                               -------------------------   ----------------------------
                                                  1997          1996         1996      1995      1994
                                               -----------   -----------   --------   -------   -------
                                               (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                            <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and Cash Equivalents....................   $   4,401      $   684     $ 18,455   $ 1,419   $   168
Finance Receivables, Net.....................      36,346       46,304       51,063    40,726    15,858
Total Assets.................................     271,285       77,397      118,083    60,790    29,711
Subordinated Notes Payable...................      12,000       14,000       14,000    14,553    18,291
Total Debt...................................      70,781       44,622       26,904    49,754    28,233
Preferred Stock..............................          --       10,000           --    10,000        --
Common Stock.................................     171,943       18,120       82,612       127        77
Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)(1)......   $ 177,395      $26,176     $ 82,319   $ 4,884   $(1,194)
Principal Balances Outstanding:
Dealership Portfolio.........................   $  16,545      $15,433     $  7,068   $34,226   $19,881
Third Party Dealer Portfolio.................      25,182       36,711       51,213    13,805     1,620
Total Retained Portfolio.....................      41,727       52,144       58,281    48,031    21,501
                                                 --------     --------      -------   -------   --------
Securitized with Servicing Retained:
Dealership Loans                                  103,762       32,633       41,998        --        --
Third Party Dealer Loans                          125,234           --        9,665        --        --
                                                 --------     --------      -------   -------   --------
Total Securitized with Servicing Retained....     228,996       32,633       51,663        --        --
                                                 --------     --------      -------   -------   --------
Total Managed Portfolio......................   $ 270,723      $84,777     $109,944   $48,031   $21,501
                                                 ========     ========      =======   =======   ========
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(1) As of December 15, 1997; excludes (i) 1,340,402 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding at September 30, 1997,
    under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan with a weighted average price
    of $11.40 per share; (ii) 291,023 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
    exercise of warrants issued in connection with the Company's initial public
    offering of Common Stock with a weighted average exercise price of $8.33 per
    share; and (iii) 500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
    warrants (exclusive of the Warrants) issued or to be issued in connection
    with the FMAC Senior Bank Debt purchase which have an exercise price of
    $20.00 per share.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   10
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Investment in the Warrants, Underlying Shares, and Distribution Shares
offered hereby involves certain risks. In addition to the other information
included elsewhere in the Prospectus, prospective investors should give careful
consideration to the following factors before purchasing the Warrants,
Underlying Shares, and Distribution Shares offered hereby.
 
NO ASSURANCE OF PROFITABILITY
 
     The Company began operations in 1992 and incurred significant operating
losses in 1994 and 1995. The Company recorded net earnings of $5.9 million in
1996 and net earnings for the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 of $5.7
million. However, the Company incurred a net loss for the three month period
ended September 30, 1997 due in large part to a charge of $10.0 million
(approximately $6.0 million, net of income taxes) against Residuals in Finance
Receivables Sold. There can be no assurance that the Company will regain
profitability in future periods. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
     The Company's ability to regain and sustain profitability will depend
primarily upon its ability to: (i) expand its revenue generating operations
while not proportionately increasing its administrative overhead; (ii) originate
and purchase contracts with an acceptable level of credit risk; (iii)
effectively collect payments due on the contracts in its portfolio; (iv) locate
sufficient financing, with acceptable terms, to fund the expansion of used car
sales and the origination and purchase of additional contracts; and (v) adapt to
the increasingly competitive market in which it operates. Outside factors, such
as the economic, regulatory, and judicial environments in which it operates,
will also have an effect on the Company's business. The Company's inability to
achieve or maintain any or all of these objectives could have a material adverse
effect on the Company.
 
DEPENDENCE ON SECURITIZATIONS
 
     In recent periods, the Company's income (loss) from operations has been
significantly impacted by the sales of contracts receivables and the earnings
(loss) recorded by the Company on the Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold. The
Company's ability to successfully complete securitizations in the future may be
affected by several factors, including the condition of securities markets
generally, conditions in the asset-backed securities markets specifically, and
the credit quality of the Company's portfolio.
 
     The amount of any gain on sale in connection with securitizations is based
upon certain estimates and assumptions, which may not subsequently be realized.
To the extent that actual cash flows on a securitization differ materially from
the original securitization assumptions, and in the opinion of management those
differences appear to be other than temporary in nature, the Company is required
to revalue the Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold, and record a charge to
earnings based upon the reduction. In addition, the Company records ongoing
income based upon the cash flows on Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold. The
income recorded on the Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold will vary from
quarter to quarter based upon cash flows received in a given period. To the
extent that cash flows are deficient, charge-offs of finance receivables exceed
estimates, or assumptions that were applied to the underlying portfolio are not
realized, and in the opinion of management those differences appear to be other
than temporary in nature, the Company is required to revalue the Residuals in
Finance Receivables Sold, and record a charge to earnings.
 
     During the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, the Company recorded
a charge of $10.0 million ($6.0 million after taxes) against the Residuals in
Finance Receivables Sold. The charge resulted from an upward revision in the
Company's net charge off assumptions related to the underlying contract
portfolios supporting the Company's Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold.
Although the Company believes the charge is adequate to adjust the assumptions
to a level which will more closely approximate future net losses in the
underlying contract portfolio, there can be no assurance in that regard.
 
     Champion Receivables Corporation ("CRC") and Champion Receivables
Corporation II ("CRC II") (collectively referred to as "Securitization
Subsidiaries"), are the Company's wholly-owned special purpose
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   11
 
"bankruptcy remote entities". Their assets include Residuals in Finance
Receivables Sold and Investments Held in Trust, in the amounts of $25.8 million
and $15.1 million, respectively, at September 30, 1997, which amounts would not
be available to satisfy claims of creditors of the Company. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
DEPENDENCE ON EXTERNAL FINANCING; CASH POSITION
 
     The Company has borrowed, and will continue to borrow, substantial amounts
to fund its operations. In this regard, the Company's operations, including its
recently initiated Cygnet Dealer Program, are highly capital intensive.
Currently, the Company receives financing pursuant to the Revolving Facility
with GE Capital, which has a maximum commitment of $100.0 million. Under the
Revolving Facility, the Company may borrow up to 65.0% of the principal balance
of eligible Company Dealership contracts and up to 86.0% of the principal
balance of eligible Third Party Dealer contracts. The Revolving Facility expires
in December 1998. The Revolving Facility is secured by substantially all of the
Company's assets. In addition, the Revolving Facility contains various covenants
that limit, among other things, the Company's ability to engage in mergers and
acquisitions, incur additional indebtedness, and pay dividends or make other
distributions, and also requires the Company to meet certain financial tests.
Although the Company believes it is currently in compliance with the terms and
conditions of the Revolving Facility, there can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to continue to satisfy such terms and conditions or that the
Revolving Facility will be extended beyond its current expiration date. In
addition, the Company has established a Securitization Program pursuant to which
the Company is subject to numerous terms and conditions. Pursuant to the
Securitization Program, the Company and SunAmerica entered into an agreement
under which SunAmerica would purchase $175.0 million of certificates secured by
contracts. As of June 30, 1997, SunAmerica had purchased $170.4 million in Class
A Certificates, thereby substantially utilizing the maximum commitment from
SunAmerica. During the three month period ended September 30, 1997, the Company
completed a $85.1 million securitization transaction with private investors.
 
     The Company's cash and cash equivalents have decreased from $18.5 million
at December 31, 1996 to $4.4 million at September 30, 1997. This decrease is due
in large part to the purchase of senior debt and the making of
debtor-in-possession loans in connection with the reorganization of FMAC (see
"FMAC Transaction" below), as well as the growth of the Cygnet Dealer Program
loan portfolio. The Company is currently evaluating its alternatives for the
future financing of the Cygnet Dealer Program.
 
     There can be no assurance that any further securitizations will be
completed or that the Company will be able to secure additional financing when
and as needed in the future, or on terms acceptable to the Company. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
 
POOR CREDITWORTHINESS OF BORROWERS; HIGH RISK OF CREDIT LOSSES
 
     Substantially all of the contracts that the Company services are with
Sub-Prime Borrowers. Due to their poor credit histories and/or low incomes,
Sub-Prime Borrowers are generally unable to obtain credit from traditional
financial institutions, such as banks, savings and loans, credit unions, or
captive finance companies owned by automobile manufacturers. The Company has
established an Allowance for Credit Losses, which approximated 13.9% and 17.7%
of contract principal balances as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
and 15.2% of contract principal balances as of September 30, 1997, to cover
anticipated credit losses on the contracts currently in its portfolio. At
December 31, 1996 and 1995, the principal balance of delinquent contracts as a
percentage of total outstanding contract principal balances was 3.7% and 4.2%,
respectively. The principal balance of delinquent contracts as a percentage of
total outstanding contract principal balances at September 30, 1997 was 5.6%.
The Company's net charge offs as a percentage of average principal outstanding
for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 were 16.7% and 21.7%,
respectively. The Company's annualized net charge offs as a percentage of
average principal outstanding for the nine month period ended September 30, 1997
were 19.7%. The Company believes its current Allowance for Credit Losses is
adequate to absorb anticipated credit losses. However, there is no assurance
that the Company has adequately provided for, or will adequately provide for,
such credit risks or that credit losses in excess of its Allowance for Credit
Losses will not occur in the future. A significant variation in the timing of or
increase in
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   12
 
credit losses on the Company's portfolio would have a material adverse effect on
the Company. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations."
 
     The Company has initiated its Cygnet Dealer Program, pursuant to which the
Company provides qualified Third Party Dealers with operating lines of credit
secured by such dealers' retail installment contract portfolios and/or
inventory. While the Company requires Third Party Dealers to meet certain
minimum net worth and operating history criteria to be considered for inclusion
in the Cygnet Dealer Program, the Company will, nevertheless, be extending
credit to dealers who may not otherwise be able to obtain debt financing from
traditional lending institutions such as banks, credit unions, and major finance
companies. Consequently, similar to its other financing activities, the Company
will be subject to a high risk of credit losses that could have a material
adverse effect on the Company and on the Company's ability to meet its own
financing obligations.
 
POTENTIAL CHANGE IN BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     The Company has begun an evaluation of strategic alternatives for certain
of its business segments. Specifically, the Company is reviewing the potential
sale or spin-off to third parties or shareholders of the Company's Third Party
Dealer operations, including its Branch Office network and Cygnet Dealer
Program, and related portfolios and servicing operations. No change in the
Company's primary business of selling and financing used cars through its
dealership network is being considered. Among other matters, the evaluation will
consider whether the Company should focus on its core dealership operations, and
whether this focus would facilitate the ability of investors to evaluate the
Company. The strategic evaluation is expected to take several months, with a
recommendation to the Board of Directors anticipated in the first half of 1998.
Any sale or spin-off would be subject to a number of factors, including
satisfactory resolution of appropriate business, accounting, regulatory, legal
and tax issues. There can be no assurance that the Company will effect a sale or
spin-off of any business operation; what form that such a transaction would take
if implemented, including whether stockholders will receive or be able to
acquire equity interests in any operation sold or spun-off; or that any sale or
spin-off would prove successful or economically beneficial to the Company or its
stockholders. Further, failure to implement a sale or spin-off could adversely
affect the Company's operations and financial condition, as well as the market
for its common stock and warrants. In addition, under the Company's most recent
securitization, a sale or spin-off of its servicing operations would constitute
a "termination event," under which the insurer in respect of the securitization
could terminate the Company's servicing rights. Further, upon a termination
event, distributions in connection with the Company's residual interest in such
securitization effectively would be suspended until the interest of third party
holders are paid in full. The Warrants do not provide for any adjustment or
participation (except upon exercise prior to the transaction) in the event of a
spin-off or sale of any subsidiary or business operation to a third party or
stockholders.
 
DATA PROCESSING AND TECHNOLOGY AND YEAR 2000
 
     The success of any participant in the sub-prime industry, including the
Company, depends in part on its ability to continue to adapt its technology, on
a timely and cost-effective basis, to meet changing customer and industry
standards and requirements. The Company recently converted to a new loan
servicing and collection data processing system at its Gilbert, Arizona facility
which services the Company's Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico Company Dealership
loan portfolios as well as substantially all of the Third Party Dealer loan
portfolio. In connection with the conversion, the Company confronted various
implementation and integration issues, which management believes have resulted
in increases in both contract delinquencies and charge offs. Although many of
these issues have been resolved, failure to promptly and fully resolve all
issues could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
     The Company services its loan portfolios on loan servicing and collection
data processing systems on various platforms. In the future the Company may
migrate and convert all of its Company Dealership loan servicing and collection
data processing to a single loan servicing and collection data processing
system. Failure to successfully migrate and convert to a single loan servicing
and data processing system could have a material adverse affect on the Company.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   13
 
     The Company has commenced a study of its computer systems in order to
assess its exposure to year 2000 issues. The Company expects to make the
necessary modifications or changes to its computer information systems to enable
proper processing of transactions relating to the year 2000 and beyond. The
Company will evaluate appropriate courses of action, including replacement of
certain systems whose associated costs would be recorded as assets and
subsequently amortized. However, there can be no assurance that costs and
expenses or other matters relating to year 2000 issues will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
 
     The Company is dependent on its loan servicing and collection facilities as
well as long-distance and local telecommunications access in order to transmit
and process information among its various facilities. The Company maintains a
standard program whereby it prepares and stores off site back ups of its main
system applications and data files on a routine basis. Due primarily to the
Company's recent acquisitions and significant growth, the Company believes that
its current disaster response plan will need to be revised. Although management
intends to update the disaster response plan during 1998, there can be no
assurance a failure will not occur in the interim or that the plan as revised
will prevent or enable timely resolution of any systems failure. Further, a
natural disaster, calamity or other significant event that causes long-term
damage to any of these facilities or that interrupts its telecommunications
networks could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
RISKS RELATING TO FMAC TRANSACTION
 
     In recent periods, the Company has been actively involved in the
reorganization proceeding of FMAC. See "FMAC Transaction" herein.
 
     There can be no assurance that the proposed FMAC Plan of Reorganization as
described herein will be approved, or that if approved the servicing rights and
interests in the residual interests in securitizations to be obtained by the
Company will prove valuable or profitable. Neither the issuance of the Warrants
nor any other consideration to be given by the Company is conditioned upon the
profit ultimately achieved by the Company. Further, the Warrants, Underlying
Shares, and Distribution Shares will further dilute the Company's equity and
could adversely affect the market and price for the Common Stock. The Company
has guaranteed a 10.35% return on certain Owned Contracts acquired from FMAC and
sold to the Contract Purchaser, subject to a maximum guarantee of $10.0 million.
Although it is contemplated that FMAC will agree to provide a similar guarantee
to the Company payable out of certain distributions from residual interests held
by FMAC in securitization transactions, the guarantee would be subject to
certain conditions and, even if FMAC makes such guarantee, there can be no
assurance that there will be sufficient distributions from the residual
interests to support the guarantee. The Company's debtor-in-possession loans to
FMAC and certain fees payable to the Company would also be payable out of
certain expected tax refunds of FMAC and/or distributions from residual
interests in FMAC's securitization transactions and there can be no assurance
that these loans or fees will be paid. Payments pursuant to the residual
interests may not be made until the senior certificates in the securitization
transactions are paid in full. In addition, the Company's ability to obtain
certain servicing rights and the related servicing platform of FMAC is subject
to consents of certain parties that have not yet been obtained. Moreover,
certain benefits to the Company in the transaction would be contingent on the
Company or, in certain cases, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company servicing
the Owned Contracts and/or certain other receivables currently serviced by FMAC.
See "FMAC Transaction." In the event that the Company or its subsidiary does not
obtain or retain such servicing rights, the Company could be materially
adversely affected. In addition, ALLTEL Financial Information Services Inc.
("Alltel") is the licensor of certain software utilized by FMAC in its servicing
platform. FMAC is currently in default under the licensing agreement for such
software and Alltel claims that the cost to cure such default is approximately
$525,000. At such time as the Company takes over servicing of receivables
currently serviced by FMAC and obtains the FMAC servicing platform, the Company
would be required to enter into a new licensing agreement or obtain an
assignment of the existing licensing agreement with Alltel. In the event that
for any reason the Alltel software cannot be utilized to service the
receivables, FMAC or the Company may be required to convert to new servicing and
collections software. This could result in integration and implementation issues
and could
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   14
 
disrupt and delay certain servicing functions that may have a material adverse
effect on the Company or its ability to effectively service the Owned Contracts
and various securitized loan pools ("Securitized Pools") of FMAC. Collections
under the Owned Contracts and Securitized Pools could also be materially
adversely affected. Other contracts may also have to be assigned and necessary
consents obtained in connection with the transfer of servicing functions to the
Company in order to maintain uninterrupted servicing on the FMAC receivables.
 
NO ASSURANCE OF SUCCESSFUL ACQUISITIONS
 
     The Company has recently completed three significant acquisitions
(Seminole, E-Z Plan, and Kars) and intends to consider additional acquisitions,
alliances and transactions involving other companies that could complement the
Company's existing business. There can be no assurance that suitable acquisition
parties, joint venture candidates, or transaction counterparties can be
identified, or that, if identified, any such transactions will be consummated on
terms favorable to the Company, or at all. Furthermore, there can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to integrate successfully such acquired
businesses, including those recently acquired, into its existing operations,
which could increase the Company's operating expenses in the short-term and
adversely affect the Company. Moreover, these types of transactions by the
Company may result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, the
incurrence of additional debt, and amortization of expenses related to goodwill
and intangible assets, all of which could adversely affect the Company's
profitability. As of September 30, 1997, the Company had goodwill totaling
approximately $17.2 million, the components of which will be amortized over a
period of 15 to 20 years. These transactions involve numerous risks, such as the
diversion of the attention of the Company's management from other business
concerns, the entrance of the Company into markets in which it has had no or
only limited experience, and the potential loss of key employees of the acquired
company, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY
 
     Although the used car sales industry has historically been highly
fragmented, it has attracted significant attention from a number of large
companies, including AutoNation, U.S.A. and Driver's Mart, which have entered
the used car sales business or announced plans to develop large used car sales
operations. Many franchised new car dealerships have also increased their focus
on the used car market. The Company believes that these companies are attracted
by the relatively high gross margins that can be achieved in this market and the
industry's lack of consolidation. Many of these companies and franchised dealers
have significantly greater financial, marketing, and other resources than the
Company. Among other things, increased competition could result in increased
wholesale costs for used cars, decreased retail sales prices, and lower margins.
 
     Like the sale of used cars, the business of purchasing and servicing
contracts originated from the sale of used cars to Sub-Prime Borrowers is highly
fragmented and very competitive. In recent years, several consumer finance
companies have completed public offerings in order to raise the capital
necessary to fund expansion and support increased purchases of contracts. These
companies have increased the competition for the purchase of contracts, in many
cases purchasing contracts at prices that the Company believes are not
commensurate with the associated risk. There are numerous financial services
companies serving, or capable of serving, this market, including traditional
financial institutions such as banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and
captive finance companies owned by automobile manufacturers, and other
non-traditional consumer finance companies, many of which have significantly
greater financial and other resources than the Company. Increased competition
may cause downward pressure on the interest rates the Company charges on
contracts originated by its Company Dealerships or cause the Company to reduce
or eliminate the nonrefundable acquisition discount on the contracts it
purchases from Third Party Dealers, which could have a material adverse effect
on the Company. Similarly, increased competition may be a reason for a potential
Company sale or spin-off to third parties or shareholders of Third Party Dealer
operations, including its Branch Office network and Cygnet Dealer Program, and
related portfolios and servicing operations.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   15
 
GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
 
     The Company's business is directly related to sales of used cars, which are
affected by employment rates, prevailing interest rates, and other general
economic conditions. While the Company believes that current economic conditions
favor continued growth in the markets it serves and those in which it seeks to
expand, a future economic slowdown or recession could lead to decreased sales of
used cars and increased delinquencies, repossessions, and credit losses that
could hinder the Company's business. Because of the Company's focus on the
sub-prime segment of the automobile financing industry, its actual rate of
delinquencies, repossessions, and credit losses could be higher under adverse
conditions than those experienced in the used car sales and finance industry in
general.
 
INDUSTRY CONSIDERATIONS AND LEGAL CONTINGENCIES
 
     In recent periods, several major used car finance companies have announced
major downward adjustments to their financial statements, violations of loan
covenants, related litigation, and other events. In addition, certain of these
companies have filed for bankruptcy protection. These announcements have had a
disruptive effect on the market for securities of sub-prime automobile finance
companies, have resulted in a tightening of credit to the sub-prime markets, and
could lead to enhanced regulatory oversight. Furthermore, companies in the used
vehicle financing market have been named as defendants in an increasing number
of class action lawsuits brought by customers alleging violations of various
federal and state consumer credit and similar laws and regulations. Although the
Company is not currently a named defendant in any such lawsuits, no assurance
can be given that such claims will not be asserted against the Company in the
future or that the Company's operations will not be subject to enhanced
regulatory oversight.
 
NEED TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS WITH THIRD PARTY DEALERS
 
     The Company enters into nonexclusive agreements with Third Party Dealers,
which may be terminated by either party at any time, pursuant to which the
Company purchases contracts originated by such dealers that meet the Company's
established terms and conditions. Pursuant to the Cygnet Dealer Program, the
Company enters into financing agreements with qualified Third Party Dealers. The
Company's Third Party Dealer financing activities depend in large part upon its
ability to establish and maintain relationships with such dealers. While the
Company believes that it has been successful in developing and maintaining
relationships with Third Party Dealers in the markets that it currently serves,
there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in maintaining or
increasing its existing Third Party Dealer base, that such dealers will continue
to generate a volume of contracts comparable to the volume of contracts
historically generated by such dealers, or that a sufficient number of qualified
dealers will become involved in the Cygnet Dealer Program.
 
GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION
 
     Company Dealership operations are currently located in Arizona, Georgia,
California, Texas, Florida, Nevada, and New Mexico. In addition, a majority of
the Company's Branch Offices are located in Arizona, Texas, Florida, and
Indiana. Because of this concentration, the Company's business may be adversely
affected in the event of a downturn in the general economic conditions existing
in the Company's primary markets.
 
SENSITIVITY TO INTEREST RATES
 
     A substantial portion of the Company's financing income results from the
difference between the rate of interest it pays on the funds it borrows and the
rate of interest it earns on the contracts in its portfolio. While the contracts
the Company owns bear interest at a fixed rate, the indebtedness that the
Company incurs under its Revolving Facility bears interest at a floating rate.
In the event the Company's interest expense increases, it would seek to
compensate for such increases by raising the interest rates on its Company
Dealership contracts, increasing the acquisition discount at which it purchases
Third Party Dealer contracts, or raising the retail sales prices of its used
cars. To the extent the Company were unable to do so, the Company's net interest
margins would decrease, thereby adversely affecting the Company's profitability.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   16
 
IMPACT OF USURY LAWS
 
     Historically, a significant portion of the Company's used car sales
activities were conducted in, and a significant portion of the contracts the
Company services were originated in, Arizona, which does not impose limits on
the interest rate that a lender may charge. However, the Company has expanded,
and will continue to expand, its operations into states that impose usury
limits, such as Florida and Texas. The Company attempts to mitigate these rate
restrictions by raising the retail prices of its used cars or purchasing
contracts originated in these states at a higher discount. The Company's
inability to achieve higher sales prices or adequate discounts in states
imposing usury limits would adversely affect the Company's planned expansion and
its results of operations. There can be no assurance that the usury limitations
to which the Company is or may become subject or that additional laws, rules,
and regulations that may be adopted in the future will not adversely affect the
Company's business.
 
DEPENDENCE UPON KEY PERSONNEL
 
     The Company's future success will depend upon the continued services of the
Company's senior management as well as the Company's ability to attract
additional members to its management team with experience in the used car sales
and financing industry. The unexpected loss of the services of any of the
Company's key management personnel, or its inability to attract new management
when necessary, could have a material adverse effect upon the Company. The
Company has entered into employment agreements (which include non-competition
provisions) with certain of its officers. The Company does not currently
maintain any key person life insurance on any of its executive officers.
 
CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDER
 
     Mr. Ernest C. Garcia, II, the Company's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
and principal stockholder, holds approximately 25.1% of the outstanding Common
Stock, including 136,500 shares held by The Garcia Family Foundation, Inc., an
Arizona non-profit corporation, and 20,000 shares held by Verde Investments,
Inc., a real estate investment corporation, controlled by Mr. Garcia. As a
result, Mr. Garcia has a significant influence upon the activities of the
Company, as well as on all matters requiring approval of the stockholders,
including electing or removing members of the Company's Board of Directors,
causing the Company to engage in transactions with affiliated entities, causing
or restricting the sale or merger of the Company, and changing the Company's
dividend policy.
 
POTENTIAL ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Company to issue
"blank check" Preferred Stock, the designation, number, voting powers,
preferences, and rights of which may be fixed or altered from time to time by
the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has the authority,
without stockholder approval, to issue Preferred Stock with dividend,
conversion, redemption, liquidation, sinking fund, voting, and other rights that
could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the
Common Stock. The Preferred Stock could be utilized, under certain
circumstances, to discourage, delay, or prevent a merger, tender offer, or
change in control of the Company that a stockholder might consider to be in its
best interests. Although the Company has no present intention of issuing any
shares of its authorized Preferred Stock, there can be no assurance that the
Company will not do so in the future.
 
REGULATION, SUPERVISION, AND LICENSING
 
     The Company's operations are subject to ongoing regulation, supervision,
and licensing under various federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and
regulations. Among other things, these laws require that the Company obtain and
maintain certain licenses and qualifications, limit or prescribe terms of the
contracts that the Company originates and/or purchases, require specified
disclosures to customers, limit the Company's right to repossess and sell
collateral, and prohibit the Company from discriminating against certain
customers. The Company is also subject to federal and state franchising and
insurance laws.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   17
 
     The Company believes that it is currently in substantial compliance with
all applicable material federal, state, and local laws and regulations. There
can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to remain in
compliance with such laws, and such failure could result in fines or
interruption or cessation of certain of the business activities of the Company
and could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company. In
addition, the adoption of additional statutes and regulations, changes in the
interpretation of existing statutes and regulations, or the Company's entrance
into jurisdictions with more stringent regulatory requirements could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
     At December 15, 1997, 18,520,916 shares of common stock were outstanding.
Of these, approximately 13,189,816 shares are not subject to any restrictions on
resale or are registered for resale under the Securities Act. The Common Stock
covered by this Prospectus, if and when issued, will also be freely tradeable.
The remaining approximately 5,331,100 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of
December 15, 1997 are "restricted securities," as that term is defined under
Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. In general, under Rule 144 as
currently in effect, subject to the satisfaction of certain other conditions, if
one year has elapsed since the later of the date of acquisition of restricted
shares from an issuer or an affiliate of an issuer, the acquiror or subsequent
holder is entitled to sell in the open market, within any three-month period, a
number of shares that does not exceed the greater of one percent of the
outstanding shares of the same class or the average weekly trading volume during
the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of the required notice of sale. (A
person who has not been an affiliate of the Company for at least the three
months immediately preceding the sale and who has beneficially owned shares of
Common Stock as described above for at least two years is entitled to sell such
shares under Rule 144 without regard to any of the limitations described above.)
Of the "restricted securities" outstanding, substantially all of these shares
have been held for the one-year holding period required under Rule 144. The
possibility that substantial amounts of Common Stock may be sold in the public
market may adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Common Stock.
 
POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
     The market price of the Common Stock has been and may continue to be
volatile in response to such factors as, among others, variations in the
anticipated or actual results of operations of the Company or other companies in
the used car sales and finance industry, changes in conditions affecting the
economy generally, analyst reports, or general trends in the industry.
 
ABSENCE OF A PUBLIC MARKET
 
     The Warrants will be new securities for which there is currently no public
market. The Company does not intend to list the Warrants on any national
securities exchange or to seek the admission thereof to trading on Nasdaq. There
can be no assurance that any active trading market for the Warrants will ever
develop. Accordingly, prospective investors in the Warrants may be required to
bear the financial risks of such investment for an indefinite period of time.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   18
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The Company operates the largest publicly-held chain of Buy Here-Pay Here
used car dealerships in the United States and underwrites, finances and services
retail installment contracts generated from the sale of used cars by its Company
Dealerships and Third Party Dealers located in selected markets throughout the
country. As part of its financing activities, the Company has initiated the
Cygnet Dealer Program, which is a collateralized dealer financing program
pursuant to which the Company provides qualified independent used car dealers
with operating credit lines secured by the dealers' retail installment contract
portfolio. The Company began its used car sales and financing operations in 1992
and has pursued an aggressive growth strategy since that time. As of September
30, 1997, the Company had developed or acquired 36 Company Dealerships and had
opened 83 Branch Offices located in twenty-one states.
 
     The Company operates through numerous direct and indirect wholly-owned
subsidiaries including: Duck Ventures, Inc., which provides all administrative
services to the Company, such as corporate finance and accounting, personnel
administration, data processing, communication systems, maintenance, and
software development; Ugly Duckling Car Sales, Inc., which operates the Company
Dealerships; Champion Acceptance Corp., which services contracts originated by
Company Dealerships and contracts purchased from Third Party Dealers; Champion
Financial Services, Inc., which purchases contracts originated by Third Party
Dealers; UDRAC, Inc., which provides administrative services to Ugly Duckling
Rent-A-Car franchisees; Champion Receivables Corp. and Champion Receivables
Corp. II, which are the Company's special purpose "bankruptcy remote"
corporations that facilitate the Securitization Program; Cygnet Finance, Inc.
and Cygnet Finance Alabama, Inc., which operate the Cygnet Dealer Program; Ugly
Duckling Car Sales Florida, Inc., which operates the Company Dealerships in
Florida; Ugly Duckling Car Sales Texas, LLP, which operates the Company
Dealerships in Texas; Ugly Duckling Car Sales Georgia, Inc., which operates the
Company Dealerships in Georgia; Ugly Duckling Car Sales California, Inc., which
operates the Company Dealerships in California; Ugly Duckling Car Sales New
Mexico, Inc., which operates the Company Dealerships in New Mexico; Drake
Insurance Services, Inc., which serves as a holding company for Drake Insurance
Agency, Inc., an Arizona licensed insurance agency, Drake Property and Casualty
Insurance Company and Drake Life Insurance Company, which are Turks and Caicos
Islands chartered and licensed reinsurance companies; and other inactive
subsidiaries.
 
     The Company was formed in Arizona in 1992 for the purpose of purchasing
Duck Ventures, Inc., and operating other subsidiaries and was reincorporated in
Delaware in 1996. Except as otherwise specified, all references in this
Prospectus to the "Company" refer to Ugly Duckling Corporation and its
subsidiaries. The Company's principal executive offices are located at and its
mailing address is 2525 East Camelback Road, Suite 1150, Phoenix, Arizona 85016.
The telephone number of the Company is 1-800-THE-DUCK.
 
                                FMAC TRANSACTION
 
     The following describes certain aspects of the involvement of the Company
in the Bankruptcy Case of FMAC and in FMAC's proposed Plan of Reorganization.
The Company owns approximately 2 1/2% of the outstanding common stock of FMAC.
 
     This Prospectus should be read in conjunction with the FMAC proposed
Disclosure Statement and Plan of Reorganization. The Plan and/or Disclosure
Statement sets forth a description of the rights of various classes of creditors
and equity holders of FMAC, as well as a liquidation analysis of FMAC, and
certain information concerning the residual interests in securitizations of FMAC
and projected cash flows therefrom, anticipated recoveries estimated by FMAC for
each of FMAC's significant asset categories, and certain estimated ranges of
potential creditor recoveries. The Company makes no representations with respect
to the information included in the Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure
Statement and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy thereof.
 
     Senior Bank Debt Claims.  On August 21, 1997, the Company purchased
approximately 78% of the Senior Bank Debt of FMAC held by seven members (the
"Selling Banks") of FMAC's original nine-member bank group for approximately $69
million, which represents a discount of 10% of the outstanding principal
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   19
 
amount of such debt (the "Purchased Claims"). The Company paid 20% of the
purchase price at the closing of the purchase and the remainder of the purchase
price was financed through a loan to the Company by the Selling Banks (the
"Selling Bank Loan") for a term of six months, with interest accruing at LIBOR
plus 2%. The Selling Bank Loan was secured by the Company's interest in the
Collateral described below that also secured the Purchased Claims. In connection
with the purchase, the Company also issued to the Selling Banks warrants to
purchase up to 389,800 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price
of $20.00 per share at any time through February 20, 2000, and subject to a call
feature by the Company if the closing market price of the Company's Common Stock
equals or exceeds $27.00 per share for a period of five consecutive trading
days.
 
     In November of 1997, the Company entered into an agreement allowing the
Company to purchase the remaining 22% of FMAC's Senior Bank Debt (the "Remaining
Interest"), subject to certain conditions precedent. Pursuant to such agreement,
on December 18, 1997, the Company purchased the Remaining Interest at 95% of the
outstanding principal balance of the Remaining Interest, plus interest at
approximately 8% per annum on such purchase price from November 12, 1997, less
all payments received by the sellers with respect to the Remaining Interest
through the date of closing (an aggregate amount of approximately
$16,974,000 -- excluding an amount equal to approximately $749,000 which is in
dispute between the parties). On that same day, the Company issued warrants to
the sellers to purchase up to 110,200 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an
exercise price of $20.00 per share at any time through February 20, 2000 and
subject to a call feature of the Company if the closing market price of the
Company's Common Stock equals or exceed $27.00 per share for a period of five
consecutive trading days.
 
     The Senior Bank Debt was originally secured by (1) the Owned Contracts, (2)
all personal property of FMAC, (3) accounts, accounts receivable, including tax
refunds, contract rights and other general intangibles, and (4) the common stock
of FMARC (defined below) (collectively, the "Collateral").
 
     On December 15, 1997, LaSalle National Bank, as Agent (the "Agent") for the
holders of the Senior Bank Debt (the "Bank Group"), credit bid the entire amount
of the Senior Bank Debt plus certain interest and fees, costs and expenses
relating to the Owned Contracts (collectively, the "Credit Bid Purchase Price"),
and the Bankruptcy Court approved the proposed purchase subject to execution by
FMAC of appropriate transfer documents. On December 18, 1997, FMAC executed the
necessary transfer documents assigning the Owned Contracts to the Agent (the
"Transfer"), and the Agent then sold the Owned Contracts to the Contract
Purchaser for 86% of the principal balance of the Owned Contracts plus a
residual interest in the Owned Contracts (the "Transfer Purchase Price"). The
Company has guaranteed to the Contract Purchaser a return on the Owned Contracts
equal to interest on the Transfer Purchase Price at the rate of 10.35% per
annum, subject to a maximum guarantee amount of $10 million. The Company has the
option to purchase the Owned Contracts from the Contract Purchaser at certain
times upon certain events, including at any time after three years and if the
principal balance on the remaining contracts is less than 10% of the balance of
the Owned Contracts on the date of purchase for a price to yield the Contact
Purchaser 10.35%. The cash proceeds from the sale of the Owned Contracts to the
Contract Purchaser were distributed by the Agent at the direction of the Company
to (i) pay the purchase price of the Remaining Interest as described above, and
(ii) pay in full the Selling Bank Loan described above, with proceeds of
approximately $15.5 million being distributed to the Company. The Company
expects to record a gain (net of income taxes) of between $3.6 million and $4.2
million from the Senior Bank Debt transaction in the fourth quarter of 1997.
 
     Concurrently with the Transfer, the Agent released the lien of the Bank
Group on the Collateral, allowing FMAC to retain all assets constituting any
part of the Collateral other than the Owned Contracts (the "Retained Assets"),
including but not limited to uncollected state and federal income tax refunds
for 1996 and prior years (the "Tax Refunds"), certain receivables and related
vehicles pledged to Greenwich Financial Products, Inc. (the "Greenwich
Collateral"), and FMAC's furniture, fixtures, equipment, general intangibles and
causes of action. Pursuant to that certain Binding Agreement to Propose and
Support Modified Plan Agreement (the "Plan Agreement"), dated as of December 18,
1997 among the Company, FMAC, and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors
of FMAC (the "Committee"), which is expected to be executed in the near future,
in consideration for the Bank Group's release of its liens on the Retained
Assets, FMAC would (A) guarantee on a non-recourse basis full and timely payment
to the Agent and the Company any
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   20
 
shortfall between (i) the Credit Bid Purchase Price of the Owned Contracts plus
interest thereon at the rate of 11% per annum from December 15, 1997, plus an
additional charge for servicing the Owned Contracts (the "Owned Contracts
Servicing Fee"), calculated on a monthly basis, of the greater of 1/12 of 3 1/4%
of the outstanding principal balance of the Owned Contracts or $15.00 per Owned
Contract, applied only to Owned Contracts that are less than 120 days past due
and for which the related vehicle has not been repossessed and (ii) collections
and proceeds of the Owned Contracts (collectively, the "Secured Claim Recovery
Amount"), and (B) grant a lien (the "Replacement Lien") on the stock of First
Merchants Auto Receivables Corporation ("FMARC") and First Merchants Auto
Receivables Corporation II ("FMARC II"), the holders of the residual interests
and certain equity certificates (collectively, the "B Pieces") of the various
Securitized Pools of FMAC, to secure the Secured Claim Recovery Amount and the
Modified UDC Fee (defined below under "DIP Facility"). In the event that the
Owned Contracts are not being serviced by the Company or a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company without the prior written consent of FMAC (an "Owned
Loan Servicing Change"), which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, the
Secured Claim Recovery Amount would be limited to $10 million. However, in the
event that the Company withdraws its support for or is unable or unwilling to
consummate the proposed Plan of Reorganization for any reason, the Replacement
Lien would be null and void and no distribution on the B Pieces would cover any
shortfalls on the Secured Claim Recovery Amount. Conversely, in the event that
FMAC or the Committee is unable or unwilling to consummate the proposed Plan of
Reorganization, the Agent and Company would retain the Replacement Lien.
 
     Any recovery on the Owned Contracts in excess of the Secured Claim Recovery
Amount would be shared with the unsecured creditors of FMAC (or if the unsecured
creditors have been paid in full, the stockholders of FMAC) on the basis of
82 1/2% for the benefit of the unsecured creditors and 17 1/2% for the benefit
of the Company (the "Excess Collections Split"). After payment in full of the
Secured Claim Recovery Amount, the DIP Facility (defined below), and the
Modified UDC Fee (defined below), any further distributions from the B Pieces
would be shared between the Company and the unsecured creditors of FMAC (or if
the unsecured creditors have been paid in full, the stockholders of FMAC) on the
same basis as the Excess Collections Split. In the event that an Owned Loan
Servicing Change occurs, the Excess Collections Split would change to 85% for
the benefit of the unsecured creditors (or if applicable, stockholders of FMAC)
and 15% to the Company. The Company would not be entitled to receive any share
of the Excess Collections Split for any period during which it is not acting as
servicer for the Securitized Pools.
 
     The Plan Agreement contemplates that, at the option of the Company, the
Company may distribute the Distribution Shares to FMAC or at the request of FMAC
and pursuant to its instructions directly to the unsecured creditors or equity
holders of FMAC, in lieu of FMAC's right to receive all or a portion of
distributions under the Excess Collections Split (including both recoveries
under the Excess Collections Split from the Owned Contracts and the B Pieces) in
cash (the "Stock Option"). If the Company decides to exercise the Stock Option,
the Company must give FMAC at least 15 days advance written notice (the "Option
Notice") (and make a public announcement on the same date as the giving of the
notice) of the date on which the Company will exercise the Stock Option (the
"Exercise Date") and the number of Distribution Shares that the Company will
issue on the Exercise Date. The Company may exercise the Stock Option one time
only, with exercise being the actual delivery of the Distribution Shares.
Revocation of the Option Notice shall not be deemed to be an exercise of the
Stock Option by the Company. On the Exercise Date, the aggregate value of the
distribution shall be determined by multiplying the Distribution Shares by 98%
of the average of the closing prices for the previous 10 trading days of Company
Common Stock on Nasdaq or such other market on which such stock may be traded
(the "Stock Option Value"). After issuance and delivery of the Distribution
Shares, the Company would be entitled to receive FMAC's share of cash
distributions under the Excess Collections Split (including both recoveries
under the Excess Collections Split from the Owned Contracts and the B Pieces)
from and after the Exercise Date until the Company has received cash
distributions equal to the Stock Option Value. This would be in addition to the
Company's right to receive its share under the Excess Collections Split. Once
the Company has received cash distributions equal to the Stock Option Value,
FMAC would retain the remaining portion of its share of cash distributions under
the Excess Collections Split, if any, in excess of the Stock Option Value. The
Company would not be entitled to exercise the Stock Option unless (i) the value
of its Common Stock on the Exercise Date and the closing
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   21
 
price for its Common Stock on each day during the previous ten trading days
shall be at least $8.00 per share, (ii) the Company shall have caused (at its
sole cost and expense) the Distribution Shares to be registered under the
Securities Act, and be unrestricted and fully transferable, and shall have taken
all steps necessary to allow FMAC to distribute the Distribution Shares to its
unsecured creditors, and if applicable, shareholders, and (iii) the Company
shall not have purchased any of its common stock (except upon the exercise of
previously issued and outstanding options, warrants, stock appreciation rights
or other rights) or announced any stock repurchase programs from and after the
delivery of the Option Notice through the Exercise Date.
 
     DIP Facility.  At the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, the Company
agreed to provide up to $10 million of "debtor-in-possession" financing (the
"DIP Facility"), approximately $9.5 million of which was outstanding as of
December 15, 1997. Borrowings under the DIP Facility originally were to mature
on February 28, 1998 and accrue interest at the rate of 12% per annum. The DIP
Facility was originally secured by super priority liens on all of FMAC's assets
then existing or thereafter acquired. The Plan Agreement contemplates that the
DIP Facility would be amended (i) to provide for additional advances to pay
administrative and post-plan confirmation operating expenses of FMAC, provided
that total advances under the DIP Facility may not exceed $16.5 million, (ii) to
be secured by the Retained Assets, including the Tax Refunds, (iii) to reduce
the interest rate on borrowings outstanding under the DIP Facility (effective on
the date of confirmation of the Plan of Reorganization) to 10% per annum; and
(iv) to waive the maturity date of the DIP Facility. The first $10 million of
Tax Refunds would be used to pay down the DIP Facility and would permanently
reduce the amount of the DIP Facility. Thereafter, the DIP Facility would be
permanently paid down from distributions on the B Pieces, after payment of the
Secured Claim Recovery Amount. Payments made from other sources on the DIP
Facility would not permanently reduce the amount thereof and FMAC would be
allowed to reborrow such amounts under the facility.
 
     The Plan Agreement contemplates that FMAC would agree to pay the Company on
a non-recourse basis a fee of $450,000 payable prior to any payments pursuant to
the Excess Collections Split solely from collections on the B Pieces and secured
by a pledge of the stock of FMARC and FMARC II, subordinate only to the DIP
Facility, the Secured Claim Recovery Amount and prior pledges of the FMARC II
stock (the "Modified UDC Fee"). Pursuant to the Plan Agreement, the Company
would also be entitled to reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses related to the
DIP Facility not to exceed $100,000 on the effective date of the proposed Plan
of Reorganization.
 
     Servicing.  The Company has entered into a Servicing Agreement dated
December 18, 1997 (the "Owned Contracts Servicing Agreement") among the Company
and the Contract Purchaser, pursuant to which the Owned Contracts will be
serviced by the Company in the event that FMAC ceases to service the Owned
Contracts. The Company will receive a servicing fee under the Owned Contracts
Servicing Agreement.
 
     It is contemplated that the Company will enter into agreements pursuant to
which it will acquire, following confirmation of the Plan of Reorganization,
certain servicing rights of FMAC in the Securitized Pools and the Greenwich
Collateral. The Company would also acquire the servicing platform to allow
servicing of such receivables.
 
     Additional Matters.  Under the Plan Agreement, upon confirmation of the
Plan of Reorganization, the Company would agree to contribute to FMAC all of its
shares in FMAC and would issue the Warrants to FMAC for the benefit of the
unsecured creditors of FMAC or, in certain cases, its equity holders, and to
waive certain fees to which it may otherwise be entitled.
 
     Pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, the Warrants will be distributed to
the unsecured creditors of FMAC. However, equity holders of FMAC may be
allocated a portion of the Warrants in the circumstances below. Alltel is the
licensor of certain software utilized by FMAC in its servicing platform. FMAC is
currently in default under the licensing agreement for such software (the
"Alltel Licensing Agreement") and Alltel claims that the cost to cure such
default is $524,782.32 (the "Requested Cure Cost"). To the extent that the cure
cost actually paid to Alltel is less than the Requested Cure Cost, a percentage
of the Warrants equal to the percentage reduction in the Requested Cure Cost, if
any, so paid, will be reallocated to equity holders of FMAC.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   22
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The Warrants, Underlying Shares and Distribution Shares are being
distributed hereunder in connection with the reorganization of FMAC. Pursuant to
the Plan of Reorganization, the Company will issue to FMAC the Warrants for
possible future distribution to FMAC's unsecured creditors or, in certain cases,
its equity holders. See "FMAC Transaction."
 
     The Distribution Shares may be issued at the Company's option in lieu of
making distributions in cash to FMAC from collections on the Owned Contracts and
B Pieces pursuant to the Excess Collections Split. The Distribution Shares are
being registered in anticipation of such a Common Stock distribution. The
Company's ability to issue the Distribution Shares is subject to certain
conditions. If the Company chooses and is able to issue the Distribution Shares,
the Company would retain the cash distributions otherwise payable to FMAC
pursuant to the Excess Collections Split up to the Stock Option Value. See "FMAC
Transaction."
 
     Distributions or payments to the Company in connection with the issuance of
the Warrants, Underlying Shares and Distribution Shares will be used for general
corporate purposes.
 
                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
     The Company's Common Stock is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol "UGLY." The
following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices of the Common
Stock, as reported by Nasdaq, for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       MARKET PRICE
                                                                     -----------------
                             FISCAL YEAR 1996                         HIGH       LOW
        -----------------------------------------------------------  ------     ------
        <S>                                                          <C>        <C>
        Second Quarter (from June 18, 1996)........................  $10.00     $ 8.50
        Third Quarter..............................................  $15.50     $ 8.13
        Fourth Quarter.............................................  $21.63     $13.00
        FISCAL YEAR 1997
        -----------------------------------------------------------
        First Quarter..............................................  $25.75     $16.25
        Second Quarter.............................................  $18.06     $13.13
        Third Quarter..............................................  $17.00     $12.50
</TABLE>
 
     On December 15, 1997, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on
Nasdaq was $7 11/16 per share. The Company estimates that there were
approximately 2,300 beneficial holders of the Company's Common Stock as of
December 15, 1997.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
     The Company has never paid cash dividends on the Common Stock and does not
anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. It is the current policy of the
Company's Board of Directors to retain any earnings to finance the operation and
expansion of the Company's business. In addition, the terms of the Revolving
Facility prevent the Company from declaring or paying dividends in excess of
15.0% of each year's net earnings available for distribution. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Revolving Facility."
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   23
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth: (i) the actual capitalization of the
Company as of September 30, 1997, and (ii) the pro forma capitalization of the
Company giving effect to the issuance of the 5,000,000 Distribution Shares at an
assumed issuance price of $8.00 per share (the floor price) plus the issuance of
325,000 Underlying Shares upon exercise of the Warrants being registered herein
at the stated exercise price of $20.00 per share, and the initial application of
the net proceeds therefrom. The table should be read in conjunction with the
Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                                                         ----------------------
                                                                          ACTUAL      PRO FORMA
                                                                         --------     ---------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                      <C>          <C>
Debt:
  Revolving Facility...................................................  $    128     $     128
  Notes Payable, Other.................................................    58,653        58,653
  Subordinated Notes Payable...........................................    12,000        12,000
                                                                         --------     ---------
          Total Debt...................................................    70,781        70,781
                                                                         --------     ---------
 
Stockholders' Equity:
  Common Stock.........................................................   171,943       218,163
  Retained Earnings....................................................     5,452         5,452
                                                                         --------     ---------
          Total Stockholders' Equity(1)................................   177,395       223,615
                                                                         --------     ---------
               Total Capitalization....................................  $248,176     $ 294,396
                                                                         ========      ========
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(1) As of December 15, 1997; excludes (i) 1,340,402 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding at September 30, 1997,
    under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan with a weighted average price
    of $11.40 per share; (ii) 291,023 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
    exercise of warrants issued in connection with the Company's initial public
    offering of Common Stock with a weighted average exercise price of $8.33 per
    share; and (iii) 500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
    warrants (exclusive of the Warrants) issued in connection with the FMAC
    Senior Bank Debt purchase with a weighted average exercise price of $20.00
    per share.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   24
 
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
 
     The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
data of the Company for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 and
1996, and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 1996.
The selected annual historical consolidated financial data for 1993, 1994, 1995,
and 1996 are derived from the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements
audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants. The
selected annual historical consolidated financial data for 1992 are derived from
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements audited by Toback & Co.,
independent certified public accountants. Information for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996 is derived from unaudited interim consolidated
financial statements which reflect, in the opinion of the Company, all
adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for fair
presentation of the financial data for such periods. For additional information,
see the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included elsewhere in
this Prospectus. The following table should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                    SEPTEMBER 30,                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                              -------------------------   -----------------------------------------------
                                 1997          1996        1996      1995      1994      1993      1992
                              -----------   -----------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                              (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                           <C>           <C>           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Sales of Used Cars...........   $79,543       $42,497     $53,768   $47,824   $27,768   $13,969   $ 2,136
Less:
  Cost of Used Cars Sold.....    42,537        23,835      29,890    27,964    12,577     6,089     1,010
  Provision for Credit
     Losses..................    15,367         7,713       9,811     8,359     8,140     3,292       826
                                -------       -------     -------   -------    ------   -------   -------
                                 21,639        10,949      14,067    11,501     7,051     4,588       300
                                -------       -------     -------   -------    ------   -------   -------
Interest Income..............    23,390        11,881      15,856    10,071     5,449     1,629       148
Gain on Sale of Loans........    10,323         2,578       4,434        --        --        --        --
                                -------       -------     -------   -------    ------   -------   -------
                                 33,713        14,459      20,290    10,071     5,449     1,629       148
                                -------       -------     -------   -------    ------   -------   -------
Other Income.................     6,953           780       1,571       308       556       879       982
                                -------       -------     -------   -------    ------   -------   -------
Income before Operating
  Expenses...................    62,305        26,188      35,928    21,880    13,056     7,096     1,430
 
Operating Expenses:
Selling and Marketing........     6,680         2,915       3,585     3,856     2,402     1,293       656
General and Administrative...    40,489        13,551      19,538    14,726     9,141     3,625       828
Depreciation and
  Amortization...............     2,459         1,128       1,577     1,314       777       557       429
                                -------       -------     -------   -------    ------   -------   -------
                                 49,628        17,594      24,700    19,896    12,320     5,475     1,913
                                -------       -------     -------   -------    ------   -------   -------
Income before Interest
  Expense....................    12,677         8,594      11,228     1,984       736     1,621      (483)
Interest Expense.............      2,914         4,479      5,262     5,956     3,037       893        12
                                 -------       -------    -------   -------    ------   -------   -------
Earnings (Loss) before Income
  Taxes......................     9,763         4,115       5,966    (3,972)   (2,301)      728      (495)
Income Taxes (Benefit).......     4,018            --         100        --      (334)       30        --
                                -------       -------     -------   -------    ------   -------   -------
 
Net Earnings (Loss)..........   $ 5,745       $ 4,115     $ 5,866   $(3,972)  $(1,967)  $   698   $  (495)
                                =======       =======     =======   =======    ======   =======   =======
Earnings (Loss) per Share....   $  0.32       $  0.46     $  0.60   $ (0.67)  $ (0.35)  $  0.14   $ (0.11)
                                =======       =======     =======   =======    ======   =======   =======
Shares used in Computation...    18,200         7,230       8,283     5,892     5,584     5,011     4,640
                                =======       =======     =======   =======    ======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   25
 
                SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    SEPTEMBER 30,                          DECEMBER 31,
                              -------------------------   -----------------------------------------------
                                 1997          1996         1996      1995      1994      1993      1992
                              -----------   -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------   ------
                              (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                           <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and Cash Equivalents....  $   4,401      $   684     $ 18,455   $ 1,419   $   168   $    79   $  415
Finance Receivables, Net.....     36,346       46,304       51,063    40,726    15,858     7,089    1,758
Total Assets.................    271,285       77,397      118,083    60,790    29,711    11,936    4,392
Subordinated Notes Payable...     12,000       14,000       14,000    14,553    18,291     8,941       93
Total Debt...................     70,781       44,622       26,904    49,754    28,233     9,380    4,189
Preferred Stock..............         --       10,000           --    10,000        --        --       --
Common Stock.................    171,943       18,120       82,612       127        77         1        1
Total Stockholders' Equity
  (Deficit)..................    177,395       26,176       82,319     4,884    (1,194)      697       (1)
 
Principal Balances
  Outstanding:
  Dealership Sales
     Portfolio...............     16,545       15,433        7,068    34,226    19,881     9,588    2,492
  Third Party Dealer
     Portfolio...............     25,182       36,711       51,213    13,805     1,620        --       --
  Portfolio Securitized with
     Servicing Retained......    228,996       32,633       51,663        --        --        --       --
                                --------      -------     --------   -------   -------   -------   ------
 
     Total...................  $ 270,723      $84,777     $109,944   $48,031   $21,501   $ 9,588   $2,492
                                ========      =======     ========   =======   =======   =======   ======
</TABLE>
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   26
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION
 
                  FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             HISTORICAL                                         PRO FORMA      PRO FORMA
                             COMPANY     SEMINOLE     EZ PLAN       KARS       ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED
                             -------     --------     -------     --------     -----------     ---------
<S>                          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>             <C>
Sales of Used Cars.........  $46,013      $4,430      $10,730     $ 84,993      $      --      $ 146,166
Less:
  Cost of Used Cars Sold...   24,000       4,392        7,675       60,382            291(a)      96,740
  Provision for Credit
     Losses................    8,829          --        5,316       50,914             --         65,059
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
                              13,184          38       (2,261)     (26,303)          (291)       (15,633)
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
Interest Income............   12,608         307        1,357       12,957        (12,957)(b)     14,272
Gain (Loss) on Sale of
  Loans....................   12,810          --           --          866           (866)(c)     12,810
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
                              25,418         307        1,357       13,823        (13,823)        27,082
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
Other income...............    3,574          20          977           --          2,806(d)       7,377
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
Income (Loss) before
  Operating Expenses.......   42,176         365           73      (12,480)       (11,308)        18,826
Operating Expenses.........   28,111         374        3,561       22,576         (1,465)(e)     53,119
                             -------     -------      -------      -------                      --------
                                                                                     (155)(f)
                                                                                      (37)(g)
                                                                                      154(h)
Income (Loss) before
  Interest Expense.........   14,065          (9)      (3,488)     (35,056)        (9,805)       (34,293)
Interest Expense...........    1,336          --          359        8,303            169(i)       3,116
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
                                                                                   (7,051)(j)
Earnings (Loss) before
  Income Taxes.............   12,729          (9)      (3,847)     (43,359)        (2,923)       (39,141)
Income Taxes (Benefit).....    5,156          --           --       (3,054)        (2,102)(k)         --
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
Net Earnings (Loss)........  $ 7,573      $   (9)     $(3,847)    $(40,305)     $    (821)     $ (37,409)
                             =======     =======      =======      =======        =======       ========
Earnings (Loss) per
  Share....................    $0.43                                                              $(2.10)
                             =======                                                            ========
Shares Used in
  Computation..............   17,780                                                              17,780
                             =======                                                            ========
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma
            condensed combined statement of operations information.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   27
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               HISTORICAL                                     PRO FORMA        PRO FORMA
                               COMPANY    SEMINOLE    EZ PLAN      KARS      ADJUSTMENTS       COMBINED
                               -------    --------    -------    --------    -----------       ---------
<S>                            <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>               <C>
Sales of Used Cars..........   $53,768    $ 11,827    $42,303    $136,176     $      --        $ 244,074
Less:
  Cost of Used Cars Sold....    29,890       9,417     30,800      87,365            (2)(a)      157,470
  Provision for Credit
     Losses.................     9,811       7,107      4,512      28,387            --           49,817
                               -------     -------    -------    --------       -------         --------
                                14,067      (4,697)     6,991      20,424             2           36,787
                               -------     -------    -------    --------       -------         --------
Interest Income.............    15,856      10,193      6,418      13,301       (13,301)(b)       32,467
Gain (Loss) on Sale of
  Loans.....................     4,434      (1,457)        --       6,929        (6,929)(c)        2,977
                               -------     -------    -------    --------       -------         --------
                                20,290       8,736      6,418      20,230       (20,230)          35,444
                               -------     -------    -------    --------       -------         --------
Other income................     1,571       1,620      2,926          --         3,150(d)         9,267
                               -------     -------    -------    --------       -------         --------
Income (Loss) before
  Operating Expenses........    35,928       5,659     16,335      40,654       (17,078)          81,498
Operating Expenses..........    24,700      10,723     14,253      29,330        (1,581)(e)       77,645
                               -------     -------    -------    --------                       --------
                                                                                    211(f)
                                                                                    705(g)
                                                                                   (696)(h)
Income (Loss) before
  Interest Expense..........    11,228      (5,064)     2,082      11,324       (15,717)           3,853
Interest Expense............     5,262       3,742      1,880       7,674           477(i)        11,361
                               -------     -------    -------    --------                       --------
                                                                                 (7,674)(j)
Earnings (Loss) before
  Income Taxes..............     5,966      (8,806)       202       3,650        (8,520)          (7,508)
Income Taxes (Benefit)......       100          --         --       1,461        (1,561)(k)           --
                               -------     -------    -------    --------       -------         --------
Net Earnings (Loss).........   $ 5,866    $ (8,806)   $   202    $  2,189     $  (6,959)       $  (7,508)
                               =======     =======    =======    ========       =======         ========
Earnings (Loss) per Share...   $0.60(l)                                                           $(1.02)(1)
                               =======                                                          ========
Shares Used in
  Computation...............     8,283                                                             8,283
                               =======                                                          ========
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma
            condensed combined statement of operations information.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   28
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION
 
(1) BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
 
     The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information
of the Company presents the pro forma combined statements of operations for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997, and the year ended December 31, 1996. The
pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 1996
has been adjusted to give effect to (i) the Company's acquisition of Seminole
Finance Corporation and related companies ("Seminole"), (ii) E-Z Plan, Inc.
("E-Z Plan") and (iii) Kars-Yes Holdings Inc. ("Kars"), in each case as if the
transactions had occurred on January 1, 1996 (collectively referred to as the
"1997 Acquisitions" or "Acquired Companies"). The pro forma combined statement
of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 gives effect to the
1997 Acquisitions as if the 1997 Acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 1997.
 
     The combination of the Company's audited statement of operations for the
year ended December 31, 1996 with the audited statements of operations of
Seminole and E-Z Plan and the unaudited statement of operations of Kars for the
same period results in a combined loss of $7.5 million. In addition, the
combination of the Company's unaudited statement of operations for the nine
month period ended September 30, 1997 with the unaudited statements of
operations of the 1997 Acquisitions for the same period results in a combined
loss of $37.4 million. These pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of
the future results of operations of the Company or the results of operations
which would have resulted had the Company and the Acquired Companies been
combined during the periods presented. In addition, the pro forma results are
not intended to be a projection of future results.
 
     The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should be
read in conjunction with the historical Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Company and the Notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis contained
elsewhere in this Prospectus, and the respective audited financial statements of
the 1997 Acquisitions. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements and Notes thereto.
 
(2) PROFORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(a) Adjustment to convert E-Z Plan inventory from last-in, first-out (LIFO) to
    specific identification basis of accounting.
 
(b) Adjustment to eliminate interest income on the Kars loan portfolio not
    purchased by Ugly Duckling.
 
(c) Adjustment to eliminate gain on sale on the Kars loan portfolio, as the loan
    portfolio was not purchased by Ugly Duckling.
 
(d) Adjustment to record servicing fee income for servicing fees generated by
    Ugly Duckling for the servicing of the loan portfolio retained by Kars and
    serviced by Ugly Duckling.
 
(e) Pursuant to the terms of the servicing agreement between Ugly Duckling and
    Kars, Kars is responsible for bearing the collection costs of its retained
    loan portfolio. Adjustment to decrease general and administrative expenses
    for vehicle repossession and reconditioning expenses related to the Kars
    loan portfolio not purchased by Ugly Duckling.
 
(f) Adjustment to rent expense for difference in lease rates for certain
    properties.
 
(g) Amortization of goodwill over a period ranging from 15 years to 20 years.
 
(h) Adjustment to reverse key man life insurance expense for policies retained
    by E-Z Plan.
 
(i) The former stockholders of E-Z Plan had provided financing to E-Z Plan for
    use in purchasing and reconditioning its inventory and in funding operating
    expenses. No interest was charged, except for
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   29
 
    advances related to inventory purchases. This pro forma adjustment is to
    charge interest at Ugly Duckling's average borrowing rate as if the entire
    balance of the advances from the shareholders had been charged interest.
 
(j) Adjustment to reduce interest expense for the carrying cost of the loan
    portfolio retained by Kars.
 
(k) Adjust income taxes for the impact of the pro forma adjustments.
 
(l) Earnings per share calculated after giving effect to payment of $916,000 in
    preferred stock dividends in 1996.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   30
 
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following discussion and analysis provides information regarding the
Company's consolidated financial position as of September 30, 1997 and December
31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of operations for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996 and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the preceding "Selected
Consolidated Financial Data" and the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements
and related Notes thereto and other consolidated financial data appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus. In the opinion of management, such unaudited
interim data reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments, necessary to fairly present the Company's financial position and
results of operations for the periods presented. The results of operations for
any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for
a full fiscal year. For information relating to factors that could affect future
operating results, see "Risk Factors." Any forward-looking statements included
in this Prospectus should be considered in light of such factors, as well as the
information set forth below.
 
INTRODUCTION
 
     General.  The Company operates the largest publicly held chain of "Buy
Here-Pay Here" used car dealerships in the United States and underwrites,
finances, and services retail installment contracts generated from the sale of
used cars by its Company Dealerships and by Third Party Dealers located in
selected markets throughout the country. As part of its financing activities,
the Company has initiated the Cygnet Dealer Program pursuant to which it
provides qualified independent used car dealers with operating lines of credit
secured by the dealers' retail installment contract portfolios. The Company
targets its products and services to the sub-prime segment of the automobile
financing industry, which focuses on selling and financing the sale of used cars
to persons who have limited credit histories, low incomes, or past credit
problems.
 
     The Company commenced its used car sales and finance operations with the
acquisition of two Company Dealerships in 1992. During 1993, the Company
acquired three additional Company Dealerships. In 1994, the Company constructed
and opened four new Company Dealerships that were built specifically to meet the
Company's new standards of appearance, reconditioning capabilities, size, and
location. During 1994, the Company closed one Company Dealership because the
facility failed to satisfy these new standards and, at the end of 1995, closed
its Gilbert, Arizona dealership. In January 1997, the Company acquired selected
assets of a group of companies engaged in the business of selling and financing
used motor vehicles, including four dealerships located in the Tampa Bay/St.
Petersburg market (Seminole). In March 1997, the Company opened its first used
car dealership in the Las Vegas market. In April 1997, the Company acquired
selected assets of a company in the business of selling and financing used motor
vehicles, including seven dealerships located in the San Antonio market (E-Z
Plan). In addition, the Company opened two additional dealerships in the
Albuquerque market and one additional dealership in the Phoenix market during
the second quarter of 1997. In August 1997, the Company closed a dealership in
Prescott, Arizona. In September 1997, the Company acquired selected assets of a
company in the business of selling used motor vehicles, including six
dealerships in the Los Angeles market, two in the Miami market, two in the
Atlanta market and two in the Dallas market (Kars). The Company currently
operates 40 dealerships and 83 Branch Offices.
 
     In 1994, the Company acquired Champion Financial Services, Inc., an
independent automobile finance company. In April 1995, the Company initiated an
aggressive plan to expand the number of contracts purchased from its Third Party
Dealer network. This expansion enabled the Company to leverage its existing
infrastructure and increase its contract portfolio much more quickly than it
could through the expansion of its Company Dealerships. The Company operated 83
and 22 Branch Offices at September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
     The Company has expanded its Company Dealership and loan servicing and
collections operations through several recent acquisitions. On January 15, 1997,
the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Seminole, including four
dealerships in Tampa/St. Petersburg and a contract portfolio of approximately
$31.1 million. On April 1, 1997, the Company purchased substantially all of the
assets of E-Z Plan, a
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   31
 
Company engaged in the business of selling and financing used motor vehicles,
including seven dealerships in San Antonio and a contract portfolio of
approximately $24.3 million. On September 19, 1997, the Company purchased
substantially all of the dealership and loan servicing assets (but not the loan
portfolio) of Kars, including six dealerships in the Los Angeles market, two in
the Miami market, two in the Atlanta market, and two in the Dallas market.
 
     The combination of the Company's audited statement of operations for the
year ended December 31, 1996 with the audited statements of operations of
Seminole and E-Z Plan and the unaudited statement of operations of Kars for the
same period results in a combined loss of $7.5 million. In addition, the
combination of the Company's unaudited statement of operations for the nine
month period ended September 30, 1997 with the unaudited statements of
operations of Seminole, E-Z Plan and Kars for the same period results in a
combined loss of $37.4 million. These pro forma results are not necessarily
indicative of the future results of operations of the Company or the results of
operations which would have resulted had the Company and Seminole, E-Z Plan and
Kars been combined during the periods presented. In addition, the pro forma
results are not intended to be a projection of future results.
 
     In 1996, the Company completed an initial public offering and a secondary
offering in which it sold Common Stock for a total of $82.3 million. In February
1997, the Company completed a private placement of Common Stock for a total of
$88.7 million, net of expenses. The registration of the resale of the shares
sold in the private placement was effective in April 1997.
 
     The Company owns approximately 2 1/2% of the outstanding common stock of
FMAC with a cost basis of approximately $1.5 million. FMAC filed for
reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code on July 11, 1997.
For information concerning the Company's involvement in the FMAC Bankruptcy
Case, see "FMAC Transaction."
 
     Growth in Finance Receivables.  As a result of the Company's rapid
expansion, contract receivables managed increased to $270.7 million at September
30, 1997 (including $229.0 million in contracts serviced under the Company's
Securitization Program) from $109.9 million at December 31, 1996 (including
$51.7 million in contracts serviced under the Company's Securitization Program)
and from $48.0 million at December 31, 1995.
 
     The following tables reflect the growth in period end balances measured in
terms of the principal amount and the number of contracts.
 
                          TOTAL CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING
                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT NUMBER OF CONTRACTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                  ---------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------
                                          1997                    1996                    1996                    1995
                                  ---------------------   ---------------------   ---------------------   ---------------------
                                  PRINCIPAL    NO. OF     PRINCIPAL    NO. OF     PRINCIPAL    NO. OF     PRINCIPAL    NO. OF
                                   AMOUNT     CONTRACTS    AMOUNT     CONTRACTS    AMOUNT     CONTRACTS    AMOUNT     CONTRACTS
                                  ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                               <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Company Dealerships.............  $ 120,307     24,567     $ 48,066      9,632    $  49,066      9,615     $ 34,226      8,049
Third Party Dealers.............    150,416     31,483       36,711      8,041       60,878     12,942       13,805      2,733
                                   --------     ------       ------     ------      -------     ------      -------     ------
Total Portfolio Managed.........    270,723     56,050       84,777     17,673      109,944     22,557     $ 48,031     10,782
                                   --------     ------       ------     ------      -------     ------      -------     ------
Less Portfolios Securitized and
  Sold:
Company Dealerships.............    103,762     21,912       32,633      7,226       41,998      8,570           --         --
Third Party Dealers.............    125,234     25,028           --         --        9,665      2,042           --         --
                                   --------     ------       ------     ------      -------     ------      -------     ------
Total Portfolios Securitized and
  Sold..........................    228,996     46,940       32,633      7,226       51,663     10,612           --         --
                                   --------     ------       ------     ------      -------     ------      -------     ------
  Company Total.................  $  41,727      9,110     $ 52,144     10,447    $  58,281     11,945     $ 48,031     10,782
                                   ========     ======       ======     ======      =======     ======      =======     ======
</TABLE>
 
In addition to the Company Dealership and Third Party Dealer loan portfolios
summarized above, the Company also services loan portfolios for Kars totaling
approximately $154.8 million as of September 30, 1997.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   32
 
     The following tables reflect the growth in contract originations by Company
Dealerships and contract purchases from Third Party Dealers measured in terms of
the principal amount and the number of contracts.
 
                      TOTAL CONTRACTS ORIGINATED/PURCHASED
                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT NUMBER OF CONTRACTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1997                                      1996
                                -------------------------------------     -------------------------------------
                                PRINCIPAL      NO. OF        AVERAGE      PRINCIPAL      NO. OF        AVERAGE
                                 AMOUNT       CONTRACTS     PRINCIPAL      AMOUNT       CONTRACTS     PRINCIPAL
                                ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------
<S>                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Company Dealerships...........  $ 131,526       23,458       $ 5,607       $ 38,179        5,413       $ 7,053
Third Party Dealers...........    144,237       26,147         5,516         32,919        5,781         5,694
                                 --------       ------                      -------       ------
  Total.......................  $ 275,763       49,605         5,559       $ 71,098       11,194         6,351
                                 ========       ======                      =======       ======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1996                                      1995
                                -------------------------------------     -------------------------------------
                                PRINCIPAL      NO. OF        AVERAGE      PRINCIPAL      NO. OF        AVERAGE
                                 AMOUNT       CONTRACTS     PRINCIPAL      AMOUNT       CONTRACTS     PRINCIPAL
                                ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------
<S>                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Company Dealerships...........  $  48,996        6,929       $ 7,071       $ 36,568        6,129       $ 5,966
Third Party Dealers...........     56,770        9,825         5,778         16,456        3,012         5,463
                                 --------       ------                      -------       ------
  Total.......................  $ 105,766       16,754         6,313       $ 53,024        9,141         5,801
                                 ========       ======                      =======       ======
</TABLE>
 
For the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, Finance Receivable Principal
Balances originated/ purchased increased to $275.8 million, including $55.4
million from the Seminole and E-Z Plan acquisitions (13,250 contracts).
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The prices at which the Company sells its cars and the interest rates that
it charges to finance these sales take into consideration that the Company's
primary customers are high-risk borrowers, many of whom ultimately default. The
Provision for Credit Losses reflects these factors and is treated by the Company
as a cost of both the future interest income derived on the contract receivables
originated at Company Dealerships as well as a cost of the sale of the cars
themselves. Accordingly, unlike traditional car dealerships, the Company does
not present gross profits in its Statements of Operations calculated as Sales of
Used Cars less Cost of Used Cars Sold.
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996
 
     Sales of Used Cars.  Sales of Used Cars increased by 87.2% to $79.5 million
for the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 from $42.5 million for the
nine month period ended September 30, 1996. This growth reflects increases in
the number of used car dealerships in operation, and average unit sales price.
Units sold increased by 75.9% to 10,801 units in the nine month period ended
September 30, 1997 from 6,141 units in the nine month period ended September 30,
1996. Same store unit sales declined by 13.4% in the nine month period ended
September 30, 1997 compared to the nine month period ended September 30, 1996.
This is due to the increased emphasis on underwriting at the Company
Dealerships, particularly one dealership where unit sales decreased by 619
units, which represents 77.0% of the decrease for the nine month period ended
September 30, 1997 compared to the same period in 1996.
 
     The average sales price per car increased by 6.4% to $7,364 for the nine
month period ended September 30, 1997 from $6,920 for the nine month period
ended September 30, 1996.
 
     Cost of Used Cars Sold and Gross Margin.  The Cost of Used Cars Sold
increased by 78.5% to $42.5 million for the nine month period ended September
30, 1997 from $23.8 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 1996.
On a per unit basis, the Cost of Used Cars Sold increased by 1.5% to $3,938 for
the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 from $3,881 for the nine month
period ended September 30, 1996. The gross margin on used car sales (Sales of
Used Cars less Cost of Used Cars Sold
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   33
 
excluding Provision for Credit Losses) increased by 98.3% to $37.0 million for
the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 from $18.7 million for the nine
month period ended September 30, 1996. As a percentage of sales, the gross
margin was 46.5% and 43.9% for the nine month periods ended September 30, 1997
and 1996, respectively. On a per unit basis, the gross margin per car sold was
$3,426 and $3,039 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
 
     Provision for Credit Losses.  The Provision for Credit Losses increased by
99.2% to $15.4 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 from
$7.7 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. This includes
an increase of $1.2 million in the Provision for Credit Losses in the nine month
period ended September 30, 1997 for third party receivables and the Cygnet
dealer notes receivable over the nine month period ended September 30, 1996 when
the Company recorded no Provision for Credit losses for third party receivables
or the Cygnet dealer notes receivable. On a percentage basis, the Provision for
Credit Losses per unit originated at Company Dealerships increased by 12.8% to
$1,505 per unit in the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 from $1,334
per unit in the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. This increase is
primarily due to an increase in the average amount financed in the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 to $7,457 per unit from $6,604 per unit in the nine
month period ended September 30, 1996. As a percentage of contract balances
originated, the Provision for Credit Losses averaged 20.2% and 20.2%, for the
nine month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
     Interest Income.  Interest Income consists primarily of interest on finance
receivables from Company Dealership sales, interest on Third Party Dealer
finance receivables, income from Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold, income
from the Cygnet Dealer Program, and other interest income from the FMAC Senior
Bank Debt.
 
     Company Dealership Receivables -- Interest Income increased by 30.0% to
$9.6 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 from $7.4
million for the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. Interest Income was
reduced as a result of sales of $155.9 million in Company Dealership contract
principal balances since inception of the Securitization Program, including
sales of $95.7 million in Company Dealership contract principal balances in the
nine month period ended September 30, 1997, and will continue to be affected in
future periods by additional securitizations. The Company financed 95.7% of
sales revenue and 94.5% of the used cars sold at Company Dealerships for the
nine month period ended September 30, 1997 compared to 89.8% of sales revenue
and 94.1% of the used cars sold for the nine month period ended September 30,
1996. The average amount financed increased to $7,457 for the nine month period
ended September 30, 1997 from $6,604 for the nine month period ended September
30, 1996. As a result of its expansion into markets with interest rate limits,
the Company's yield on its Company Dealership Receivable contract portfolio has
trended downward. The effective yield on Finance Receivables from Company
Dealerships was 27.7% and 29.2%, for the nine month periods ended September 30,
1997 and 1996, respectively. The Company's policy is to charge 29.9% per annum
on its Company Dealership contracts. However, in those states that impose usury
limits the Company charges the maximum interest rate permitted.
 
     Third Party Dealer Receivables -- Interest Income increased by 135.5% to
$10.6 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 from $4.5
million in the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. Interest Income was
reduced as a result of sales of $157.9 million in Third Party Dealer contract
principal balances since inception of the Securitization Program, including
sales of $147.9 million in Third Party Dealer contract principal balances in the
nine months ended September 30, 1997, and will continue to be effected in future
periods by additional securitizations. Interest income has increased in
conjunction with the increases in Third Party Dealer contracts purchased and
outstanding. Primarily as a result of its expansion into markets with interest
rate limits, the Company's yield on its Third Party Dealer portfolio has trended
downward. Portfolio yield was 23.2% and 24.7%, for the nine month periods ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
     Cygnet Dealer Program and Other Interest Income -- Interest income
increased by 100.0% to $3.2 million for the nine month period ended September
30, 1997. This income consisted of $1.3 million in interest income from the
Cygnet Dealer Program and $1.8 million in interest income from the FMAC Senior
Bank Debt.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   34
 
     Gain on Sale of Finance Receivables.  Champion Receivables Corporation
("CRC") and Champion Receivables Corporation II ("CRC II") (collectively
referred to as "Securitization Subsidiaries"), are the Company's wholly-owned
special purpose "bankruptcy remote entities". During the first quarter of 1996,
the Company initiated a Securitization Program under which CRC sold securities
backed by contracts to SunAmerica. Beginning with the third fiscal quarter of
1997, the Company expanded the Securitization Program to include CRC II and
sales of CRC II securities through private placement of securities to investors
other than Sun America. Under the Securitization Program, the Securitization
Subsidiaries assign and transfer the contracts to separate trusts ("Trusts")
pursuant to Pooling and Servicing Agreements (the "Pooling Agreements").
Pursuant to the Pooling Agreements, Class A Certificates and subordinated Class
B Certificates are issued to the Securitization Subsidiaries. The Securitization
Subsidiaries then sell the Class A Certificates to unrelated investors. The
transferred contracts are serviced by Champion Acceptance Corporation ("CAC"),
another subsidiary of the Company. Prior to the Company's securitization in the
three month period ended September 30, 1997, the Company's Class A Certificates
received ratings from Standard & Poors ranging from "BBB" to "A". To obtain
these ratings from Standard & Poors, CRC was required to provide a credit
enhancement by establishing and maintaining a cash spread account for the
benefit of the certificate holders. For the securitization transaction that was
consummated during the three month period ended September 30, 1997, the
Company's Class A Certificates received a "AAA" rating from Standard & Poors,
and a "Aaa" rating from Moody's Investors Service. To obtain these ratings, CRC
II (1) obtained an insurance policy from MBIA Insurance Corporation which
unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed full and complete payment of the
Class A guaranteed distribution (as defined), and (2) provided a credit
enhancement by establishing and maintaining a cash spread account for the
benefit of the certificate holders. The Securitization Subsidiaries make an
initial cash deposit into the spread account, ranging from 3% to 4% of the
initial underlying finance receivables principal balance and pledges this cash
to the Trusts. The Securitization Subsidiaries are also required to then make
additional deposits to the spread account from the residual cash flow (through
the trustees) as necessary to attain and maintain the spread account at a
specified percentage, ranging from 6.0% to 8.0%, of the underlying finance
receivables principal balance. Distributions are not made to the Securitization
Subsidiaries on the Class B Certificates unless the spread account has the
required balance, the required periodic payments to the Class A Certificate
holders are current, and the trustee, servicer and other administrative costs
are current.
 
     The contracts transferred to the Trusts were purchased by the
Securitization Subsidiaries from either CAC, Champion Financial Services, Inc.
("CFS"), Ugly Duckling Car Sales Florida, Inc. ("UDCSF"), or Ugly Duckling Cars
Sales Texas, LLP ("UDCST"), in "true sale" transactions pursuant to separate
purchase agreements. The obligations of CAC, as servicer, pursuant to the
Pooling Agreements are guaranteed by the Company and certain other subsidiaries
of the Company, other than CRC, CRC II, CAC, CFS, UDCSF, and UDCST.
 
     The Company recognizes a Gain on Sale of Finance Receivables equal to the
difference between the yield earned on the contract portfolio securitized and
the return on the securities sold plus the release of Allowance for Credit
Losses. The amount of any Gain on Sale of Loans is based on certain estimates,
which may not subsequently be realized. The amount of Gain on Sale of Loans
recognized is a function of a number of items including, but not limited to, the
net sales proceeds, the seasoning, remaining term, the weighted average net
interest rate spread of the portfolio sold, and the net book value of the loans
sold. To the extent that actual cash flows on a securitization are below
original estimates, and differ materially from the original securitization
assumptions, and in the opinion of management, those differences appear to be
other than temporary in nature, the Company would be required to revalue the
Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold, and record a charge to earnings based
upon the reduction. During the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, the
Company recorded a $10.0 million charge (approximately $6.0 million, net of
income taxes) to write down the Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold.
 
     The Company utilizes a number of estimates in arriving at the Gain on Sale
of Loans. With the exception of the Company's first two securitization
transactions which took place during the first six months of 1996, the estimated
cash flows into the Trusts were discounted with a rate of 16%. The two
securitization transactions that took place during the first six months of 1996
were discounted with a rate of 25%. For securitization
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   35
 
transactions between June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997, for contracts originated
at Company Dealerships, net losses were originally estimated using total
expected cumulative net losses at loan origination of approximately 26.0%,
adjusted for actual cumulative net losses prior to securitization. For contracts
purchased from Third Party Dealers, net losses were originally estimated using
total expected cumulative net losses at loan origination of approximately 13.5%,
adjusted for actual cumulative net losses prior to securitization. Prepayment
rates were estimated to be 1.5% per month of the beginning of month balances.
The $10.0 million charge (approximately $6.0 million, net of income taxes) in
the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, which resulted in a reduction in
the carrying value of the Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold, had the effect
of increasing the cumulative net loss assumptions for contracts originated at
Company Dealerships to approximately 27.5%, and for contracts purchased from
Third Party Dealers to approximately 17.5% for the securitization transactions
that took place prior to the three month period ended September 30, 1997.
 
     For the securitization transaction that took place during the three month
period ended September 30, 1997, for contracts originated at Company
Dealerships, net losses were estimated using total expected cumulative net
losses at loan origination of approximately 27.5%, adjusted for actual
cumulative net losses prior to securitization, and for contracts purchased from
Third Party Dealers, net losses were estimated using total expected cumulative
net losses at loan origination of approximately 17.5%, adjusted for actual
cumulative net losses prior to securitization. Prepayment rates were estimated
to be 1.5% per month of the beginning of month balance.
 
     The assumptions utilized in prior securitizations may not necessarily be
the same as those utilized in future securitizations. The Company classifies the
residuals as "held-to-maturity" securities in accordance with SFAS No. 115.
 
     During the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, the Company
securitized an aggregate of $245.5 million in contracts, issuing $202.0 million
in securities. Pursuant to these transactions, the Company allocated $39.5
million of its Allowance for Credit Losses to the sold finance receivables
during the nine month period ended September 30, 1997. The Company recorded Gain
on Sale of Loans during the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 of $10.3
million, which consisted of a Gain on Sale of Loans of $20.3 million from
securitization transactions during the nine month period ended September 30,
1997, net of the $10.0 million charge (approximately $6.0 million, net of income
taxes) to revalue the Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold. The Company
recognized Gain on Sale of Loans of $2.6 million during the nine month period
ended September 30, 1996. The Gain on Sale of Loans as a percentage of principal
balances securitized was 8.6% and 8.1% respectively, for the Company Dealership
and Third Party Dealer portfolios securitized in the nine month period ended
September 30, 1997, compared to 6.2% for the Company Dealership portfolios
securitized in the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. No Third Party
Dealer contracts were securitized in the nine month period ended September 30,
1996. The difference in the gain percentage on the Company Dealership portfolios
is due to the fact that the portfolios securitized in the first nine months of
1996 were more seasoned, resulting in a much shorter remaining life than the
portfolios securitized in the first nine months of 1997, and lower "A"
certificate coupon rates, which results in an increase in gain on sale, net of
the impact of increasing the cumulative net credit loss assumptions.
 
     During the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, the Company made
initial spread account deposits totaling $7.4 million. Additional net deposits
to the spread accounts during the nine month period ended September 30, 1997
totaled $4.9 million resulting in a total balance in the spread accounts of
$15.1 million as of September 30, 1997. In addition to the spread account
balance of $15.1 million, the Company had deposited a total of $1.1 million in
trust accounts in conjunction with certain other agreements.
 
     During the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, the Trusts issued
certificates at a weighted average yield of 7.5% with the yields ranging from
6.3% to 8.2%, resulting in net spreads, before net credit losses and after
servicing, insurance and trustee fees, ranging from 12.5% to 17.8%, and
averaging 15.0%.
 
     Other Income.  Other Income which consists primarily of servicing income,
insurance premiums earned on force placed insurance policies, earnings on
investments from the Company's cash and cash equivalents, and franchise fees
from the Company's rent-a-car franchisees increased by 791.4% to $7.0 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $780,000 for the nine month
period ended September 30, 1996. The
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   36
 
Company services the $229.0 million in securitized contract principal balances
for monthly fees ranging from .25% to .33% of the beginning of period principal
balances (3.0% to 4.0% annualized). In addition, in conjunction with the Kars
acquisition in September 1997, the Company recognizes income from servicing the
Kars portfolio at a rate of approximately .33% (4.0% annualized) of beginning of
period principal balances. Servicing income for the nine months ended September
30, 1997 increased to $3.8 million from $487,000 in the nine month period ended
September 30, 1996. The significant increase is due to the increase in the
principal balance of contracts being serviced pursuant to the Securitization
Program and the addition of servicing of the Kars portfolio. The increase is
also due to an increase in insurance premium income of $607,000 over the same
period in the prior year when the Company recognized no insurance premium income
and an increase in earnings on investments of $1.2 million compared to no
investment earnings in the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. The
Company no longer actively engages in the rent-a-car franchise business.
 
     Income before Operating Expenses.  As a result of the Company's continued
expansion, Income before Operating Expenses grew by 137.9% to $62.3 million for
the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 from $26.2 million for the nine
month period ended September 30, 1996. Growth of Sales of Used Cars, Interest
Income on the loan portfolios, Gain on Sale of Loans, and Other Income were the
primary contributors to the increase.
 
     Operating Expenses.  Operating Expenses consist of Selling and Marketing
Expenses, General and Administrative Expenses, and Depreciation and
Amortization.
 
     The Company has five distinct business segments. These consist of retail
car sales operations (Company Dealerships), operations attributable to the
administration and collection of finance receivables generated at the Company
Dealerships (Company Dealership Receivables), activities associated with the
origination, administration and collection of finance receivables purchased from
Third Party Dealers (Third Party Dealers), financing activities related to the
collateralized dealer financing program (Cygnet), and corporate and other
operations.
 
     A summary of Operating Expenses by business segment for the nine month
periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        COMPANY        THIRD
                                          COMPANY     DEALERSHIP       PARTY               CORPORATE
                                         DEALERSHIP   RECEIVABLES   RECEIVABLES   CYGNET    & OTHER     TOTAL
                                         ----------   -----------   -----------   ------   ---------   -------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>      <C>         <C>
1997:
  Selling and Marketing................   $  6,670      $    --       $    --      $  9     $     1    $ 6,680
  General and Administrative...........     14,196        7,563        10,076       896       7,758     40,489
  Depreciation and Amortization........        984          785           261         7         422      2,459
                                           -------       ------       -------      ----      ------    -------
                                          $ 21,850      $ 8,348       $10,337      $912     $ 8,181    $49,628
                                           =======       ======       =======      ====      ======    =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        COMPANY        THIRD
                                          COMPANY     DEALERSHIP       PARTY               CORPORATE
                                         DEALERSHIP   RECEIVABLES   RECEIVABLES   CYGNET    & OTHER     TOTAL
                                         ----------   -----------   -----------   ------   ---------   -------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>      <C>         <C>
1996:
  Selling and Marketing................   $  2,898      $    --       $    --      $ --     $    17    $ 2,915
  General and Administrative...........      6,225        2,067         2,470        --       2,789     13,551
  Depreciation and Amortization........        235          567           131        --         195      1,128
                                           -------       ------       -------      ----      ------    -------
                                          $  9,358      $ 2,634       $ 2,601      $ --     $ 3,001    $17,594
                                           =======       ======       =======      ====      ======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     Selling and Marketing Expenses.  For the nine month periods ended September
30, 1997 and 1996, Selling and Marketing Expenses were comprised almost entirely
of advertising costs and commissions relating to Company Dealership operations.
Selling and Marketing Expenses increased by 129.2% to $6.7 million for the nine
month period ended September 30, 1997 from $2.9 million for the nine month
period ended September 30, 1996. As a percentage of Sales of Used Cars, these
expenses averaged 8.4% and 6.9% for the
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   37
 
nine month periods ended September 30, 1997, and 1996, respectively. On a per
unit sold basis, Selling and Marketing Expenses of Company Dealerships increased
by 30.3% to $618 per unit for the nine month period ended September 30, 1997
from $475 per unit for the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. This
increase is primarily due to increased marketing production costs, and an
increase in marketing efforts in the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, San Antonio, Las
Vegas, and Albuquerque markets where the Company initially commenced operations
in 1997, combined with a decrease in same store unit sales.
 
     General and Administrative Expenses.  General and Administrative Expenses
increased by 198.8% to $40.5 million for the nine month period ended September
30, 1997 from $13.6 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 1996.
These expenses represented 33.7% and 23.5% of total revenues for the nine month
periods ended September 30, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The increase in
General and Administrative Expenses is primarily a result of the Company's
increased number of used car dealerships and significant expansion of its Third
Party Dealer financing operations as well as continued expansion of
infrastructure to administer growth.
 
     Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and Amortization consists of
depreciation and amortization on the Company's property and equipment and
amortization of the Company's goodwill and trademarks. Depreciation and
amortization increased by 118.0% to $2.5 million for the nine month period ended
September 30, 1997 from $1.1 million for the nine month period ended September
30, 1996. The increase was due primarily to the increase in amortization of
goodwill associated with the Company's recent acquisitions, and increased
depreciation expense from the addition of used car dealerships and Third Party
Dealer Branch offices.
 
     Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased by 34.9% to $2.9 million from
$4.5 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. The decrease in
1997, despite significant growth in Company assets, is primarily the result of
the two public offerings that were completed in 1996, a private placement that
was completed in February of 1997 which generated, in the aggregate,
approximately $168.1 million in cash, and the Company's Securitization Program
which generated cash from the sale of Finance Receivables which the Company
utilized to pay down debt. Further, concurrent with the Company's initial public
offering on June 21, 1996, the Company restructured its Subordinated Notes
Payable reducing the borrowing rate on that debt from 18% to 10% per annum.
 
     Income Taxes.  Income taxes totaled $4.0 million in the nine month period
ended September 30, 1997, an effective tax rate of 41.2%. In the nine month
period ended September 30, 1996, no income tax was incurred due to income tax
benefits realized from the Company's reduction in its valuation allowance for
deferred income tax assets.
 
  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
     During 1994, the Company closed one Company Dealership because the facility
failed to satisfy certain new standards and, at the end of 1995, closed its
Gilbert, Arizona dealership (the "Gilbert Dealership"). For substantially all of
1995, the Gilbert Dealership was used by the Company to evaluate the sale of
later model used cars. These cars had an average age of approximately three
years, which is two to seven years newer than the cars typically sold at Company
Dealerships, and cost more than twice that of typical Company Dealership cars.
The Company determined that its standard financing program could not be
implemented on these higher cost cars. Furthermore, operation of this dealership
required additional corporate infrastructure to support its market niche, such
as distinct advertising and marketing programs, which the Company was unable to
leverage across its other operations. Accordingly, the Company terminated this
program, and sold the land, dealership building, and other improvements to a
third party for $1.7 million. Pursuant to this sale and the disposition of other
assets, the Company recognized a loss of approximately $221,000. During fiscal
year 1995, the Gilbert Dealership produced sales of $9.5 million (average of
$8,946 per car sold) and gross profits (Sales of Used Cars less Cost of Used
Cars Sold) of $2.2 million (average of $2,060 per car sold), and the Company
incurred selling and marketing expenses of $627,000 (average of $593 per car
sold). The results of operations discussed below have been adjusted as if the
Gilbert Dealership had been terminated as of December 31,
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   38
 
1994, as management believes these pro forma results are more indicative of
ongoing operations. Accordingly, 1995 amounts followed by "(pro forma)" have
been adjusted to eliminate Gilbert Dealership operations.
 
     Sales of Used Cars.  Sales of Used Cars increased by 40.1% to $53.8 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $38.4 million (pro forma) for the year
ended December 31, 1995 and by 38.1% for the year ended December 31, 1995 from
$27.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1994. This growth reflects
increases in the average unit sales price and the average number of units sold
by each Company Dealership.
 
     The average sales price per car increased by 17.2% to $7,107 for the year
ended December 31, 1996 from $6,065 (pro forma) for the year ended December 31,
1995 compared to 15.1% from $5,269 in 1994. This increase reflects management's
decision to sell higher quality vehicles at its Company Dealerships. Units sold
per Company Dealership averaged 946, 904 (pro forma), and 659 for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. The Company attributes
the increase in units sold per Company Dealership to the success of the
Company's business strategy, most notably its advertising and marketing
programs.
 
     Cost of Used Cars Sold and Gross Margin.  The Cost of Used Cars Sold
increased by 44.4% to $29.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from
$20.7 million (pro forma) for the year ended December 31, 1995, which was an
increase of 64.3% from $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1994. On a
per unit basis, the Cost of Used Cars Sold increased by 20.8% to $3,951 for the
year ended December 31, 1996 from $3,270 (pro forma) for the year ended December
31, 1995, which was an increase of 37.0% from $2,387 for the year ended December
31, 1994, largely due to management's determination to sell higher quality cars
throughout its operations. The gross margin on used car sales (Sales of Used
Cars less Cost of Used Cars Sold excluding Provision for Credit Losses)
increased by 35.0% to $23.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from
$17.7 million (pro forma) for the year ended December 31, 1995, which was an
increase of 16.4% from $15.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1994. As a
percentage of sales, the gross margin was 44.4%, 46.1% (pro forma), and 54.7%
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. The Company
attributes the decline in the gross margin percentage to management's strategy
of increasing the quality and, therefore, the cost, of cars sold at Company
Dealerships while maintaining a consistent dollar gross margin per unit sold.
The decline in the gross margin percentage was offset by corresponding increases
in the quality of finance contracts generated (resulting in a lower Provision
for Credit Losses) and greater unit sales per Company Dealership. On a per unit
basis, the gross margin per car sold was $3,156, $2,795 (pro forma), and $2,882
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
 
     Provision for Credit Losses.  A high percentage of Company Dealership
customers ultimately do not make all of their contractually scheduled payments,
requiring the Company to charge off the remaining principal balance due. As a
result, the Company recognizes a provision for credit losses in order to
establish an allowance for credit losses sufficient to absorb anticipated future
losses. The provision for credit losses increased by 25.6% to $9.8 million in
1996 over $7.8 million (pro forma) in 1995, which was a decrease of $300,000 or
3.7% from $8.1 million in 1994. This includes an increase of $153,000 in the
provision for credit losses in 1996 for third party receivables over 1995 when
the Company recorded no provision for credit losses for third party receivables.
In 1994, the Company recorded provision for credit losses totaling $116,000 for
its third party loan portfolio. On a percentage basis, the provision for credit
losses per unit originated at Company Dealerships increased by 3.1% to $1,277
per unit in 1996 over $1,239 (pro forma) per unit in 1995, which was a decrease
of 18.7% from 1994 when the average was $1,523 per unit. As a percentage of
contract balances originated, the provision averaged 19.7%, 22.8% (pro forma),
and 34.5% in 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. This decrease reflects the
Company's strengthened underwriting requirements, the higher quality of the cars
sold, and the Company's improved collection efforts.
 
     The Company charges its Provision for Credit Losses to current operations
and does not recognize any portion of the unearned interest income as a
component of its Allowance for Credit Losses. Accordingly, the Company's
unearned finance income is comprised of the full annual percentage rate ("APR")
on its contracts less amortization of loan origination costs.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   39
 
     Interest Income.  Interest income consists primarily of interest on both
finance receivables from Company Dealership sales and interest on Third Party
Dealer finance receivables.
 
     Company Dealership Receivables -- Interest income increased by 2.4% to $8.4
million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $8.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995, which increased by 74.5% compared to $4.7 million in
the year ended December 31, 1994. Interest income during the year ended December
31, 1996 was affected by the sale of $58.2 million in contract principal
balances pursuant to the Securitization Program, and will continue to be
affected in future periods by additional securitizations. A primary element of
the Company's sales strategy is to provide financing to customers with poor
credit histories who are unable to obtain automobile financing through
traditional sources. The Company financed 91.1% of sales revenue and 91.6% of
the used cars sold at Company Dealerships for the year ended December 31, 1996
compared to 89.7% (pro forma) of sales revenue and 91.2% (pro forma) of the used
cars sold for the year ended December 31, 1995, and 85.0% of sales revenue and
89.8% of used cars sold in the year ended December 31, 1994. The average amount
financed increased to $7,071 for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $5,966
for the year ended December 31, 1995 which had increased from $4,986 for the
year ended December 31, 1994. The effective yield on finance receivables from
Company Dealerships was 29.2%, 28.0%, and 28.2% for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. The Company operated 8, 7 (pro forma), and 8
dealerships at December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
 
     Third Party Receivables -- Interest income increased by 305.6% to $7.3
million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $1.8 million in 1995, which
was an increase of 153.5% from $710,000 in 1994. Interest income during the year
ended December 31, 1996 was effected by the sale of $10.0 million in contract
principal balances pursuant to the Securitization Program, and will continue to
be effected in future periods by additional securitizations. Interest income has
increased in conjunction with the increases in Third Party Dealer contracts
purchased and outstanding. As noted above, the Company began to significantly
expand its Third Party Dealer branch office operations in April 1995. Further,
subsequent to June 30, 1995, as a result of its migration to higher quality
contracts and expansion into markets with interest rate limits, the Company's
yield on its Third Party Dealer contract portfolio has trended downward.
Portfolio yield was approximately 25.8%, 26.7%, and 30.9% for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. The Company operated 35, 8 and
1 branch office(s) at December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
 
     Through December 31, 1996, the Company had securitized an aggregate of
$68.2 million in contracts, issuing $53.5 million in securities to SunAmerica.
Pursuant to these transactions, the Company allocated $10.0 million of its
Allowance for Credit Losses to the sold finance receivables during 1996 and
retained a Residual in Finance Receivables Sold of $9.9 million at December 31,
1996. The Company also recorded gain on sale of loans during 1996 of $4.4
million, net of expenses.
 
     Other Income.  Other Income consists primarily of servicing income,
franchise fees from the Company's rent-a-car franchisees and insurance premiums
earned on force placed insurance policies. The Company services the $51.7
million in contracts sold in the securitization for monthly fees ranging from
 .33% to .42% of beginning of period principal balances (4% to 5% annualized).
Servicing Income for the year ended December 31, 1996 totaled $921,000. In
addition, income from rent-a-car franchisees and insurance premiums earned on
force placed insurance policies increased by 111.0% to $650,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1996 from $308,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995,
which was a decrease of 44.6% from the $556,000 in 1994. The Company no longer
actively engages in the rent-a-car franchise business.
 
     Income before Operating Expenses.  As a result of the Company's continued
expansion, Income before Operating Expenses grew by 77.7% to $35.9 million for
the year ended December 31, 1996 from $20.2 million (pro forma) for the year
ended December 31, 1995, which was an increase of 54.2% from $13.1 million in
1994. Interest income on the loan portfolios and Gain on Sale of Loans were the
primary contributors to the increase. The increase also reflects the growth of
Sales of Used Cars.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   40
 
     Operating Expenses.  Operating Expenses consist of Selling and Marketing
Expenses, General and Administrative Expenses, and Depreciation and
Amortization. The allocation of these expenses to each of the Company's business
segments for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        COMPANY          THIRD
                                        COMPANY       DEALERSHIP         PARTY        CORPORATE
                                       DEALERSHIP     RECEIVABLES     RECEIVABLES     AND OTHER      TOTAL
                                       ----------     -----------     -----------     ---------     --------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>
1996:
  Selling and Marketing..............   $  3,568        $    --         $    --        $    17      $  3,585
  General and Administrative.........      8,295          3,042           3,955          4,246        19,538
  Depreciation and Amortization......        318            769             195            295         1,577
                                         -------         ------          ------         ------       -------
                                        $ 12,181        $ 3,811         $ 4,150        $ 4,558      $ 24,700
                                         =======         ======          ======         ======       =======
1995:
  Selling and Marketing..............   $  3,856        $    --         $    --        $    --      $  3,856
  General and Administrative.........      8,210          2,681           1,163          2,672        14,726
  Depreciation and Amortization......        279            479              89            467         1,314
                                         -------         ------          ------         ------       -------
                                        $ 12,345        $ 3,160         $ 1,252        $ 3,139      $ 19,896
                                         =======         ======          ======         ======       =======
1994:
  Selling and Marketing..............   $  2,263        $    --         $    --        $   139      $  2,402
  General and Administrative.........      5,069          1,631             240          2,201         9,141
  Depreciation and Amortization......        131            159              64            423           777
                                         -------         ------          ------         ------       -------
                                        $  7,463        $ 1,790         $   304        $ 2,763      $ 12,320
                                         =======         ======          ======         ======       =======
</TABLE>
 
     Selling and Marketing Expenses.  For the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995, and 1994, Selling and Marketing Expenses were comprised almost entirely of
advertising costs and commissions relating to Company Dealership operations.
Selling and Marketing Expenses increased by 12.5% to $3.6 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996 from $3.2 million (pro forma) for the year ended
December 31, 1995, which was an increase of 33.3% from $2.4 million in 1994. As
a percentage of Sales of Used Cars, these expenses averaged 6.7%, 8.3% (pro
forma), and 8.6% for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994,
respectively. On a per unit sold basis, Selling and Marketing Expenses of
Company Dealerships decreased by 7.1% to $474 per unit for the year ended
December 31, 1996 from $510 (pro forma) per unit for the year ended December 31,
1995, which was an increase of 18.9% from $429 per unit in 1994.
 
     General and Administrative Expenses.  General and Administrative Expenses
increased by 45.5% to $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from
$13.4 million (pro forma) for the year ended December 31, 1995, which was an
increase of 47.3% from $9.1 million in 1994. These expenses represented 25.8%,
27.5%, and 27.0% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995,
and 1994, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 1996, 42.5% of General
and Administrative Expenses were attributable to Company Dealership sales, 15.6%
to the Company Dealership receivables' financing activities, 20.2% to Third
Party Dealer activities and 21.7% to Corporate overhead. For the year ended
December 31, 1995, 55.8% of General and Administrative Expenses were
attributable to Company Dealership sales, 18.2% to the Company Dealership
receivables' financing activities, 7.9% to Third Party Dealer activities and
18.1% to Corporate overhead. The increase in General and Administrative Expenses
is a direct result of the Company's significant expansion of its Third Party
Dealer financing operations as well as continued expansion of infrastructure to
administer growth.
 
     Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and Amortization consists of
depreciation and amortization on the Company's property and equipment and
amortization of the Company's trademarks. Depreciation and amortization
increased by 23.1% to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from
$1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1995, which was an increase of
62.5% from $777,000 in 1994 . The increase was due primarily to the construction
of Company servicing facilities, which opened in June 1995, and the purchase of
associated equipment. For the year ended December 31, 1996, 20.2% of these
expenses were
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   41
 
attributable to Company Dealership sales, 48.7% to the Company Dealership
receivables' financing activities, 12.4% to Third Party Dealer activities and
18.7% to Corporate overhead. For the year ended December 31, 1995, 21.2% of
these expenses were attributable to Company Dealership sales, 36.5% to the
Company Dealership receivables' financing activities, 6.8% to Third Party Dealer
activities and 35.5% to Corporate overhead. Amortization of covenants was
$296,000 and $296,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995, and 1994
respectively. As of December 31, 1995, all existing covenants had been fully
amortized.
 
     Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased by 11.7% to $5.3 million in
1996 from $6.0 million in 1995, which was an increase of 100.0% from $3.0
million in 1994. The decrease in 1996, despite significant growth in Company
assets, is the direct result of the two public offerings that were completed in
1996 which generated $79.4 million in cash, and the Company's Securitization
Program which generated $39.0 million in cash from the sale of finance
receivables which the Company utilized to pay down debt. Further, concurrent
with the Company's initial public offering on June 21, 1996, the Company
restructured its Subordinated Notes Payable reducing the borrowing rate on that
debt from 18% to 10% per annum.
 
     Income Taxes.  Income taxes totaled $100,000 in 1996, up from zero in 1995.
In 1994, the Company realized a tax benefit of $334,000. In 1996, the Company
utilized all of the valuation allowance that existed against its deferred income
tax assets as of December 31, 1995. Therefore, the Company anticipates incurring
income tax expense in the future at the statutory income tax rates.
 
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
 
     The Company has established an Allowance for Credit Losses ("Allowance") to
cover anticipated credit losses on the contracts currently in its portfolio. The
Allowance has been established through the Provision for Credit Losses, and
through nonrefundable acquisition discounts on contracts purchased from Third
Party Dealers. The Allowance on contracts originated at Company Dealerships
decreased to 20.0% of outstanding principal balances as of September 30, 1997
compared to 23.0% as of December 31, 1996. The Allowance as a percentage of
Third Party Dealer contracts decreased to 12.0% from 12.7% over the same period.
The Allowance as a percentage of the Company's combined contract portfolio
increased to 15.2% at September 30, 1997 from 13.9% at December 31, 1996. The
increase in the Allowance percentage is primarily due to the composition of the
total portfolio with an increase in the Company Dealership Receivable portfolio
relative to the total portfolio compared to December 31, 1996.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   42
 
     The following table reflects activity in the Allowance, as well as
information regarding charge off activity, for the nine month periods ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, in thousands.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    COMPANY DEALERSHIPS      THIRD PARTY DEALERS
                                                    --------------------     --------------------
                                                     NINE MONTHS ENDED        NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                       SEPTEMBER 30,            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                    --------------------     --------------------
                                                      1997        1996         1997        1996
                                                    --------     -------     --------     -------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Allowance Activity:
Balance, Beginning of Period......................  $  1,625     $ 7,500     $  6,500     $ 1,000
Provision for Credit Losses.......................    14,193       7,713          948          --
Discount Acquired.................................    15,309          --       17,713       3,646
Discount accreted to interest income..............        --          --         (642)         --
Reduction Attributable to Loans Sold..............   (21,407)     (6,187)     (18,096)         --
Net Charge Offs...................................    (6,411)     (5,455)      (3,401)     (1,591)
                                                    --------     -------     --------     --------
Balance, End of Period............................  $  3,309     $ 3,571     $  3,022     $ 3,055
                                                    ========     =======     ========     ========
Allowance as Percent of Period End Principal
  Balance.........................................      20.0%       23.1%        12.0%        8.3%
                                                    ========     =======     ========     ========
Ended Principal Balance
Charge off Activity:
Principal Balances:
  Collateral Recovered............................  $ (6,865)    $(5,260)    $ (3,873)    $(2,070)
  Collateral Not Recovered........................    (1,490)     (1,619)        (858)       (416)
                                                    --------     -------     --------     --------
  Total Principal Balances........................    (8,355)     (6,879)      (4,731)     (2,486)
  Accrued Interest................................        --        (486)          --        (123)
  Recoveries, Net.................................     1,944       1,910        1,330       1,018
                                                    --------     -------     --------     --------
Net Charge Offs...................................  $ (6,411)    $(5,455)    $ (3,401)    $(1,591)
                                                    ========     =======     ========     ========
Net Charge Offs as % of Average Principal
  Outstanding.....................................     23.9%       25.3%        15.8%       9.18%
                                                    ========     =======     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     During the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, the Company
experienced rapid growth in the number of states in which it operated Company
Dealerships and Third Party Dealer branches. As a result, the Company's loan
base was more geographically diversified throughout the country, which in turn
led to the Company repossessing significantly more vehicles throughout the
country than it historically had, in markets where it did not operate
reconditioning centers or repossession lots. The Company, therefore, relied
extensively on third parties to dispose of its repossessed collateral. This led
to the Company not realizing its expected recovery amount on the liquidation of
these repossessions. The Company has taken several actions to reverse this trend
including consolidation of auction locations through which repossessed vehicles
are liquidated, expansion of its repossession administration department,
development of an enhanced repossession tracking and monitoring system, hiring
of staff whose primary responsibility is to represent the Company at auctions,
and expansion of efforts to better recondition repossessions prior to
liquidation. The Company believes these actions will improve recovery rates to
levels it historically experienced prior to the nine month period ended
September 30, 1997. For loans originated at Company Dealerships, recoveries as a
percentage of principal balances charged off where collateral has been recovered
averaged 28.3% for the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 compared to
36.3% for the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. Company Dealership
loan recoveries in Arizona are positively affected by the Company's ability to
receive a sales tax benefit for charged off loans that it does not receive in
other markets. As a result of the Company's expansion outside of the Arizona
market in 1997, recovery rates for the Company Dealership loan portfolio were
negatively affected. For Third Party Dealer loans, recoveries as a percentage of
principal balances charged off where collateral has been recovered averaged
34.3% for the nine months period ended September 30, 1997 compared to 49.2% for
the nine month period ended September 30, 1996.
 
     The Company's Net Charge Offs on its Third Party Dealer contract portfolio
are lower than those incurred on its Company Dealership contract portfolio. This
is attributable to the relationship of the average
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   43
 
amount financed to the underlying collateral's wholesale value and to a lesser
degree the generally more creditworthy customers served by Third Party Dealers.
In its Third Party Dealer portfolio, the Company generally limits the amount
financed to not more than 120.0% of the wholesale value of the underlying car,
although the Company will make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
 
     The following table reflects activity in the Allowance, as well as
information regarding charge off activity, for the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1995, in thousands.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      -------------------------------------------
                                                      COMPANY DEALERSHIPS     THIRD PARTY DEALERS
                                                      -------------------     -------------------
                                                       1996        1995        1996        1995
                                                      -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Allowance Activity:
Balance, Beginning of Period........................  $ 7,500     $ 6,050     $ 1,000     $   159
Provision for Credit Losses.........................    9,658       8,359         153          --
Discount Acquired...................................       --          --       8,963       1,660
Reduction Attributable to Loans Sold................   (9,331)         --        (650)         --
Net Charge Offs.....................................   (6,202)     (6,909)     (2,966)       (819)
                                                      -------      ------     -------       -----
Balance, End of Period..............................  $ 1,625     $ 7,500     $ 6,500     $ 1,000
                                                      =======      ======     =======       =====
Allowance as Percent of Period End Principal
  Balance...........................................    23.0%       21.9%       12.7%        7.2%
                                                      =======      ======     =======       =====
Charge off Activity:
Principal Balances:
  Collateral Recovered..............................  $(6,256)    $(6,686)    $(3,618)    $  (806)
  Collateral Not Recovered..........................   (1,859)     (2,478)       (717)       (220)
                                                      -------      ------     -------       -----
  Total Principal Balances..........................   (8,115)     (9,164)     (4,335)     (1,026)
  Accrued Interest..................................     (487)       (653)       (123)        (59)
  Recoveries, Net...................................    2,400       2,908       1,492         266
                                                      -------      ------     -------       -----
Net Charge Offs.....................................  $(6,202)    $(6,909)    $(2,966)    $  (819)
                                                      =======      ======     =======       =====
Net Charge Offs as % of Average Principal
  Outstanding.......................................    23.0%       24.0%       10.7%       11.9%
                                                      =======      ======     =======       =====
</TABLE>
 
     The Company's policy is to charge off contracts when they are deemed
uncollectible, but in any event at such time as a contract is delinquent for 90
days.
 
     Net Charge Offs - Company Dealership Portfolio.  Net Charge Offs for
contracts originated at Company Dealerships in 1996 were 23.0% of the average
principal balance outstanding compared to 24.0% in 1995. As discussed above,
beginning in 1995 and continuing in 1996 the Company has migrated to selling
higher quality cars at its dealerships. Accordingly, repossessions have less
frequently met Company standards for resale and, therefore, have been sold
primarily at wholesale auction.
 
     Recoveries averaged 29.6% of principal balances charged off in 1996
compared to 31.7% in 1995, primarily reflecting reductions in the percentage of
repossessed cars sold at Company Dealerships of 11.0% in 1996 compared to 33.6%
in 1995.
 
     Net Charge Offs - Third Party Dealers.  Net Charge Offs for contracts
purchased from Third Party Dealers in 1996 were 10.7% of the average principal
balance outstanding compared to 11.9% in 1995. Prior to April 1995, the Company
purchased from Third Party Dealers, at discounts of approximately 15.0% to
25.0%, contracts with average principal balances of approximately $4,000 bearing
a typical APR of 29.9%. In April 1995, the Company significantly revised and
expanded its Third Party Dealer program. Under the current program, which is
aimed at more creditworthy borrowers, it purchases from Third Party Dealers, at
discounts averaging approximately 11.0%, contracts with average principal
balances of approximately $5,800 bearing an average APR of 24.5%.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   44
 
     Recoveries averaged 34.4% of principal balances charged off on contracts
purchased from Third Party Dealers in 1996 compared to 25.9% for the year ended
December 31, 1995. The increase is due to both an increase in the percent of
charged off collateral actually recovered to 83.5% in 1996 from 78.6% in 1995
and an increase in the percent realized from the resale of recovered collateral
to 41.2% in 1996 from 33.0% in 1995.
 
     Net Charge Off percentage trends for the respective portfolios are
considered by management in determining the adequacy of the Allowance as a
percentage of contract principal balances outstanding.
 
     Static Pool Analysis.  To monitor contract performance, beginning in June
1995, the Company implemented "static pool" analysis for contracts originated
since January 1, 1993. Static pool analysis is a monitoring methodology by which
each month's originations and subsequent charge offs are assigned a unique pool
and the pool performance is monitored separately. Improving or deteriorating
performance is measured based on cumulative gross and net charge offs as a
percentage of original principal balances, based on the number of complete
payments made by the customer before charge off. The table below sets forth the
cumulative net charge offs as a percentage of original contract cumulative
balances, based on the quarter of origination and segmented by the number of
payments made prior to charge off. For periods denoted by "x", the pools have
not seasoned sufficiently to allow for computation of cumulative losses. For
periods denoted by "--", the pools have not yet attained the indicated
cumulative age. While the Company monitors its static pools on a monthly basis,
for presentation purposes the information in the tables are presented on a
quarterly basis.
 
     Effective January 1, 1997, the Company modified its methodology to reflect
additional historical experience in computing "Monthly Payments Completed by
Customer Before Charge Off" as it relates to loan balances charged off after
final insurance settlements and on loans modified from their original terms.
Resulting adjustments affect the timing of previously reported interim
cumulative losses, but do not impact ending cumulative losses. For loan balances
charged off after insurance settlement principal reductions, the revised
calculation method only gives credit for payments actually made by the customer
and excludes credit for reductions arising from insurance proceeds. For modified
loans, completed payments now reflect customer payments made both before and
after the loan was modified. The numbers presented below reflect the adoption of
the revised calculation method.
 
     Currently reported cumulative losses may also vary from those previously
reported due to ongoing collection efforts on charged off accounts and the
difference between final proceeds on the liquidation of repossessed collateral
versus original accounting estimates. Management believes that such variation
will not be material.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   45
 
CONTRACTS ORIGINATED AT COMPANY DEALERSHIPS
 
     The following table sets forth the cumulative net charge offs as a
percentage of original contract cumulative (pool) balances, based on the quarter
of origination and segmented by the number of monthly payments completed by
customer before charge off. Additionally, set forth is the percent of principal
reduction for each pool since inception and cumulative total net losses incurred
(TLI).
 
         POOL'S CUMULATIVE NET LOSSES AS PERCENTAGE OF POOL'S ORIGINAL
                          AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL BALANCE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    MONTHLY PAYMENTS COMPLETED BY CUSTOMER BEFORE CHARGE OFF
                                    ---------------------------------------------------------   PERCENT
                                     0       3        6        12       18       24      TLI    REDUCED
                                    ---     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----   -------
<S>                                 <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>    <C>
1993:
1st Quarter.......................  6.9%    18.7%    26.5%    31.8%    33.9%    35.1%    35.4%   100.0%
2nd Quarter.......................  7.2%    18.9%    25.1%    29.4%    31.7%    32.1%    32.4%   100.0%
3rd Quarter.......................  8.6%    19.6%    23.7%    28.5%    30.7%    31.6%    31.9%   100.0%
4th Quarter.......................  6.3%    16.1%    21.6%    27.0%    28.9%    29.5%    29.6%   100.0%
1994:
1st Quarter.......................  3.4%    10.0%    13.4%    18.1%    20.5%    21.2%    21.3%   100.0%
2nd Quarter.......................  2.8%    10.5%    14.2%    19.7%    21.9%    22.4%    22.5%   100.0%
3rd Quarter.......................  2.8%     8.2%    12.2%    16.5%    18.6%    19.5%    19.6%   100.0%
4th Quarter.......................  2.4%     7.7%    11.3%    16.9%    20.0%    21.0%    21.1%   100.0%
1995:
1st Quarter.......................  1.1%     7.4%    12.5%    17.8%    20.3%    21.3%    21.5%    97.6%
2nd Quarter.......................  1.7%     7.1%    12.1%    16.7%    19.6%    21.1%    21.1%    93.0%
3rd Quarter.......................  2.0%     7.0%    11.1%    18.1%    21.7%       x     22.8%    86.6%
4th Quarter.......................  1.2%     5.7%    10.8%    17.8%    22.3%      --     22.6%    81.7%
1996:
1st Quarter.......................  1.4%     7.6%    13.2%    20.6%       x       --     23.6%    74.4%
2nd Quarter.......................  2.2%     9.2%    14.1%    22.6%      --       --     23.1%    64.4%
3rd Quarter.......................  1.6%     7.2%    12.9%       x       --       --     18.9%    53.1%
4th Quarter.......................  1.6%     8.7%    16.0%      --       --       --     17.6%    44.5%
1997:
1st Quarter.......................  2.5%    10.4%       x       --       --       --     12.7%    34.0%
2nd Quarter.......................  1.8%       x       --       --       --       --      4.7%    15.4%
3rd Quarter.......................    x       --       --       --       --       --      0.2%     1.8%
</TABLE>
 
     Trends set forth in the table above indicate a deterioration in the
performance of the associated loan portfolio. Management believes the
deterioration is primarily attributable to less effective collection procedures
resulting from a loan servicing and collection data processing system conversion
during 1997 rather than from any fundamental change in loan quality or
underwriting. As a result of this trend, the Company recorded a charge against
its Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold during the nine month period ended
September 30, 1997.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   46
 
     The following table sets forth the principal balances 31 to 60 days
delinquent, and 61 to 90 days delinquent as a percentage of total outstanding
Company Dealership contract principal balances.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        RETAINED     SECURITIZED     MANAGED
                                                        --------     -----------     -------
        <S>                                             <C>          <C>             <C>
        September 30, 1997:
          31 to 60 days...............................     1.5%          3.9%          3.6%
          61 to 90 days...............................     2.8%          1.4%          1.6%
        December 31, 1996:
          31 to 60 days...............................     2.3%          5.4%          5.0%
          61 to 90 days...............................     0.6%          1.9%          1.7%
        December 31, 1995:
          31 to 60 days...............................     4.2%           --           4.2%
          61 to 90 days...............................     1.1%           --           1.1%
</TABLE>
 
In accordance with the Company's charge off policy, there are no accounts more
than 90 days delinquent as of September 30, 1997, or December 31, 1996, and
1995.
 
CONTRACTS PURCHASED FROM THIRD PARTY DEALERS
 
     Non-refundable acquisition discount ("Discount") acquired totaled $17.7
million and $3.6 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 1997 and
1996, respectively. The Discount, attributable to Third Party Dealer purchases,
averaged approximately 12.2% as a percentage of principal balances purchased in
the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, compared to 11.1% in the nine
month period ended September 30, 1996.
 
     Discount acquired totaled $9.0 million and $1.7 million for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Discount, attributable to Third
Party Dealer Branch purchases, averaged 11.4% as a percentage of principal
balances purchased in 1996, compared to 10.1% in 1995. Beginning in 1996, the
Company expanded into markets with interest rate limits. While contractual
interest rates on these contracts are limited by law, the Company has been able
to purchase these contracts at a reasonably consistent effective yield and
therefore Discounts have trended upward. To date, the Company has credited to
the Allowance for Credit Losses all Discount acquired with the purchase of
contracts from Third Party Dealers.
 
     The following table sets forth the cumulative net charge offs as a
percentage of original contract cumulative (pool) balances, based on the quarter
of origination and segmented by the number of monthly payments completed by
customer before charge off. Additionally, set forth is the percent of principal
reduction for each pool since inception and cumulative total net losses incurred
(TLI).
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   47
 
         POOL'S CUMULATIVE NET LOSSES AS PERCENTAGE OF POOL'S ORIGINAL
                          AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL BALANCE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     MONTHLY PAYMENTS COMPLETED BY CUSTOMER BEFORE CHARGE OFF
                                     --------------------------------------------------------   PERCENT
                                      0       3       6        12       18       24      TLI    REDUCED
                                     ---     ---     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----   -------
<S>                                  <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>    <C>
1995:
2nd Quarter........................  0.9%    4.1%     5.7%     7.7%     9.4%    10.6%    10.6%    90.1%
3rd Quarter........................  1.2%    3.7%     4.6%     6.3%     7.5%       x      8.1%    82.4%
4th Quarter........................  1.0%    4.3%     6.7%     9.3%    11.0%      --     11.2%    82.5%
1996:
1st Quarter........................  0.8%    3.7%     6.9%    10.8%       x       --     12.1%    74.5%
2nd Quarter........................  1.6%    6.2%     9.7%    13.6%      --       --     13.6%    67.8%
3rd Quarter........................  1.3%    6.0%     9.2%       x       --       --     14.7%    56.2%
4th Quarter........................  1.4%    7.4%    12.0%      --       --       --     15.2%    45.6%
1997:
1st Quarter........................  1.4%    7.6%       x       --       --       --      8.2%    30.9%
2nd Quarter........................  1.5%      x       --       --       --       --      2.4%    14.3%
3rd Quarter........................    x      --       --       --       --       --      0.1%     2.6%
</TABLE>
 
Trends set forth in the table above indicate a deterioration in the performance
of the associated loan portfolio. Management believes the deterioration is
primarily attributable to less effective collection procedures resulting from a
loan servicing and collection data processing system conversion during 1997
rather than from any fundamental change in loan quality or underwriting. As a
result of this trend, the Company recorded a charge against its Residuals in
Finance Receivables Sold during the nine month period ended September 30, 1997.
 
     Beginning April 1, 1995, the Company initiated a new purchasing program for
Third Party Dealer contracts which included an emphasis on higher quality
contracts. As of March 31, 1995, the Third Party Dealer portfolio originated
under the prior program had a principal balance of $2.0 million which are paid
in full. Therefore, contract performance under this prior program has been
excluded from the table above.
 
     While the static pool information is developing, management augments its
evaluation of the adequacy of the Allowance for Third Party Dealers through
comparisons in the characteristics of collateral ratios and borrowers on Third
Party Dealer contracts versus those of the Company Dealership contracts, as well
as through comparisons of portfolio delinquency, actual contract performance
and, to the extent information is available, industry statistics.
 
     The following table sets forth the principal balances 31 to 60 days
delinquent, and 61 to 90 days delinquent as a percentage of total outstanding
Third Party Dealer contract principal balances.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        RETAINED     SECURITIZED     MANAGED
                                                        --------     -----------     -------
        <S>                                             <C>          <C>             <C>
        September 30, 1997:
          31 to 60 days...............................     1.7%          4.7%          4.2%
          61 to 90 days...............................     2.5%          1.6%          1.8%
        December 31, 1996:
          31 to 60 days...............................     3.1%          4.3%          3.3%
          61 to 90 days...............................     1.1%          1.0%          1.1%
        December 31, 1995:
          31 to 60 days...............................     1.2%           --           1.2%
          61 to 90 days...............................     0.4%           --           0.4%
</TABLE>
 
     In accordance with the Company's charge off policy there are no Third Party
Dealer contracts more than 90 days delinquent as of September 30, 1997, or
December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   48
 
     During 1996 and continuing throughout 1997, the Company elected to extend
the time period before repossession is ordered with respect to those customers
who exhibit a willingness and capacity to bring their contracts current. As a
result of this revised repossession policy, delinquencies increased as expected.
 
RESIDUALS IN FINANCE RECEIVABLES SOLD
 
     Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold represent the Company's retained
portion of the securitization assets. The Company utilizes a number of estimates
in arriving at the initial valuation of the Residuals in Finance Receivables
Sold, which represent the expected present value of net cash flows into the
Trusts in excess of those required to pay principal and interest on the Class A
certificates. The present value of expected cash flows are a function of a
number of items including, but not limited to, charge off rates, repossession
recovery rates, portfolio delinquency, prepayment rates, and Trust expenses.
Subsequent to the initial recording of the Residuals in Finance Receivables
Sold, the carrying value is adjusted for the actual cash flows into the
respective Trusts in order to maintain a carrying value which approximates the
present value of the expected net cash flows into the Trust in excess of those
required to pay all obligations of the respective Trust other than the
obligations to the Class B certificates. To the extent that actual cash flows on
a securitization are below original estimates, and differ materially from the
original securitization assumptions, and in the opinion of management, those
differences appear to be other than temporary in nature, the Company would be
required to revalue the Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold, and record a
charge to earnings based upon the reduction. During the three month period ended
September 30, 1997, the Company recorded a $10.0 million charge (approximately
$6.0 million, net of income taxes) to write down the Residuals in Finance
Receivables Sold. The Company determined a write down in the Residuals in
Finance Receivables Sold was necessary due to an increase in net losses in the
securitized loan portfolio, particularly the Third Party Dealer portfolio. For
securitization transactions between June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997, for
contracts originated at Company Dealerships, net losses were originally
estimated using total expected cumulative net losses at loan origination of
approximately 26.0%, adjusted for actual cumulative net losses prior to
securitization. For contracts purchased from Third Party Dealers, net losses
were originally estimated using total expected cumulative net losses at loan
origination of approximately 13.5%, adjusted for actual cumulative net losses
prior to securitization. Prepayment rates were estimated to be 1.5% per month of
the beginning of month balance. The $10.0 million charge (approximately $6.0
million, net of income taxes) in the three month period ended September 30, 1997
which resulted in a reduction in the carrying value of the Company's Residuals
in Finance Receivables Sold had the effect of increasing the cumulative net loss
assumption for contracts originated at Company Dealerships to approximately
27.5%, and for contracts purchased from Third Party Dealers to approximately
17.5% for the securitization transactions that took place prior to the three
month period ended September 30, 1997. As a result of this charge, the remaining
Allowance for Credit Losses inherent in the securitization assumptions as a
percentage of the remaining principal balances of securitized contracts was
approximately 19.7% as of September 30, 1997, compared to 15.2% as of December
31, 1996. There can be no assurance that the charge taken by the Company is
sufficient and that the Company will not record additional charges in the future
in order to write down the Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company requires capital to support increases in its contract
portfolio, expansion of Company Dealerships, Branch Offices, the Cygnet Dealer
Program, the purchase of inventories, the purchase of property and equipment,
loan servicing and collection operations, and for working capital and general
corporate purposes. The Company funds its capital requirements through equity
offerings, operating cash flow, the sale of finance receivables, and
supplemental borrowings.
 
     The Company's Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities increased by $39.7
million to $41.3 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 from
$1.6 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. The increase was
primarily due to an increase in proceeds from sales of finance receivables,
provision for credit losses, and increases in Accounts Payable, Accrued
Liabilities and Other Liabilities offset by increases in Finance Receivables
Held for Sale, Gain on Sale of Finance Receivables, and increases in Inventory
and Other Assets.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   49
 
     The Net Cash Used in Investing Activities increased by $90.1 million to
$103.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $12.9 million in
the nine months ended September 30, 1996. The increase was due to an increase in
notes receivable of $29.6 million, an increase in the purchase of property and
equipment of $11.5 million, and the purchase of the assets of Seminole, EZ Plan,
and Kars, for $45.3 million.
 
     The Company's Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities increased by $37.1
million to $47.6 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 from
$10.5 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. This increase
was primarily the result of the $88.7 million in proceeds from the Company's
sale of common stock, net of the $39.1 million of repayment of Notes Payable and
the repayment of Subordinated Notes Payable of $2.0 million.
 
     The Company's Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities increased by 10.1%
from $6.3 million for 1995 to $7.0 million in 1996, compared to an increase of
87.8% from $3.4 million in 1994. The increase was primarily due to increases in
Net Earnings, proceeds from the sale of finance receivables, and the Provision
for Credit Losses, net of increases in Finance Receivables Held for Sale, Other
Assets, and the Gain on Sale of Finance Receivables. The increase in 1995 over
1994 was primarily a result of a smaller increase in inventory of $1.5 million,
and an increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities of
$2.0 million.
 
     The Net Cash Used in Investing Activities decreased by 17.6% from $36.4
million in the year ended December 31, 1995 to $30.0 million in the year ended
December 31, 1996. The $29.4 million increase provided by collections on finance
receivables was offset by the $25.2 million increase in cash used in the
increase in finance receivables, $3.5 million used for the increase in
Investments Held in Trust, and $2.9 million increase used for the purchases of
property and equipment. Cash used in investing activities increased from 1994 to
1995 by $15.8 million or 76.7%, primarily as a result of an increase in finance
receivables of $25.8 million net of increased collections of $7.6 million.
 
     The Company's Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities increased by 28.1%
from $31.3 million in the year ended December 31, 1995 to $40.1 million in the
year ended December 31, 1996. This increase was the result of the $79.4 million
in proceeds from the Company's public offerings of common stock, net of the
$28.6 million of repayment of notes payable and the redemption of $10.0 million
of preferred stock. The Company's Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
increased by 80.9% or $14.0 million from 1994 to 1995 due primarily to a net
increase in notes payable of $12.3 million.
 
     Revolving Facility.  The Company maintains a Revolving Facility with GE
Capital that has a maximum commitment of up to $100.0 million. Under the
Revolving Facility, the Company may borrow up to 65.0% of the principal balance
of eligible Company Dealership contracts and up to 86.0% of the principal
balance of eligible Third Party Dealer contracts. The Revolving Facility expires
in December 1998. The facility is secured by substantially all of the Company's
assets. As of September 30, 1997, the Company's borrowing capacity under the
Revolving Facility was $19.0 million, the aggregate principal amount outstanding
under the Revolving Facility was approximately $128,000, and the amount
available to be borrowed under the facility was $18.9 million. The Revolving
Facility bears interest at the 30-day LIBOR plus 3.15%, payable daily (total
rate of 8.8% as of September 30, 1997).
 
     The Revolving Facility contains covenants that, among other things, limit
the Company's ability to, without GE Capital's consent: (i) incur additional
indebtedness; (ii) make unsecured loans or other advances of money to officers,
directors, employees, stockholders or affiliates in excess of $25,000 in total;
(iii) engage in securitization transactions; (iv) merge with, consolidate with,
acquire or otherwise combine with any other person or entity, transfer any
division or segment of its operations to another person or entity, or form new
subsidiaries; (v) make any change in its capital structure; (vi) declare or pay
dividends except in accordance with all applicable laws and not in excess of
fifteen percent (15%) of each year's net earnings available for distribution;
(vii) make certain investments and capital expenditures; and (viii) engage in
certain transactions with affiliates. These covenants also require the Company
to maintain specified financial ratios, including a debt ratio of 2.1 to 1 and a
net worth of at least $75,000,000, and to comply with all laws relating to the
Company's business. The Revolving Facility also provides that a transfer of
ownership of the Company that
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   50
 
results in less than 15.0% of the Company's voting stock being owned by Mr.
Ernest C. Garcia II, will result in an event of default under the Revolving
Facility.
 
     FMAC Senior Bank Debt.  In conjunction with the acquisition of the Senior
Bank Debt from the Bank Group, the Company executed a note payable of
approximately $55.1 million payable to the Bank Group with a balance at
September 30, 1997 of approximately $50.4 million. This indebtedness was paid in
full on December 18, 1997.
 
     Subordinated Indebtedness and Preferred Stock.  Prior to its public
offering in June 1996, the Company historically borrowed substantial amounts
from Verde Investments Inc. ("Verde"), an affiliate of the Company. The
Subordinated Notes Payable balances outstanding to Verde totaled $12.0 million
and $14.0 million as of September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively.
Prior to June 21, 1996, these borrowings accrued interest at an annual rate of
18.0%. Effective June 21, 1996, the annual interest rate on these borrowings was
reduced to 10.0%. The Company is required to make monthly payments of interest
and annual payments of principal in the amount of $2.0 million. This debt is
junior to all of the Company's other indebtedness and the Company may suspend
interest and principal payments in the event it is in default on obligations to
any other creditors. In July 1997, the Company's Board of Directors approved the
prepayment of the $12.0 million in subordinated debt subject to various
conditions including the Company's completion of a debt offering.
 
     On December 31, 1995, Verde converted $10.0 million of subordinated debt to
Preferred Stock of the Company. Prior to June 21, 1996, the Preferred Stock
accrued a dividend of 12.0% annually, increasing one percent per year up to a
maximum of 18.0%. Effective June 21, 1996, the dividend on the Preferred Stock
was decreased from 12.0% to 10.0%. During the nine month period ended September
30, 1996, the Company paid a total of $817,000 in dividends to Verde on the
Preferred Stock which was redeemed in November 1996. As the preferred stock was
redeemed in 1996, there were no dividends paid in 1997.
 
     Securitizations.  Pursuant to the Company's Securitization Program, the
Company and SunAmerica entered into an agreement under which SunAmerica would
purchase $175.0 million of certificates secured by contracts. As of June 30,
1997, the Company had substantially utilized its maximum commitment from, and
does not expect to complete any further securitizations with SunAmerica under
the existing Securitization Program. The Securitization Program has provided the
Company with a source of funding in addition to the Revolving Facility. At the
closing of each securitization, the Securitization Subsidiaries receive payment
for the certificates sold (net of Investments Held in Trust). The Company also
generates cash flow under this program from ongoing servicing fees and excess
cash flow distributions resulting primarily from the difference between the
payments received from customers on the contracts and the payments paid on the
Class A Certificates. In addition, securitization allows the Company to fix its
cost of funds for a given contract portfolio, and broadens the Company's capital
source alternatives. The Company sold its securitization that was consummated
during the three month period ended September 30, 1997 to private investors.
Failure to periodically engage in securitization transactions will adversely
affect the Company.
 
     In connection with its securitization transactions, the Securitization
Subsidiaries are required to make an initial cash deposit into an account held
by the trustee (spread account) and to pledge this cash to the Trust to which
the finance receivables were sold. The Trust in turn invests the cash in high
quality liquid investment securities. In addition, the cash flows due to the B
Certificates first are deposited into the spread account as necessary to attain
and maintain the spread account at a specified percentage of the underlying
finance receivables principal balance. In the event that the cash flows
generated by the finance receivables sold to the Trust are insufficient to pay
obligations of the Trust, including principal or interest due to certificate
holders or expenses of the Trust, the trustee will draw funds from the spread
account as necessary to pay the obligations of the Trust. The spread account
must be maintained at a specified percentage of the principal balances of the
finance receivables held by the Trust, which can be increased in the event
delinquencies or losses exceed specified levels. If the spread account exceeds
the specified percentage, the trustee will release the excess cash to the
Securitization Subsidiaries from the pledged spread account.
 
     Debt Shelf Registration.  On July 18, 1997, the Company filed a Form S-3
registration statement for the purpose of registering up to $200 million of its
debt securities in one or more series at prices and on terms to be
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   51
 
determined at the time of sale. The registration statement has been declared
effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available for future
debt offerings.
 
     Transactions regarding First Merchants Acceptance Corporation.  FMAC filed
for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code on July 11,
1997. For a description of the Company's involvement in the FMAC Bankruptcy
Case, see "FMAC Transaction."
 
     Capital Expenditures and Commitments.  The Company has had an aggressive
growth strategy. In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company acquired the
leasehold rights to an existing dealership in Las Vegas, Nevada, which commenced
operations in March 1997, and has opened two new dealerships in Phoenix, Arizona
and two new dealerships in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition, the Company has
two dealerships in Phoenix, Arizona, one in San Antonio, two in Dallas, one in
Miami and one in Tampa currently under development. Further, the Company opened
48 new Branch Offices during the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, and
recently completed expansion of its contract servicing and collection facility.
 
     On September 19, 1997, the Company purchased substantially all of the
dealership and loan servicing assets of Kars, a Company in the business of
selling and financing used motor vehicles, including six dealerships in the Los
Angeles market, two in the Miami market, two in the Atlanta market, and two in
the Dallas market in exchange for approximately $5.2 million in cash. In
addition, effective October 31, 1997, the Company purchased certain assets and
assumed certain leasehold interests of World Auto, Inc. relating to four
dealerships in Georgia for approximately $50,000. Further, on July 11, 1997, the
Company entered into an agreement to provide "debtor-in-possession" financing to
FMAC in an amount up to $10.0 million. The Company had advanced $3.8 million
against this commitment as of September 30, 1997 and subsequently committed to
increase the debtor-in-possession financing to up to $16.5 million. The Company
intends to finance these expenditures through operating cash flows and
supplemental borrowings, including amounts available under the Revolving
Facility and the Securitization Program, if any.
 
     Common Stock Repurchase Program.  In October 1997, the Company's Board of
Directors authorized a stock repurchase program by which the Company may acquire
up to one million shares of its Common Stock from time to time on the open
market. Under the program, purchases may be made depending on market conditions,
share price and other factors. The stock repurchase program will terminate on
December 31, 1998, unless extended by the Company's Board of Directors, and may
be discontinued at any time. As of the date of filing of this Prospectus, the
Company had not repurchased any shares of Common Stock. In September 1997, the
Company's Board of Directors approved a Company director and senior officer
stock purchase program ("Director and Officer Stock Purchase Program"). The
Director and Officer Stock Purchase Program includes the providing of loans of
up to $1.0 million in total to the directors and senior officers under the
program to assist directors' and officers' purchases of Company Common Stock on
the open market. The program provides for loans, which are unsecured by the
related common stock, at arms-length terms and conditions. During November 1997,
senior officers purchased 50,000 shares of Company Common Stock under the
Director and Officer Stock Purchase Program and the Company advanced $500,000 to
the senior officers for these purchases.
 
     Year 2000.  The Company has commenced a study of its computer systems in
order to assess its exposure to year 2000 issues. The Company expects to make
the necessary modifications or changes to its computer information systems to
enable proper processing of transactions relating to the year 2000 and beyond.
The Company will evaluate appropriate courses of action, including replacement
of certain systems whose associated costs would be recorded as assets and
subsequently amortized. However, there can be no assurance that year 2000 costs
and expenses will not have a material adverse affect on the Company.
 
SEASONALITY
 
     Historically, the Company has experienced higher revenues in the first two
quarters of the year than in the latter half of the year. The Company believes
that these results are due to seasonal buying patterns resulting in part from
the fact that many of its customers receive income tax refunds during the first
half of the year, which are a primary source of down payments on used car
purchases.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   52
 
INFLATION
 
     Increases in inflation generally result in higher interest rates. Higher
interest rates on the Company's borrowings would decrease the profitability of
the Company's existing portfolio. The Company will seek to limit this risk
through its Securitization Program and, to the extent market conditions permit,
for contracts originated at Company Dealerships, either by increasing the
interest rate charged, or the profit margin on, the cars sold, or for contracts
acquired from Third Party Dealers, either by acquiring contracts at a higher
discount or with a higher APR. To date, inflation has not had a significant
impact on the Company's operations.
 
ACCOUNTING MATTERS
 
     In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" (SFAS No. 128).
This statement is effective for both interim and annual periods ending after
December 15, 1997, and replaces the presentation of "primary" earnings per share
with "basic" earnings per share and the presentation of "fully diluted" earnings
per share with "diluted" earnings per share. Earlier application is not
permitted. When adopted, all previously reported earnings per common share
amounts must be restated based upon the provisions of the new standard.
Management of the Company does not expect that adoption of SFAS No. 128 will
have a material impact on the Company.
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" (SFAS
No. 130). This statement is effective for interim and fiscal periods beginning
after December 15, 1997, and requires the Company to classify items of other
comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement, and to display
the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained
earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of the statement
of financial position. Management of the Company does not expect that the
adoption of SFAS No. 130 will have a material impact on the Company.
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS No. 131). This statement is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997, and requires the Company to
report information about operating segments in its annual financial statements
and further requires the Company to disclose selected information about
operating segments in interim reports to stockholders. It also establishes
standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas,
and major customers. Management of the Company does not expect that the adoption
of SFAS No. 131 will have a material impact on the Company.
 
     The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted a rule to clarify and
expand existing disclosure requirements for derivative financial instruments.
The rule requires enhanced disclosure of accounting policies for derivative
financial instruments in the footnotes to the financial statements. In addition,
the amendments expand existing disclosure requirements to include quantitative
and qualitative information about market risk inherent in market risk sensitive
instruments. The required quantitative and qualitative information are to be
disclosed outside the financial statements and related notes thereto. For the
Company, the enhanced accounting policy disclosure requirements are effective
for Company financial statements for fiscal years ending after June 15, 1998.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   53
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
     The Company operates the largest publicly-held chain of "Buy Here-Pay Here"
used car dealerships in the United States and underwrites, finances, and
services retail installment contracts generated from the sale of used cars by
its dealerships and by third party used car dealers located in select markets
throughout the country. As part of its financing activities, the Company has
initiated a collateralized dealer financing program pursuant to which it
provides qualified independent used car dealers with operating credit lines
secured by the dealers' retail installment contract portfolios. The Company
targets its products and services to the sub-prime segment of the automobile
financing industry, which focuses on selling and financing used cars to
Sub-Prime Borrowers. As used herein, amounts followed by "(pro forma)" do not
include revenues or sales derived from one Company Dealership which was sold on
December 31, 1995.
 
     The rapidly growing used car sales and finance industry achieved record
sales in 1995 of 30.5 million units, representing approximately $290.0 billion
in sales. During this same period, more than $185.0 billion in retail
installment contracts were originated through the sale of used cars. Of these
totals, approximately 11.0 million units were sold to Sub-Prime Borrowers,
generating approximately $50.0 billion in retail installment contracts.
 
     The Company has expanded significantly in recent periods. From 1995 to
1996, total revenues increased by 55.2%, from $48.7 million (pro forma) to $75.6
million. The Company's net earnings grew to $5.9 million in 1996 (including $4.4
million in gains recognized from the sale of contract receivables pursuant to
the Company's Securitization Program), or $.60 per share, compared with a net
loss of $(4.0) million, or $(.67) per share in 1995. During the nine month
period ended September 30, 1997, total revenues increased by 108.3% to $120.2
million from $57.7 million in the comparable period in 1996. The Company's net
earnings grew to $5.7 million during the nine month period ended September 30,
1997 (including $10.3 million in gains recognized from the sale of contract
receivables under the Securitization Program), or $0.32 per share, from $4.1
million (including $2.6 million in gains recognized from the sale of contract
receivables under the Securitization Program), or $0.46 per share in the
comparable period in 1996.
 
     The Company originated 6,929 contracts through its dealerships with an
aggregate principal balance of $49.0 million and purchased 9,825 contracts
originated by Third Party Dealers with an aggregate principal balance of $56.8
million during 1996. The principal balance of the Company's total contract
portfolio managed as of September 30, 1997 was $270.7 million, including $229.0
million in contracts serviced under the Securitization Program. Substantially
all of the contracts the Company services are with Sub-Prime Borrowers. During
the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, the Company originated 10,208
contracts with an aggregate principal balance of $76.1 million at its
dealerships and purchased 26,147 contracts from Third Party Dealers with an
aggregate principal balance of $144.2 million, compared to 5,413 contracts
originated at Company Dealerships with an aggregate principal balance of $38.2
million and 5,781 contracts purchased from Third Party Dealers with an aggregate
principal balance of $32.9 million during the comparable period in 1996. In
addition, during the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, the Company
purchased a total of 13,250 contracts with an aggregate principal balance of
$55.4 million from E-Z Plan and Seminole in connection with the acquisition of
substantially all of the assets related to their dealership and loan servicing
operations.
 
     For a description of the general development of the Company's business
during the past five years, and a description of the Company's financial
information over the past three years, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
OVERVIEW OF USED CAR SALES AND FINANCE INDUSTRY
 
     Used Car Sales.  Used car retail sales typically occur through franchised
new car dealerships that sell used cars or independent used car dealerships. The
market for used car sales in the United States is significant and has steadily
increased over the past five years. The Company believes that the factors that
have led to growth in this industry include substantial increases in new car
prices, which have made new cars less affordable to the average
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   54
 
consumer relative to used cars, the greater reliability and durability of used
cars resulting from the production of higher quality cars, and the increasing
number of vehicles coming off-lease in recent years. Many analysts expect these
trends to continue, leading to further expansion of the used car sales market.
 
     The used car sales industry is highly fragmented and, traditionally, sales
to customers have occurred through franchised and independent dealerships owned
by individuals, families, and small groups. According to industry sources, there
are over 23,000 franchised and 63,000 independent used car dealership locations
in the United States. Used car sales from franchised dealerships (or affiliated
used-only car lots) accounted for approximately 61.3% of used car sales during
1995, with the remaining 38.7% resulting from sales by independent dealerships.
 
     The Company participates in the sub-prime segment of the independent used
car sales and finance market. This segment is serviced primarily by Buy Here-Pay
Here dealers that sell and finance the sale of used cars to Sub-Prime Borrowers.
Buy Here-Pay Here dealers typically offer their customers certain advantages
over more traditional financing sources, such as expanded credit opportunities,
flexible payment terms (including prorating customer payments due within one
month into several smaller payments and scheduling payments to coincide with a
customer's pay days), and the ability to make payments in person, an important
feature to many Sub-Prime Borrowers who may not have checking accounts or are
otherwise unable to make payments by the due date through use of the mail
because of the timing of paychecks.
 
     Recently, the growth of the used car sales and finance market has attracted
significant attention from a number of large companies, including AutoNation,
U.S.A. and Driver's Mart, which have entered the used car sales business or
announced plans to develop large used car sales operations. The Company believes
that these companies are attracted by the relatively high gross margins that can
be earned in this business and the lack of consolidation in this market.
 
     Used Car Financing.  The automobile financing industry is the third-largest
consumer finance market in the country, after mortgage debt and credit card
revolving debt, with more than $350.0 billion in contracts on new and used cars
originated in 1995. The sub-prime segment of this industry accounted for
approximately $50.0 billion of the overall market. Growth in automobile
financing has been fueled by the increasing prices of both new and used cars,
which has forced greater numbers of purchasers to seek financing when purchasing
a car. This industry is served by such traditional lending sources as banks,
savings and loans, and captive finance subsidiaries of automobile manufacturers,
as well as by independent finance companies and Buy Here-Pay Here dealers. In
general, the industry is categorized according to the type of car sold (new
versus used) and the credit characteristics of the borrower. With respect to the
borrowers, finance companies classify such individuals according to the
following generalized criteria:
 
     - An "A" credit or "prime" borrower is a person who has a long credit
       history with no defaults, has been employed in the same job for a period
       of at least 18 months, and can easily finance a new car purchase through
       a bank, a captive finance subsidiary of an automobile manufacturer, or an
       independent finance company.
 
     - A "B" credit or "non-prime" borrower is a person who has a substantial
       credit history that includes late payments, an inconsistent employment
       history, or significant or unresolved problems with credit in the past.
       To finance a used car purchase, this borrower will generally not be able
       to obtain a loan from a captive finance subsidiary or a bank, and will
       have to obtain financing from an independent finance company that lends
       into this market category.
 
     - A "C" credit or "sub-prime" borrower generally has little or no credit
       history or a credit history characterized by consistently late payments
       and sporadic employment. Like "B" credit borrowers, "C" credit borrowers
       generally are not able to obtain a loan from a captive finance subsidiary
       or a bank, and have to obtain financing from an independent finance
       company that lends into this market category.
 
     - A "D" credit borrower is also referred to as a "sub-prime" borrower.
       These persons, however, in addition to having an unfavorable employment
       history, have also experienced debt charge offs, foreclosures, or
       personal bankruptcy. In purchasing a car, this borrower's only choice is
       to obtain financing from an independent finance company or through a Buy
       Here-Pay Here lot.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   55
 
     As with its used car sales operations, the Company's finance operations are
directed to the sub-prime segment of the market. In particular, the finance
operations of Company Dealerships are directed toward Sub-Prime Borrowers
classified in the "C" and "D" categories, while its Third Party Dealer finance
operations are generally directed to "C" credit borrowers. Many of the
traditional lending sources do not consistently provide financing to the
sub-prime consumer finance market. The Company believes traditional lenders
avoid this market because of its high credit risk and the associated collection
efforts.
 
     Many of the 63,000 independent used car dealers are not able to obtain debt
financing from traditional lending sources such as banks, credit unions, or
major finance companies. These dealers typically finance their operations
through the sale of contract receivables at a substantial discount. The Company
believes that independent dealers prefer to finance their operations through
credit facilities that enable them to retain their receivables, thereby
increasing their finance income. Accordingly, the Company believes that there is
a substantial opportunity for a company capable of serving the needs of such
dealers to make significant penetration into this underdeveloped segment of the
sub-prime market.
 
     The industry statistical information presented herein is derived from
information provided to the Company by CNW Marketing/Research of Bandon, Oregon.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     The Company intends to consider alternative strategies to grow its Company
Dealership and Third Party Dealer operations, both in Arizona and in other
geographic locales.
 
     Expand Company Dealership Operations.  Since commencing its used car sales
and financing operations in 1992, the Company has pursued an aggressive growth
strategy through both internal development and acquisition. As of September 30,
1997, the Company had developed or acquired 36 Company Dealerships. The
Company's strategy is to increase sales revenue and finance income by acquiring
or opening new dealerships and finance operations. In 1997, the Company opened
or acquired new Company Dealerships in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and New
Mexico. The Company acquired a contract portfolio of approximately $31.1
million, four operating used car dealership locations and a used car
reconditioning facility in Florida on January 15, 1997 and has since opened one
additional location in Florida. On April 1, 1997, the Company acquired seven
operating used car dealerships in San Antonio, Texas, and a contract portfolio
of approximately $24.3 million. On September 19, 1997, the Company acquired the
operations and inventory of Kars, a used car sales and finance operation with 12
dealerships located in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Additionally,
effective October 31, 1997, the Company purchased certain assets and assumed
certain leasehold interests of four dealerships of World Auto, Inc. in Georgia.
 
     The Company distinguishes its direct sales and financing operations from
typical Buy Here-Pay Here dealers by providing multiple locations, upgraded
facilities, large inventories of used automobiles, and dedication to customer
service. The Company has designed and implemented a marketing program featuring
its animated duck mascot that promotes its image as a professional, yet
approachable, operation, in contrast to the generally unfavorable public image
of many Buy Here-Pay Here dealers. In addition, the Company has developed
flexible underwriting guidelines and techniques, which combine established
underwriting criteria with managerial discretion, to facilitate rapid credit
decisions, as well as a technology-based corporate infrastructure that enables
the Company to monitor and service large volumes of contracts.
 
     Expand Third Party Dealer Operations.  The Company has leveraged the
contract servicing experience and capabilities it acquired through its Company
Dealership activities by purchasing and servicing contracts originated by Third
Party Dealers. As of September 30, 1997, the Company had opened 83 Branch
Offices in 21 states. These Branch Offices service approximately 4,000 Third
Party Dealers. The Company has also established insurance operations directed to
the sub-prime market.
 
     Newer Products and Services.  The Company has expanded its Third Party
Dealer operations through its Cygnet Dealer Program, the Company's
collateralized dealer financing program. The Company believes that providing
operating credit lines to qualified Third Party Dealers gives such dealers a
unique opportunity to obtain the debt financing necessary to expand their
businesses while enabling the Company to earn additional
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   56
 
finance income and to diversify its earning asset base. The Company also
believes that the relationships established with these dealers provides a
preferred position to acquire retail installment contracts from them. Such
contract purchases could provide these dealers with an additional source of
financing and enable the Company to further expand its contract portfolio.
 
     The Company also intends to expand its insurance operations, which to date
consist primarily of force placing casualty insurance on its Third Party Dealer
contracts. Among other things, the Company is evaluating the sale of other
insurance products to its customer base.
 
COMPANY DEALERSHIP OPERATIONS
 
     Company Dealership operations include the retail sale of used cars and the
underwriting, financing, and servicing of contracts originated from such sales.
The Company's total used car sales revenue from its Company Dealership
operations were $27.8 million, $47.8 million ($44.1 million excluding sales at
the Gilbert Dealership), and $53.8 million for fiscal years 1994, 1995, and
1996, respectively, and $79.5 million for the nine month period ended September
30, 1997.
 
     Retail Car Sales.  The Company distinguishes its Company Dealership
operations from those of typical Buy Here-Pay Here dealers through its network
of multiple locations, upgraded facilities, large inventories of used cars,
centralized purchasing, value-added marketing programs, and dedication to
customer service. All Company Dealerships are located in high visibility, high
traffic commercial areas, and generally are newer and cleaner in appearance than
other Buy Here-Pay Here dealers, which helps promote the Company's image as a
friendly and reputable business. The Company believes that these factors,
coupled with its widespread brand name recognition (achieved through extensive
promotion of its duck mascot and logo), enable it to attract customers who might
otherwise visit another Buy Here-Pay Here dealer.
 
     Company Dealerships generally maintain an average inventory of 100 to 300
used cars and feature a wide selection of makes and models (with ages generally
ranging from 5 to 10 years) and a range of sale prices, all of which enables the
Company to meet the tastes and budgets of a broad range of potential customers.
The Company acquires its inventory from new or late-model used car dealers, used
car wholesalers, used car auctions, and customer trade-ins, as well as from
repossessions. The Company's size enables it to cut inventory costs by making
volume purchases for all Company Dealerships. In making its purchases, the
Company takes into account each car's retail value and the costs of buying,
reconditioning, and delivering the car for resale. After purchase, cars are
delivered to the individual dealerships or reconditioning centers, where they
are inspected and reconditioned for sale. Although the prices of used cars are
subject to market variance, the Company does not believe that it will encounter
significant difficulty in maintaining its current inventory levels.
 
     The average sales price per car at Company Dealerships was $7,107 for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, $6,065 for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1995 (exclusive of sales at the Company's Gilbert Dealership) and $7,364 for
the nine month period ended September 30, 1997. Company Dealerships use a
standardized sales contract that typically provides for down payments of
approximately 10.0% to 15.0% of the purchase price with the balance of the
purchase price financed at fixed interest rates ranging from 21.0% to 29.9% over
periods ranging from 12 to 48 months. The Company sells cars on an "as is"
basis, and requires its customers to sign an agreement at the date of sale
releasing the Company from any obligation with respect to vehicle-related
problems that subsequently occur. See "-- Legal Proceedings."
 
     Used Car Financing.  The Company finances approximately 95.0% of the used
car sales at its Company Dealerships through retail installment contracts that
the Company services. Subject to the discretion of its sales managers, potential
customers must meet the Company's underwriting guidelines, referred to as
minimum deal standards, before the Company will agree to finance the purchase of
a car. The Company created these minimum deal standards to control its exposure
to credit risk while providing its sales managers with sufficient flexibility to
consummate sales when appropriate. In connection with each sale, customers are
required to complete a credit application. Company personnel analyze and verify
customer application information, which contains employment and residence
histories, income information, and references, as well
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   57
 
as the customer's personal cash flow statement (taking into account the
completion of the sale), credit bureau reports, and other information regarding
the customer's credit history.
 
     The Company's credit underwriting process takes into account the ability of
its managers and other sales employees, who have extensive experience, to make
sound judgments regarding the extension of credit to Sub-Prime Borrowers and to
personalize financing terms to meet the needs of individual customers. For
example, contract payments may be scheduled to coincide with the customer's pay
days, whether weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, or monthly. In addition, each
manager makes credit approvals only after a "face-to-face" interview with the
potential customer in which the manager gains firsthand information regarding
the customer's financial situation, sources of income, and past credit problems.
The Company believes that its customers value the expanded credit opportunities
that such flexibility provides and, consequently, will pay a higher price for
their cars. The Company believes that the higher prices it charges are necessary
to fund the high rate of credit losses incurred as a result of financing
Sub-Prime Borrowers. To the extent the Company is unable to charge such higher
prices or otherwise obtain acceptable margins, its results of operations will be
adversely affected.
 
     Subsequent to each sale, all finance transactions are "audited" by the
Company's portfolio manager and reviewed for compliance with the Company's
underwriting standards. To the extent such audits reveal non-compliance, such
non-compliance is discussed with dealership management and, where appropriate,
remedial action is taken against the responsible manager, ranging from oral or
written reprimands to termination.
 
     The Company's use of wide area and local area networks enables it to
service large volumes of contracts from its centralized servicing facilities
while allowing the customer the flexibility to make payments at and otherwise
deal with the individual dealerships. In addition, the Company has developed
comprehensive databases and sophisticated management tools, including static
pool analysis, to analyze customer payment history and contract performance and
to monitor underwriting effectiveness.
 
     Advertising and Marketing.  The Company maintains a large advertising
budget for its Buy Here-Pay Here dealers. In general, the Company's advertising
campaigns emphasize its multiple locations, wide selection of quality used cars,
and ability to provide financing to most Sub-Prime Borrowers. The Company's
advertising campaign revolves around a series of television commercials that
feature the Company's animated duck mascot, as well as complementary radio,
billboard, and print advertisements. The Company believes that its marketing
approach creates brand name recognition and promotes its image as a
professional, yet approachable, business, in contrast to the lack of name
recognition and generally unfavorable public image of many Buy Here-Pay Here
dealers. The Company believes that its advertising has helped establish it as
one of the most widely recognized Buy Here-Pay Here dealership networks in
Arizona.
 
     A primary focus of the Company's marketing strategy is its ability to
finance consumers with poor credit histories. Under the slogan "Ugly Duckling
Car Sales -- Putting You on the Road to Good Credit," the Company has initiated
innovative marketing programs designed to attract Sub-Prime Borrowers, assist
such customers in reestablishing their credit, reward those customers who pay on
time, develop customer loyalty, and increase referral and repeat business. Among
these programs are:
 
     - The Down Payment Back Program.  This program encourages customers to make
       timely payments on their contracts by enabling them to receive a refund
       of their initial down payment (typically representing 10.0%-15.0% of the
       initial purchase price of the car) at the end of the contract term if all
       payments have been made by the scheduled due date.
 
     - The Income Tax Refund Program.  During the first quarter of each year,
       the Company offers assistance to customers in the preparation of their
       income tax returns, including forwarding customers' tax information to a
       designated preparer, paying the preparation fee, and, if there is a
       forthcoming tax refund, crediting such refund toward the required down
       payment. This program enables customers to purchase cars without having
       to wait to receive their income tax refund.
 
     - Secured $250 Visa Card Program.  Pursuant to this program, the Company
       arranges for qualified applicants to obtain a Visa credit card secured by
       a nonrefundable $250 payment made by the
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   58
 
       Company to the credit card company. This program offers otherwise
       unqualified customers the chance to obtain the convenience of a credit
       card and rebuild their credit records.
 
     The Company also utilizes various telemarketing programs. For example,
potential customers are contacted within several days of their visit to a
Company Dealership to follow up on leads and obtain information regarding their
experience while at a Company Dealership. In addition, customers with
satisfactory payment histories are contacted several months before contract
maturity and are offered an opportunity to purchase another vehicle with a
nominal down payment requirement. The Company also maintains a loan-by-phone
program utilizing its toll-free telephone number of 1-800-THE-DUCK.
 
     Sales Personnel and Compensation.  Each Company Dealership is run by a
general manager who has complete responsibility for the operations of the
dealership facility, including final approval of sales and contract
originations, inventory maintenance, the appearance and condition of the
facility, and the hiring, training, and performance of Company Dealership
employees. In addition to the general manager, the Company typically staffs each
dealership with, among others, up to three sales managers, an office manager, a
lot supervisor, five to twelve salespersons, and several mechanics.
 
     The Company trains its managers to be contract underwriters. The Company
pays its managers a base salary and allows them to earn bonuses based upon a
variety of factors, including the overall performance of the contract portfolio
originated. Although sales persons are paid on commission, each sale must be
underwritten and approved by a manager.
 
THIRD PARTY DEALER OPERATIONS
 
     Contract Purchasing.  In 1994, the Company acquired Champion Financial
Services, Inc., an independent automobile finance company, primarily for its
management expertise and contract servicing software and systems. Champion had a
portfolio of approximately $1.9 million in sub-prime contracts averaging
approximately $2,000 in principal amount. For the balance of 1994, the Company
purchased an additional $1.7 million in contracts.
 
     In April 1995, the Company initiated an aggressive plan for purchasing
contracts from Third Party Dealers and by September 30, 1997 had opened 83
Branch Offices in 21 different states throughout the country and entered into
contract purchasing agreements with approximately 4,000 Third Party Dealers. The
Company has hired experienced branch managers having existing relationships with
Third Party Dealers and opened Branch Offices near its Third Party Dealers to
better service their needs. The Company services the Third Party Dealer contract
portfolio from its collection and servicing centers. The expansion of its Third
Party Dealer network has enabled the Company to leverage its existing
infrastructure and increase its contract portfolio much more quickly than it
could through the planned expansion of its Company Dealerships. The Company was
also able to increase the socioeconomic and geographic diversity of its contract
portfolio by purchasing higher quality contracts and contracts from areas where
there are no Company Dealerships.
 
     The Company generally purchases contracts from Third Party Dealers that are
originated with customers possessing financial characteristics superior to those
of Company Dealership customers and that reflect principal amounts closer to the
actual wholesale value of the underlying car. Consequently, its Third Party
Dealer contracts generally present a reduced credit and collateral risk. The
Company's total revenues from its Third Party Dealer operations were $7.8
million and $1.8 million in fiscal years 1996 and 1995, respectively, and $14.8
million for the nine month period ended September 30, 1997. See Note 20 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
     The Company purchases contracts from Third Party Dealers at a nonrefundable
acquisition discount from the principal amount of the contract that generally
ranges from 5.0% to 20.0%, and averages approximately 12.0%. The Company
determines the appropriate discount needed to cover estimated losses on a
contract-by-contract basis, taking into account, among other things, the
principal amount of the contract in relation to the wholesale value of the
underlying car and the credit risk presented by the particular customer. The
Company generally will not purchase a contract from a Third Party Dealer if the
discounted price exceeds 120.0% of the Kelly Blue Book wholesale value of the
underlying car plus license and tax, although it will make exceptions on a
contract-by-contract basis. If the Company cannot negotiate an appropriate
discount, it will not purchase the contract.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   59
 
     When opening a new office, the Company hires experienced branch managers
having existing relationships with Third Party Dealers. Upon the execution of a
dealer agreement with a Third Party Dealer, Branch Office employees will
introduce the dealer to the Company's systems and procedures. The Company
provides uniform contract buying criteria as well as expedient application
processing and funding. The Company expects its Branch Office employees to
develop and maintain excellent relationships with its Third Party Dealers.
 
     Branch Office employees monitor and evaluate Third Party Dealer contracts
for conformity to established policies and procedures. Selected finance
transactions are examined each month and a written report on each Branch Office
is prepared. Included in the report is an evaluation of Branch Office decisions
and practices as well as the portfolio performance of individual Third Party
Dealers. Branch Office management is notified and counseled with respect to
variances from underwriting standards that are found. Branch Office management
monitors the first six months of contract performance. Substandard contract
performance during this period is discussed with the Third Party Dealers and
appropriate action taken.
 
     Collateralized Dealer Financing.  The Company believes that many Third
Party Dealers have difficulty obtaining traditional debt financing and, as a
result, are forced to sell the contracts that they originate through used car
sales at deep discounts in order to obtain the working capital necessary to
operate their businesses. To capitalize on this opportunity, the Company
initiated the Cygnet Dealer Program, pursuant to which it provides qualified
Third Party Dealers (generally, dealers that meet certain minimum net worth and
operating history criteria) with operating credit lines secured by the dealers'
retail installment contract portfolios. These lines are for a specified amount
but are generally subject to various collateral coverage ratios, maximum advance
rates, and performance measurements depending on the financial condition of the
dealer and the quality of the contracts originated. The Company generally
requires dealers to upload their portfolio information to the Company's computer
network on a daily basis, utilize the Company's management information systems,
and provide the Company with periodic financial statements in a standardized
format. These controls allow Company account officers to monitor the operations
of each dealer participating in the program, thereby enabling account officers
to monitor dealer compliance with financial covenants and determine the
appropriateness of continued credit extensions.
 
     The Company believes that the Cygnet Dealer Program fulfills the need of
Third Party Dealers for debt financing to expand their businesses while enabling
the Company to earn finance income at favorable rates and diversify its earning
asset base. The Company also believes that the relationships established with
these dealers provides it with a preferred position to acquire retail
installment contracts from them. Such contract purchases would provide these
dealers with an additional source of financing and enable the Company to further
expand its contract portfolio. The Company has hired management with sub-prime
finance industry experience to oversee the Cygnet Dealer Program and began
implementing the program during the fourth quarter of 1996. The Company began
full-scale marketing of the program during the first quarter of 1997.
 
     Insurance Services.  The retail installment contracts that the Company
purchases from Third Party Dealers generally require the customers to obtain
casualty insurance within 30 days of their vehicle purchase. While all customers
are free to obtain such coverage from an insurer of their choice, if a customer
fails to obtain the required coverage, the Company may purchase a policy on the
customer's behalf and charge back to the customer the cost of the premiums and
fees associated with such policy. The Company's ability to force place such
insurance has significantly increased the number of customers who have obtained
their own casualty insurance.
 
     To facilitate its ability to force place mandated insurance coverage, the
Company has contracted with American Bankers Insurance Group ("ABIG"), a
licensed property, casualty, and life insurance company. Through its subsidiary,
Drake Insurance Agency, Inc., which acts as agent for ABIG, the Company places
casualty insurance policies issued by ABIG with Third Party Dealer customers.
These policies provide for a maximum payment on a claim equal to the current
contract principal balance. ABIG, in turn, reinsures the policies it issues with
Drake Property & Casualty Insurance Company, one of the Company's Turks and
Caicos Islands-chartered and licensed reinsurance subsidiaries. Under the terms
of its relationship with ABIG, the Company earns commissions on each policy
issued by ABIG (which mitigate any credit loss the Company
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   60
 
might suffer in the event of an otherwise uninsured casualty), while ABIG
administers all accounts and claims and is responsible for regulatory
compliance. As of the end of December 1997, the Company had placed casualty
insurance policies with approximately 1,500 customers. In July 1997, the Company
expanded its insurance services to include the provision of credit life,
disability, and unemployment insurance on a test basis at its Arizona based
Company Dealerships (i.e., the "Golden Wing Program").
 
COMPARISON OF CONTRACTS ORIGINATED AT COMPANY DEALERSHIPS AND THIRD PARTY
DEALERS
 
     The Company expects that approximately 30.0% to 40.0% of Company Dealership
contracts will ultimately default at some time prior to maturity for a net loss,
after charge offs and recoveries, of approximately 25.0% to 30.0% of the
original principal amount financed. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Allowance for Credit Losses"
and "-- Contracts Originated at Company Dealerships."
 
     The Company expects that approximately 20.0% to 30.0% of Third Party Dealer
contracts will ultimately default at some time prior to maturity for a net loss,
after charge offs and recoveries, of approximately 10.0% to 18.0% of the
original principal amount financed. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Allowance for Credit Losses"
and "-- Contracts Purchased From Third Party Dealers."
 
MONITORING AND COLLECTIONS
 
     One of the Company's goals is to minimize credit losses through close
monitoring of contracts in its portfolio. Relating to this, upon the origination
or purchase of a contract, Company personnel enter all terms of the contract
into the Company's computer systems. The Company's monitoring and collections
staff then utilizes the Company's collections software to monitor the
performance of the contracts.
 
     The collections software provides the Company with, among other things,
up-to-date activity reports, allowing prompt identification of customers whose
accounts have become past due. In accordance with Company policy, collections
personnel contact a customer with a past due account within three days of
delinquency (or in the case of first payment delinquencies, within one day) to
inquire as to the reasons for such delinquency and to suggest ways in which the
customer can resolve the underlying problem, thereby enabling the customer to
continue making payments and keep the car. The Company's early detection of a
customer's delinquent status, as well as its commitment to working with its
customers, allows it to identify and address payment problems quickly, thereby
reducing the chance of credit loss. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Allowance for Credit Losses."
 
     If the Company's efforts to work with a customer are unsuccessful and the
customer becomes seriously delinquent, the Company will take the necessary steps
to protect its collateral. Frequently, delinquent customers will recognize their
inability to honor their contractual obligations and will work with the Company
to coordinate "voluntary repossessions" of their cars. For cases involving
uncooperative customers, the Company retains independent firms to repossess the
cars pursuant to prescribed legal procedures. Upon repossession and after a
statutorily-mandated waiting period, the Company will recondition the car, if
necessary, and sell it in the wholesale market or at retail through its Company
Dealerships. The Company estimates that it recovers approximately 90.0% of the
cars that it attempts to repossess, approximately 95.0% of which are sold on a
wholesale basis and the remainder of which are sold through Company Dealerships.
The Company's access to a retail outlet for its repossessed collateral provides
the Company with additional flexibility with respect to the disposal of the
collateral and helps lessen its credit losses. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Allowance for
Credit Losses."
 
     Unlike most other used car dealerships with multiple locations or
automobile finance companies, the Company permits its customers to make cash
payments on their contracts in person at Company Dealerships or at the Company's
collection facilities. Cash payments account for a significant portion of
monthly contract receipts on the Company Dealership portfolio. The Company's
computer technology enables it to process these payments on-line in real time
and its internal procedures enable it to verify that such cash receipts are
subseqently deposited and credited to the appropriate accounts.
 
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<PAGE>   61
 
COMPETITION
 
     Although the used car industry has historically been highly fragmented, it
has attracted significant attention recently from a number of large companies,
including AutoNation, U.S.A. and Driver's Mart, which have entered the used car
sales business or announced plans to develop large used car sales operations.
Many franchised automobile dealers have increased their focus on the used car
market as well. The Company believes that these companies are attracted by the
relatively high gross margins that can be achieved in this market as well as the
industry's lack of consolidation. Many of these companies and franchised dealers
have significantly greater financial, marketing, and other resources than the
Company.
 
     The Company's competition for its Company Dealerships are the numerous
independent Buy Here-Pay Here dealers that sell and finance sales of used cars
to Sub-Prime Borrowers. The Company distinguishes its direct sales and financing
operations from those of typical Buy Here-Pay Here dealers by providing multiple
locations, upgraded facilities, large inventories of used automobiles,
centralized purchasing, value-added marketing programs, and dedication to
customer service. In addition, the Company has developed flexible underwriting
guidelines and techniques to facilitate rapid credit decisions, as well as an
integrated, technology-based corporate infrastructure that enables the Company
to monitor and service large volumes of contracts. The Company operates the
largest publicly-held chain of Buy Here-Pay Here used car dealerships in the
United States. Of the numerous large companies that have entered the used car
business, none have announced an intention to focus on the Buy Here-Pay Here
segment.
 
     The sub-prime segment of the used car financing business is also highly
fragmented and very competitive. In recent periods, several consumer finance
companies have completed public offerings in order to raise the capital
necessary to fund expansion and support increased purchases of used car retail
installment contracts. These companies have increased the competition for the
purchase of contracts, in many cases purchasing contracts at prices which the
Company believes are not commensurate with the associated risk. In addition,
there are numerous financial services companies serving, or capable of serving,
this market. While traditional financial institutions, such as commercial banks,
savings and loans, credit unions, and captive finance companies of major
automobile manufacturers, have not consistently serviced Sub-Prime Borrowers,
the high rates of return earned by companies involved in sub-prime financing
have encouraged certain of these traditional institutions to enter, or
contemplate entering, this market. Increased competition may cause downward
pressure on the interest rate the Company charges on contracts originated by its
Company Dealerships or cause the Company to reduce or eliminate the
nonrefundable acquisition discount on the contracts it purchases from Third
Party Dealers. Such events would have a material adverse affect on the Company.
Similarly, increased competition may be a possible reason for a Company sale or
spin-off of certain of its business segments, including Champion Financial
Services Inc. and Cygnet Finance Corporation. See "Prospectus Summary -- The
Company -- Strategic Review."
 
REGULATION, SUPERVISION, AND LICENSING
 
     The Company's operations are subject to ongoing regulation, supervision,
and licensing under various federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and
regulations. Among other things, these laws require that the Company obtain and
maintain certain licenses and qualifications, limit or prescribe terms of the
contracts that the Company originates and/or purchases, require specified
disclosures to customers, limit the Company's right to repossess and sell
collateral, and prohibit the Company from discriminating against certain
customers. The Company is also subject to federal and state franchising and
insurance laws.
 
     The Company typically charges fixed interest rates significantly in excess
of traditional finance companies on the contracts originated at Company
Dealerships, and on Third Party Dealer contracts it purchases. Currently, a
significant portion of the Company's used car sales activities are conducted in,
and a significant portion of the contracts the Company services were originated
in, Arizona, which does not impose limits on the interest rate that a lender may
charge. However, the Company has expanded, and will continue to expand, its
operations into states that impose usury limits, such as Florida and Texas. The
Company attempts to mitigate these rate restrictions by purchasing contracts
originated in these states at a higher discount.
 
     The Company believes that it is currently in substantial compliance with
all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. There can be no
assurance, however, that the Company will be able to remain in
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   62
 
compliance with such laws, and such failure could have a material adverse effect
on the operations of the Company. In addition, the adoption of additional
statutes and regulations, changes in the interpretation of existing statutes and
regulations, or the Company's entrance into jurisdictions with more stringent
regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business.
 
TRADEMARKS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
     The Company has obtained federal trademark registrations on its duck mascot
and logo, as well as for the trade names "Ugly Duckling Car Sales," "Ugly
Duckling Rent-A-Car," and "America's Second Car." These registrations are
effective through 2002 and are renewable for additional terms of ten years. The
Company grants its Ugly Duckling Rent-a-Car franchisees the limited right to use
its duck mascot and logo in their used car rental operations. The Company has
also obtained a federal trademark registration for the slogan "Putting You On
the Road to Good Credit."
 
     The Company licenses software from various third parties. It has also
developed and copyrighted customized software to facilitate its sales and
financing activities. Although the Company believes it takes appropriate
measures to protect its proprietary rights and technology, there can be no
assurance that such efforts will be successful. The Company believes it is in
material compliance with all third party licensing requirements.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     At September 30, 1997, the Company employed approximately 2,000 persons.
None of the Company's employees are covered by a collective bargaining
agreement.
 
PROPERTIES
 
     As of September 30, 1997, the Company owned the property in which eight of
its dealerships, two of its collection facilities and three of its
reconditioning facilities are located. In addition, the Company leased 119 other
facilities (32 dealerships, 3 collection facilities, one reconditioning
facility, and 83 Branch Offices). The Company's corporate headquarters are
located in leased space at 2525 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, Arizona.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     Except for vehicles sold under the Golden Wing Program, the Company sells
its cars on an "as is" basis, and requires all customers to sign an agreement on
the date of sale pursuant to which the Company disclaims any obligation for
vehicle-related problems that subsequently occur. Although the Company believes
that such disclaimers are enforceable under Arizona and other applicable law,
there can be no assurance that they will be upheld in every instance. Despite
obtaining these disclaimers, the Company, in the ordinary course of business,
receives complaints from customers relating to such vehicle-related problems as
well as alleged violations of federal and state consumer lending or other
similar laws and regulations. While most of these complaints are made directly
to the Company or to various consumer protection organizations and are
subsequently resolved, the Company is named occasionally as a defendant in civil
suits filed by customers in state, local, or small claims courts. There can be
no assurance that the Company will not be a target of similar claims in the
future. In the opinion of the Company, the ultimate disposition of these matters
on an individual basis will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
However, there can be no assurance in this regard.
 
     In connection with the acquisition of the Florida dealerships and finance
operations (disclosed in "Business -- Business Strategy"), a purported creditor
of the sellers filed, on January 21, 1997, a complaint to enjoin the sale as a
fraudulent conveyance. Alternatively, the suit sought to void any transfer of
the assets that has already occurred, to attach the assets that have been
transferred, or to appoint a receiver to take charge of the assets transferred.
The Company was not named in this action, received a specific indemnity from the
sellers relating to this action, and was advised by the sellers that, in their
view, the claim was without merit. The action has now been dismissed with
prejudice.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   63
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
     Information concerning the Company's directors and executive officers is
set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   NAME                     AGE         POSITION WITH THE COMPANY
------------------------------------------  ---     ----------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>     <C>
Ernest C. Garcia, II......................  40      Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                                    Executive Officer
Gregory B. Sullivan.......................  39      President and Chief Operating
                                                    Officer
Russell J. Grisanti.......................  51      Executive Vice
                                                    President -- Operations
Steven P. Johnson.........................  38      Senior Vice President and General
                                                    Counsel
Steven T. Darak...........................  50      Senior Vice President and Chief
                                                    Financial Officer
Steven A. Tesdahl.........................  38      Senior Vice President and Chief
                                                    Information Officer
Walter T. Vonsh...........................  55      Senior Vice President -- Credit
Donald L. Addink..........................  48      Vice President -- Senior Analyst
Peter R. Fratt............................  40      Vice President -- Real Estate
Eric J. Splaver...........................  34      Corporate Controller
Robert J. Abrahams........................  71      Director
Christopher D. Jennings...................  44      Director
John N. MacDonough........................  54      Director
Arturo R. Moreno..........................  51      Director
Frank P. Willey...........................  45      Director
</TABLE>
 
     Ernest C. Garcia, II has served as the Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company since its founding in 1992, and served as
President from 1992 to 1996. In 1990, Mr. Garcia founded Duck Ventures, Inc.,
currently a subsidiary of the Company, to buy the assets of the Ugly Duckling
Rent-a-Car System. Since 1991, Mr. Garcia has served as President of Verde
Investments, a real estate investment corporation that is also an affiliate of
the Company. Prior to 1990, when he founded the Company, Mr. Garcia was involved
in various real estate, securities, and banking ventures. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions."
 
     Gregory B. Sullivan has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of
the Company since February 1996 after serving as a consultant to the Company
since 1995. Mr. Sullivan formerly served as President and principal stockholder
of National Sports Games, Inc., an amusement game manufacturing company that he
co-founded in 1989 and sold in 1994. Prior to 1989, Mr. Sullivan was involved in
the securities industry and practiced law with a large Arizona firm. He is a
member of the State Bar of Arizona.
 
     Russell J. Grisanti has served as the Executive Vice
President -- Operations of the Company and President of Champion Acceptance
Corporation since June of 1997. From 1989 to 1991, Mr. Grisanti served as the
President of Brookland Financial; from 1991 to 1994, Mr. Grisanti served as the
President of Kars-Yes Financial, Inc.; and from 1995 to 1996, Mr. Grisanti
served as President of Central Auto Sales. From 1996 to June 1997, Mr. Grisanti
provided consulting services to various companies in the automobile sales and
financing industry. Mr. Grisanti has also held positions as Chief Financial
Officer of various savings and loan associations and real estate firms and was
an Audit Manager with Coopers & Lybrand. Mr. Grisanti is a CPA and has an MBA.
 
     Steven P. Johnson has served as the Senior Vice President, Secretary, and
General Counsel of the Company since its founding in 1992. Since 1991, Mr.
Johnson has also served as the General Counsel of Verde Investments, an
affiliate of the Company. Prior to 1991, Mr. Johnson practiced law in Tucson,
Arizona. Mr. Johnson is licensed to practice law in Arizona and Colorado and is
married to the sister of Mr. Garcia.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   64
 
     Steven T. Darak has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company since February 1995, having joined the Company in 1994 as
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From 1989 to 1994, Mr. Darak owned
and operated Champion Financial Services, Inc., a used car finance company that
the Company acquired in early 1994. Prior to 1989, Mr. Darak served in various
positions in the banking industry and in public accounting.
 
     Steven A. Tesdahl has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information
Officer since September 1997. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Tesdahl was a Partner with
Andersen Consulting, a leading global provider of business integration
consulting services. Prior to 1993, Mr. Tesdahl was an Associate Partner with
Andersen Consulting.
 
     Walter T. Vonsh has served as the Senior Vice President -- Credit of the
Company since August 1997. From April 1995 to August 1997, Mr. Vonsh was the
Vice-President -- Credit of the Company. Mr. Vonsh joined the Company in March
1995 as the President of Champion Financial Services, Inc., the Company's Third
Party Dealer financing subsidiary, and also serves as the President of Champion
Acceptance Corp. From 1992 to 1995, Mr. Vonsh served as a Regional Director for
Mercury Finance Co., a consumer finance company. Prior to 1992, Mr. Vonsh was
President of Gemini Leasing Corp., an equipment leasing company, and held
various positions at other finance companies.
 
     Donald L. Addink has served as the Vice President -- Senior Analyst of the
Company since 1995 and also serves as the Vice President of Verde Investments.
From 1988 to 1995, Mr. Addink served as Executive Vice President of Pima Capital
Co., a life insurance holding company. Prior to 1988, Mr. Addink served in
various capacities with a variety of insurance companies. Mr. Addink is a Fellow
of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.
 
     Peter R. Fratt has served as Vice President -- Real Estate of the Company
since October 1993. From 1989 to 1993, Mr. Fratt was an associate of CB
Commercial Real Estate Services. Prior to that time, Mr. Fratt was involved in
commercial real estate brokerage and investment.
 
     Eric J. Splaver has served as Corporate Controller of the Company since May
1994. From 1985 to 1994, Mr. Splaver worked as a certified public accountant
with KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
 
     Robert J. Abrahams has served as a director of the Company since June 1996.
Mr. Abrahams has served since 1988 as a consultant to the financing industry,
including service as a consultant to the Company from 1994 to 1995. From 1960 to
1988, Mr. Abrahams was an executive officer of Heller Financial, Inc., a finance
company. Prior to joining Heller Financial, Inc., Mr. Abrahams co-founded
Financial Acceptance Company in 1948. Mr. Abrahams also serves as a member of
the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
 
     Christopher D. Jennings has served as a director of the Company since June
1996. Mr. Jennings has served as a managing director of Cruttenden Roth
Incorporated, an investment banking firm, since 1995. From 1992 to 1994, Mr.
Jennings served as a Managing Director of investment banking at Sutro & Co., an
investment banking firm. From 1989 to 1992, Mr. Jennings served as a Senior
Managing Director at Maiden Lane Associates, Ltd., a private equity fund. Prior
to 1989, Mr. Jennings served in various positions with, among others, Dean
Witter Reynolds, Inc. and Warburg Paribas Becker, Inc., both of which are
investment banking firms. Mr. Jennings also serves as a member of the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
 
     John N. MacDonough has served as a director of the Company since June 1996.
Mr. MacDonough has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Miller
Brewing Company, a brewer and marketer of beer, since 1993, having previously
served from 1992 to 1993 as President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to
1992, Mr. MacDonough was employed in various positions at Anheuser Busch, Inc.,
also a brewer and marketer of beer. Mr. MacDonough is married to the sister of
Mr. Sullivan.
 
     Arturo R. Moreno has served as a director of the Company since June 1996.
Mr. Moreno has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Outdoor
Systems, Inc., one of the largest outdoor media companies in the United States,
since 1984. Prior to 1984, Mr. Moreno held various executive positions in the
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   65
 
outdoor advertising industry. Mr. Moreno also serves as a member of the Audit
Committee of the Board of Directors.
 
     Frank P. Willey has served as a director of the Company since June 1996.
Mr. Willey has served as the President of Fidelity National Financial, Inc., one
of the nation's largest title insurance underwriters, since January 1995. From
1984 to 1995, Mr. Willey served as the Executive Vice President and General
Counsel of Fidelity National Title. Mr. Willey is also a director of CKE
Restaurants, Inc., an operator of various quick-service restaurant chains, and
Southern Pacific Funding Corporation, a specialty finance company that
originates, purchases and sells high-yielding, non-conforming mortgage loans.
Mr. Willey also serves as a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors.
 
     Directors of the Company are elected for one year terms. Each director of
the Company serves until the following annual meeting of the Company or until
his successor is duly elected and qualified. Executive officers of the Company
serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
 
INVOLVEMENT IN CERTAIN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     In March 1987, Mr. Ernest C. Garcia, II, the Company's Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer, and principal stockholder, obtained $20 million in financing
from Lincoln Savings and Loan Association ("Lincoln") to repurchase stock in his
real estate development company held by a corporate investor. Subsequently, Mr.
Garcia agreed to facilitate the purchase of certain land from a Lincoln
subsidiary. The two transactions closed simultaneously. Soon thereafter, Lincoln
was placed into receivership and federal regulators from the RTC and other
government agencies began investigating numerous transactions involving Lincoln
and a variety of third parties, including Mr. Garcia.
 
     Upon being notified of the RTC's investigation, Mr. Garcia met voluntarily
with RTC investigators, without counsel, for several months and provided full
disclosure concerning the details of his dealings with Lincoln. Nearly one year
later, the RTC asserted that the financing transaction and the land transaction,
though documented separately, were linked and that, as a result of the
transaction, Lincoln improperly recorded a gain in violation of certain
accounting rules applicable to Lincoln. As a result, in October 1990, the United
States, on behalf of the RTC, informed Mr. Garcia that it intended to charge him
with bank fraud. Mr. Garcia was never indicted for his role in the transaction,
but, facing severe financial pressures, agreed to plead guilty to one count of
bank fraud.
 
     Prior to his sentencing in 1993, the RTC submitted a letter to the United
States District Court for the Central District of California urging that the
court take favorable account of Mr. Garcia's relative responsibility and
culpability, as well as his timely and honest cooperation, in determining an
appropriate sentence. In this letter, the RTC stated its belief that the chief
executive officer of Lincoln's parent company, Charles H. Keating, Jr., not Mr.
Garcia, devised the transaction and that Mr. Garcia was not even aware of the
existence of Mr. Keating's illegal schemes and had no reason to believe that the
transaction would enable Mr. Keating to defraud Lincoln. The RTC letter also
noted Mr. Garcia's extensive cooperation with federal investigators, which began
prior to the time he was charged and continued until his sentencing. In December
1993, the court, following the RTC's recommendation, sentenced Mr. Garcia to
three years of probation and fined him $50 (the minimum fine that the court
could assess). Under the terms of the probation, Mr. Garcia was barred from
affiliating in any way with a federally insured banking institution without
prior approval. In December 1996, Mr. Garcia completed his probation.
 
     In connection with the criminal action, the RTC filed a civil suit against
Mr. Garcia, which the parties settled after Mr. Garcia agreed to cooperate fully
with the RTC in its investigation and prosecution of Lincoln-related matters.
Pursuant to the terms of his settlement agreement, and in light of Mr. Garcia's
cooperation, the RTC released Mr. Garcia from civil liability. Also in
connection with this action, the Commission commenced civil and administrative
actions against Mr. Garcia. Without admitting or denying any of the Commission's
allegations, Mr. Garcia consented to a court order permanently enjoining him and
his affiliates from violating the federal securities laws and to a Commission
order barring him (with a right to reapply upon the cessation of his probation)
from associating in any capacity with any broker, dealer, municipal securities
dealer, investment adviser, or investment company.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   66
 
     As a result of a decline in the Arizona real estate market in the late
1980s, changes in the tax laws affecting real estate, and the 1987 stock market
crash, in April 1990 a real estate investment company controlled by Mr. Garcia,
as well as several limited partnerships organized by that company, filed
petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy
Code. All of these reorganization proceedings were successfully concluded by
1993. Many of the obligations of these entities were personally guaranteed by
Mr. Garcia and his wife. As a result, Mr. Garcia and his wife filed a petition
under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code in 1990, and a discharge was granted in
October 1991.
 
SUMMARY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The table below sets forth information concerning the annual and long-term
compensation for services rendered in all capacities to the Company during the
three fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, of those persons who were, at
December 31, 1996: (i) the chief executive officer of the Company and (ii) the
four other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company (the "Named
Executive Officers"):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            LONG TERM COMPENSATION
                                                 ANNUAL COMPENSATION     ----------------------------
                                              -------------------------   SECURITIES      ALL OTHER
                  NAME AND                            SALARY    BONUS     UNDERLYING     COMPENSATION
             PRINCIPAL POSITION               YEAR     ($)       ($)     OPTIONS(#)(1)      ($)(2)
--------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------  -------------   ------------
<S>                                           <C>    <C>       <C>       <C>             <C>
Ernest C. Garcia, II........................   1996   121,538        --          --           3,873(3)
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer         1995   100,000        --          --           3,151(3)
                                               1994   100,000        --          --              --
Steven T. Darak.............................   1996   100,000   100,000      40,000           9,250(4)
  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial       1995   100,000   100,000          --          12,250(4)
     Officer,
  and Treasurer                                1994    91,667    91,667          --              --
Walter T. Vonsh.............................   1996   126,923    30,000      50,000           5,277(5)
  Senior Vice President -- Credit (position    1995    97,692        --          --           3,704(5)
     as of
  current date)                                1994        --        --          --              --
Donald L. Addink............................   1996   122,142    10,000      42,000             485
  Vice President -- Senior Analyst             1995    71,026    10,000      58,000             984
                                               1994        --        --          --              --
Steven P. Johnson...........................   1996   121,538        --      25,000             566
  Senior Vice President and General Counsel    1995   100,000        --          --             177
                                               1994    99,615        --          --              --
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(1) The amounts shown in this column represent stock options granted pursuant to
    the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan.
 
(2) The amounts shown in this column represent the dollar value of 401(k) plan
    contributions made by the Company for the benefit of the Named Executive
    Officers.
 
(3) This amount includes a $2,950 car allowance for Mr. Garcia.
 
(4) This amount includes $10,500 and $7,500 paid by the Company for a Phoenix
    apartment for Mr. Darak during 1995 and 1996, respectively, while his full
    time residence was in Tucson, Arizona, and a $1,750 car allowance.
 
(5) This amount includes a $2,850 and $5,000 car allowance for Mr. Vonsh during
    1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   67
 
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
     The following table sets forth information regarding stock options granted
pursuant to the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, to the Named Executive Officers:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              POTENTIAL
                                                                                           REALIZABLE VALUE
                                                 PERCENT OF                               AT ASSUMED ANNUAL
                                  NUMBER OF        TOTAL                                    RATES OF STOCK
                                 SECURITIES       OPTIONS                                 PRICE APPRECIATION
                                 UNDERLYING      GRANTED TO     EXERCISE                  FOR OPTION TERM(2)
                                   OPTIONS      EMPLOYEES IN    PRICE PER    EXPIRATION   ------------------
             NAME               GRANTED(#)(1)   FISCAL YEAR    SHARE($/SH)      DATE       5%($)     10%($)
------------------------------  -------------   ------------   -----------   ----------   --------  --------
<S>                             <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>       <C>
Ernest C. Garcia, II..........          --            --             --              --         --        --
Steven T. Darak...............      10,000           1.9%          6.75         5/31/02     42,450   107,578
                                    30,000           5.6%         17.69        12/01/02    333,754   845,799
Walter T. Vonsh...............      25,000           4.6%          6.75         5/31/02    106,126   268,944
                                    25,000           4.6%         17.69        12/01/02    278,129   704,833
Donald L. Addink..............      25,000           4.6%          6.75         5/31/02    106,126   268,944
                                    17,000           3.2%         17.69        12/01/02    189,127   479,286
Steven P. Johnson.............      10,000           1.9%          6.75         5/31/02     42,450   107,578
                                    15,000           2.9%         17.69        12/01/02    166,877   422,900
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(1) Generally, options are subject to vesting over a five-year period, with
    20.0% of the options becoming exercisable on each successive anniversary of
    the date of grant.
 
(2) Gains are reported net of the option exercise price, but before taxes
    associated with exercise. These amounts represent certain assumed rates of
    appreciation. Actual gains, if any, on stock option exercises are dependent
    on the future performance of the Common Stock and overall stock market
    conditions, as well as the option holder's continued employment with the
    Company throughout the vesting period. The amounts reflected in this table
    will not necessarily be achieved.
 
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND OPTION VALUES AS OF DECEMBER
31, 1996
 
     The table below sets forth information with respect to option exercises and
the number and value of options outstanding at December 31, 1996 held by the
Named Executive Officers. The Company has never issued any other forms of stock
based awards.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NUMBER OF SECURITIES          VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                              UNDERLYING OPTIONS AT        IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                                 SHARE                        FISCAL YEAR END(#)(1)         FISCAL YEAR END($)(2)
                              ACQUIRED ON      VALUE       ---------------------------   ---------------------------
            NAME              EXERCISE(#)   REALIZED($)    EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE   EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE
----------------------------  -----------   ------------   -----------   -------------   -----------   -------------
<S>                           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>
Ernest C. Garcia, II........      --             --               --             --              --              --
Steven T. Darak.............      --             --               --         40,000              --     $   181,800
Walter T. Vonsh.............      --             --               --         50,000              --         364,000
Donald L. Addink............      --             --           11,600         88,400       $ 206,248       1,174,512
Steven P. Johnson...........      --             --               --         25,000              --         154,650
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(1) Generally, options are subject to vesting over a five-year period, with
    20.0% of the options becoming exercisable on each successive anniversary of
    the date of grant.
 
(2) Based on a fair market value of $19.50 as of December 31, 1996, the closing
    sale price of the Company's Common Stock on that date as reported by Nasdaq.
 
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
 
     In June 1995, the Company's stockholders approved the Ugly Duckling
Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"). Under the Incentive
Plan, the Company may grant incentive stock options, non-qualified stock
options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, restricted stock,
dividend equivalents, and other Common Stock-based awards to employees,
consultants, and advisors of the Company.
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   68
 
The Company believes that the Incentive Plan promotes the success and enhances
the value of the Company by linking the personal interests of participants to
those of the Company's stockholders and providing participants with an incentive
for outstanding performance. As of September 30, 1997, the total number of
shares of Common Stock available for awards under the Incentive Plan, as
amended, is 1,800,000, subject to a proportionate increase or decrease in the
event of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, or other adjustment
to the Company's total number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock.
 
     The Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors, which has the exclusive authority to administer the
Incentive Plan, including the power to determine eligibility, the type and
number of awards to be granted, and the terms and conditions of any award
granted, including the price and timing of awards. As of September 30, 1997, the
Company had granted options to purchase approximately 1,340,402 shares of Common
Stock to various of its employees. Generally, such options are subject to
vesting over a five-year period, with 20.0% of the options becoming exercisable
by the holder thereof on each successive anniversary date of the grant. The
exercise price of all options granted under the Incentive Plan is the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
 
     The following table sets forth grants of options made under the Incentive
Plan as of December 31, 1996 to (i) each of the Named Executive Officers; (ii)
all current executive officers, as a group; (iii) all current directors who are
not executive officers, as a group; and (iv) all employees, including all
current officers who are not executive officers, as a group. Grants under the
Incentive Plan are made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.
Accordingly, future grants under the Incentive Plan are not yet determinable.
 
                            LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NUMBER OF SHARES      WEIGHTED AVERAGE
                                                              SUBJECT TO OPTIONS      EXERCISE PRICE
                     NAME AND POSITION                            GRANTED(#)         PER SHARE($/SH)
------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------     ----------------
<S>                                                           <C>                    <C>
Ernest C. Garcia II.........................................             --                   --
Steven T. Darak.............................................         40,000               14.955
Walter J. Vonsh.............................................         50,000               12.220
Donald T. Addink............................................         42,000               11.180
Steven P. Johnson...........................................         25,000               13.314
Executive Officer Group.....................................        552,620                9.265
Director Group..............................................             --                   --
Employee Group..............................................        359,000                8.604
</TABLE>
 
401(k) PLAN
 
     Under the Company's 401(k) plan, adopted in October 1995, eligible
employees may direct that a portion of their compensation, up to a legally
established maximum, be withheld by the Company and contributed to their
account. All 401(k) plan contributions are placed in a trust fund to be invested
by the 401(k) plan's trustee, except that the 401(k) plan permits participants
to direct the investment of their account balances among mutual or investment
funds available under the plan. The 401(k) plan provides a matching contribution
of 10.0% of a participant's contributions. Amounts contributed to participant
accounts under the 401(k) plan and any earnings or interest accrued on the
participant accounts are generally not subject to federal income tax until
distributed to the participant and may not be withdrawn until death, retirement,
or termination of employment.
 
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
 
     On January 1, 1996, the Company entered into a three-year employment
agreement with Mr. Ernest C. Garcia, II, the Company's Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer. The agreement establishes Mr. Garcia's base salary for 1997
at $132,000 per year and provides a minimum 10.0% increase in the base salary
each year throughout the term of the agreement. In addition, the agreement
provides for the continuation of Mr. Garcia's base salary and certain benefits
for a period of one year in the event Mr. Garcia is terminated by
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   69
 
the Company without cause prior to that time. The agreement also contains
confidentiality and non-compete covenants.
 
     On April 1, 1995, the Company entered into a three-year employment
agreement with Mr. Walter T. Vonsh, the Company's Senior Vice
President -- Credit, that was modified on or about August 6, 1997. The modified
agreement provides for a base salary of $150,000 per year for 1997, with a
commitment to review Mr. Vonsh's salary and, subject to certain conditions,
increase it up to $200,000 per year on or before April 1, 1998. The modified
agreement also provides for an extension of Mr. Vonsh's employment agreement to
April 2002 and a grant, on or before April 1, 1998, of 50,000 stock options
under the Incentive Plan. In addition, the modified agreement provides for the
continuation of Mr. Vonsh's base salary and certain benefits for the term of the
agreement in the event Mr. Vonsh is terminated by the Company without cause
prior to that time. The modified agreement also contains confidentiality and
non-compete covenants.
 
     On June 1, 1995, the Company entered into a five year employment agreement
with Mr. Donald L. Addink, the Company's Vice President -- Senior Analyst, that
was amended and restated effective August 1, 1997. The restated agreement
establishes Mr. Addink's base salary at $165,000 per year, a $10,000 bonus
payment upon execution of the restated agreement, certain benefits, and the
continuation of Mr. Addink's base salary for a period of one year in the event
Mr. Addink is terminated by the Company without cause prior to expiration of the
restated agreement. The restated agreement also contains confidentiality and
non-compete covenants. Further, the restated agreement accelerated, pursuant to
a vesting scheduling found in the agreement, the vesting of Mr. Addink's 100,000
stock options previously granted under the Incentive Plan.
 
     On June 12, 1997, the Company entered into a two year employment agreement
with Mr. Grisanti, the Company's Executive Vice President -- Operations. The
agreement establishes Mr. Grisanti's base salary at $170,000 per year and
provides for certain benefits including a vehicle allowance. The agreement
provides for the Company to purchase, for cash, Mr. Grisanti's residence in
California as part of his employment in Arizona as the Company's Chief Operating
Officer. The agreement also provides for the grant to Mr. Grisanti of 100,000
options under the Incentive Plan. These options were granted in June 1997. The
agreement states that, under certain circumstances, if Mr. Grisanti is
terminated without cause by the Company before the expiration of the term of the
agreement, he will be entitled to receive his base salary and certain benefits
for a period of twelve months from termination. The agreement also contains
confidentiality and non-compete covenants.
 
     On August 6, 1997, the Company entered into an employment agreement with
Steven A. Tesdahl, Senior Vice President -- Chief Information Officer. The
agreement establishes Mr. Tesdahl's base salary at $175,000 per year, with a
minimum increase in his base salary of 10% upon each employment anniversary
date. The agreement provides for no minimum employment term; however, it does
provide for certain Severance Benefits (as defined in the agreement) if Mr.
Tesdahl is terminated by the Company without cause. These potential Severance
Benefits are phased out and eliminated by September 1, 2000. The maximum
Severance Benefit payable to Mr. Tesdahl would equal his base salary paid over a
12 month period. The agreement contains a stock option grant of 100,000 options
under the Incentive Plan and a commitment to grant on January 15, 1998 a number
of shares of Common Stock of the Company valued at $100,000 as of September 1,
1997 (approximately 7,692 shares). The agreement also includes change of control
provisions. If there is a change of control (as described in the agreement) and
Mr. Tesdahl is terminated he will receive a termination fee equal to 200% of his
current salary. In addition, at the time of any change of control all stock
options granted pursuant to the agreement will immediately and fully vest.
 
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
     The Company has established a Compensation Committee and an Audit
Committee. The Compensation Committee, which consists of Messrs. Jennings and
Willey, reviews executive salaries and administers any bonus, incentive
compensation, and stock option plans of the Company, including the Long-Term
Incentive Plan. In addition, the Compensation Committee consults with management
of the Company regarding compensation policies and practices of the Company. The
Audit Committee, which consists of
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   70
 
Messrs. Abrahams and Moreno, reviews the professional services provided by the
Company's independent auditors, the annual financial statements of the Company,
and the Company's system of internal controls.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
     The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors during 1996 consisted
of Mr. Jennings and Mr. Willey, neither of whom was an employee of the Company
during 1996.
 
DIRECTOR FEES AND DIRECTOR'S INCENTIVE PLAN
 
     The Company's independent directors are compensated $1,000 for attendance
at meetings of the Board of Directors and at meetings of committees of the Board
of Directors of which they are members, and are reimbursed for reasonable travel
expenses incurred in connection with attendance at each Board and committee
meeting. In addition, pursuant to the Company's Director Incentive Plan, upon
appointment or election to the Board of Directors, each independent director of
the Company receives Common Stock of the Company valued at $30,000, which is
subject to vesting in equal annual increments over a three-year period as
provided for under the plan. Directors who are also officers of the Company are
not compensated for their services as directors.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>   71
 
         SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of December 15, 1997, for: (i) each
director of the Company; (ii) the Named Executive Officers of the Company at
December 31, 1996; (iii) all directors and executive officers of the Company as
a group; and (iv) each beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding
Common Stock at December 31, 1996, unless otherwise indicated. To the knowledge
of the Company, all persons listed below have sole voting and investment power
with respect to their shares, except to the extent that authority is shared by
their respective spouses under applicable law.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1)
                                          -----------------------------------------------------
                                                           NUMBER                       PERCENT
                                          -----------------------------------------     -------
       NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(2)(10)    COMMON STOCK      OPTIONS        TOTAL
     -----------------------------------  ------------     ---------     ----------
     <S>                                  <C>              <C>           <C>            <C>
     Ernest C. Garcia, II(3)(11)........    4,656,500             --      4,656,500       25.1%
     Robert J. Abrahams(4)..............        6,744             --          6,744       *
     Christopher D. Jennings(4)(5)......       36,194             --         36,194       *
     John N. MacDonough(4)..............        4,444             --          4,444       *
     Arturo R. Moreno(4)................       24,444             --         24,444       *
     Frank P. Willey(4).................        9,444             --          9,444       *
     Steven T. Darak(6).................      140,000          8,000        148,000       *
     Walter T. Vonsh(6).................       72,000         10,000         82,000       *
     Donald L. Addink(7)................       78,000         87,000        165,000       *
     Steven P. Johnson(6)...............      310,000          5,000        315,000        1.7
     Wellington Management Company,
       LLP(8)(11).......................      963,500             --        963,500        7.6%
     Firstar Corporation(9)(11).........      882,500             --        882,500        6.9%
     All directors and executive
       officers as a group (15
       persons).........................                                  5,575,722       30.1%
</TABLE>
 
---------------
 
 *    Represents less than one percent of the outstanding Common Stock.
 
(1)  A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that can be
     acquired within 60 days from the date set forth above through the exercise
     of any option, warrant, or right. Shares of Common Stock subject to
     options, warrants, or rights which are currently exercisable or exercisable
     within 60 days are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the
     person holding such options, warrants, or rights, but are not deemed
     outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. The amounts
     and percentages are based upon 18,520,916 shares of Common Stock
     outstanding as of December 15, 1997.
 
(2)  Unless otherwise noted, the address of each of the listed stockholders is
     2525 East Camelback Road, Suite 1150, Phoenix, Arizona 85016.
 
(3)  Includes 136,500 shares and 20,000 shares of Common Stock held by The
     Garcia Family Foundation, Inc., an Arizona nonprofit corporation, and Verde
     Investments, Inc., a real estate investment corporation, respectively.
     Also, includes 50,000 shares of Common Stock that Mr. Garcia presently
     owns, but to which he has provided an option to purchase to Donald L.
     Addink. The Option Agreement was entered into on August 18, 1997 and allows
     Mr. Addink to exercise the option at any time through May 31, 2000 at an
     exercise price of $15.00 per share. As of December 15, 1997, Mr. Addink had
     not exercised his option right to purchase any of these shares of Common
     Stock from Mr. Garcia. Until the option is exercised by Mr. Addink, Mr.
     Garcia retains voting and investment power with respect to the 50,000
     shares of Common Stock.
 
(4)  The total for each independent Board of Director member includes 4,444
     shares of Common Stock of the Company granted under the Company's Director
     Incentive Plan. Shares having a value of $30,000 on or about the date of
     grant (i.e., 4,444 shares of Common Stock) were granted and issued to each
     independent Board member upon their appointment or election to the Board of
     Directors in June
 
                                       71
<PAGE>   72
 
     1996. Pursuant to the Director Incentive Plan, these shares vest over a
     three-year period at an annual rate of 33%, beginning on the first
     anniversary of the grant date.
 
(5)  The total for Mr. Jennings includes 6,444 shares of Common Stock of the
     Company. The total also includes 29,750 warrants to purchase Common Stock
     held of record by Cruttenden Roth, Inc., the investment banking firm of
     which Mr. Jennings is managing director. The warrants are convertible into
     Common Stock at an exercise price of $9.45 per share and vest over a
     three-year period at an annual rate of 33%, beginning in June 1996.
 
(6)  The options listed for Messrs. Darak, Vonsh and Johnson include their
     respective options granted under the Incentive Plan that are exercisable
     pursuant to the plan on December 15, 1997 or within 60 days thereafter. The
     options are exercisable at various prices, established in accordance with
     the provisions of the Incentive Plan.
 
(7)  The total options of 87,000, for Mr. Addink includes 37,000 options granted
     under the Incentive Plan. As stated previously in this Prospectus,
     generally options issued pursuant to the Incentive Plan vest over a
     five-year period, with 20% of the options becoming exercisable by a holder
     on each successive anniversary date of the grant. During 1997, the
     Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved an
     accelerated vesting schedule for Mr. Addink's existing options under the
     Incentive Plan. Thus, in August 1997, all of Mr. Addink's existing options
     under the plan were accelerated and the last of these options (37,000) vest
     as of January 15, 1998 at exercise prices of approximately $17.69 per share
     (17,000 options) and $6.75 per share (20,000 options). The total of 87,000
     options for Mr. Addink also includes an option to acquire 50,000 shares of
     Common Stock directly from Mr. Garcia, pursuant to their Option Agreement
     dated August 18, 1997. As of December 15, 1997, Mr. Addink had not
     exercised any of his option rights under this agreement. However, the
     Option Agreement does provide Mr. Addink the right to exercise his option
     at any time through May 31, 2000 at an exercise price of $15.00 per share.
     Until the option is exercised by Mr. Addink, Mr. Garcia retains voting and
     investment power with respect to these 50,000 shares of Common Stock.
 
(8)  Based on a Schedule 13G filing as of December 31, 1996, by Wellington
     Management Company, LLP at 75 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
     According to the Schedule 13G, Wellington Management Company, LLP has
     shared voting power over 570,000 of the shares and shared dispositive power
     over 963,500 of the shares. The Company makes no representation as to the
     accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this footnote or
     the above beneficial ownership table, which is based solely on Wellington
     Management Company LLP's Schedule 13G filing.
 
(9)  Based on two (2) Schedule 13G filings as of December 31, 1996, by Firstar
     Corporation ("Firstar") and Firstar Investment Research & Management
     Company ("Firstar Investment") both at 777 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee,
     Wisconsin 53202. According to the Schedule 13Gs, Firstar and Firstar
     Investment have shared voting power over 98,800 and 426,500 of the shares,
     respectively. The Company makes no representation as to the accuracy or
     completeness of the information provided in this footnote or the above
     beneficial ownership table, which is based solely on Firstar's and Firstar
     Investment's respective Schedule 13G filings.
 
(10) Based on a Schedule 13D (Amendment No. 2) ("Amendment") filing as of
     November 26, 1997, by Kramer Spellman, L.P. and other related parties at
     2050 Center Avenue, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024. According to the Amendment,
     Kramer Spellman, L.P. no longer is the beneficial owner of more than 5% of
     the Company's outstanding Common Stock. The Company makes no representation
     as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this
     footnote or the above beneficial ownership table, which is based solely on
     the Kramer Spellman, L.P. Amendment filing.
 
(11) The Company knows of no other person who beneficially owned more than five
     percent of Company's Common Stock as of December 15, 1997.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>   73
 
                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
     Since its inception, the Company has maintained business relationships and
engaged in certain transactions with the affiliated companies and parties
described below. Any future transactions between the Company and its affiliated
entities, executive officers, directors, or significant stockholders will
require the approval of a majority of the independent directors of the Company
and will be on terms no less favorable to the Company than the Company could
obtain from non-affiliated parties.
 
     Pursuant to an agreement (the "Modification Agreement") between the Company
and Verde, effective June 21, 1996, Verde agreed to sell to the Company at any
time prior to June 21, 1997, subject to financing, six car lots, a vehicle
reconditioning center, and two office buildings which were owned by Verde and
leased to the Company at the lower of $7.45 million or the appraised value (as
determined by an independent third party), and to lower the rents on such
properties to an aggregate of $745,000 per year subject to cost of living
adjustments if the sale did not take place. These properties had previously been
rented from Verde pursuant to various leases which called for base monthly rents
aggregating approximately $123,000 plus contingent rents as well as all
occupancy and maintenance costs, including real estate taxes, insurance, and
utilities. Rents paid to Verde pursuant to these leases totaled $1.5 million in
1996. The Company believes the reduced rental rates approximate the financing
costs to be incurred in connection with the purchase of such properties. In
addition, Verde assigned to the Company its leasehold interest in two properties
it sub-leased to the Company. These transactions (the reduction in rental rates
and/or the purchase of property) would have resulted in savings to the Company
of approximately $626,000 for 1996. Also pursuant to the Modification Agreement,
Verde lowered the interest rate on $14.0 million of the Company's subordinated
debt payable to Verde from 18.0% to 10.0% per annum and lowered from 12.0% to
10.0% the dividend rate on $10.0 million of the Company's Preferred Stock held
by Verde. For the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and the year ended
December 31, 1996, the Company paid Verde $2.0 million and $553,000 of
principal, and $930,000 and $1.9 million of interest, respectively, in
connection with the Verde subordinated debt. In July 1997, the Company's Board
of Directors approved the prepayment of the $12.0 million in subordinated debt
subject to various conditions including the Company's completion of a debt
offering. On December 31, 1996, the Company purchased the properties listed
above from Verde pursuant to the Modification Agreement. Mr. Ernest C. Garcia,
II, the Company's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and principal stockholder,
is the President and sole stockholder of Verde. In connection with the purchase,
Verde returned security deposits which totaled $364,000. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
     In January 1996, in connection with the sale of the Gilbert Dealership, the
Company purchased the land for the Gilbert Dealership from Verde for a total
price of $750,000, which the Company believes approximated fair market value.
Simultaneous with such purchase, the Company sold the land purchased from Verde
together with the dealership building and other improvements (which had been
constructed by the Company) to a third party for $512,500 in cash and a
promissory note in the principal amount of $1.2 million. The Company recognized
a loss on the sale of $120,000, for which an allowance was established as of
December 31, 1995.
 
     Mr. Christopher D. Jennings, a managing director of Cruttenden Roth
Incorporated ("Cruttenden Roth"), is a director of the Company. Cruttenden Roth
served as the sole representative in the Company's initial public offering. In
its capacity as representative, Cruttenden Roth participated in the underwriting
discount and received a non-accountable expense allowance and warrants to
purchase Common Stock. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Other Securities and
Registration Rights" and "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management."
 
     In September 1997, the Company's Board of Directors approved the Ugly
Duckling Director and Officer Stock Purchase Program. The Director and Officer
Stock Purchase Program includes the providing of loans of up to $1.0 million in
total to the directors and senior officers under the program to assist
directors' and officers' purchases of Company common stock on the open market.
The program provides for loans, which are unsecured by the related common stock,
at arms-length terms and conditions. During November 1997, senior officers
purchased 50,000 shares of Ugly Duckling common stock under the Director and
Officer Stock Purchase Program and the Company advanced $500,000 to the senior
officers for these purchases.
 
                                       73
<PAGE>   74
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
     The Company is a Delaware corporation and its affairs are governed by its
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation
Law. The following description of the Company's capital stock, which is complete
in all material respects, is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, as amended.
 
     The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 100,000,000 shares
of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, par value $.001 per share. At December 15, 1997, 18,520,916 shares of
Common Stock were issued and outstanding. As of December 15, 1997, there were no
issued and outstanding shares of Preferred Stock.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote. Holders of
Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights, and therefore holders of a
majority of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect all of the
directors. In such event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be able
to elect any directors.
 
     Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be
declared from time to time by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available therefor. The Company does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the
foreseeable future. See "Dividend Policy." In the event of liquidation,
dissolution, or winding up of the Company, the holders of Common Stock are
entitled to share ratably in any corporate assets remaining after payment of all
debts, subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding Preferred Stock.
 
     Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive, conversion, or redemption
rights and are not subject to further calls or assessments by the Company. All
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock are validly issued, fully paid, and
nonassessable.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Board of Directors of the Company has the authority, without further
action by the Company's stockholders, to issue from time to time up to
10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix the number
of shares, designations, voting powers, preferences, optional and other special
rights, and the restrictions or qualifications thereof. The rights, preferences,
privileges, and restrictions or qualifications of different series of Preferred
Stock may differ with respect to dividend rates, amounts payable on liquidation,
voting rights, conversion rights, redemption provisions, sinking fund
provisions, and other matters. The issuance of Preferred Stock could: (i)
decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders
of Common Stock; (ii) adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting
rights, of holders of Common Stock; and (iii) have the effect of delaying,
deferring, or preventing a change in control of the Company.
 
WARRANTS
 
     The Warrants will be governed by the Warrant Agreement to be dated at or
about the date of initial issuance of the Warrants (the "Warrant Agreement")
between the Company and Harris Trust Company of California, as warrant agent
(the "Warrant Agent"). Holders of Warrants are referred to the Warrant Agreement
which is included as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part for a complete statement of the terms of the Warrants. The
following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to all of the provisions of the Warrant Agreement.
Capitalized terms used in this description of the Warrants and not defined
herein have the meanings given to them in the Warrant Agreement.
 
     Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of the Company's
Common Stock for $20.00 per share, subject to adjustment as described herein
(the "Warrant Price"). The Warrants will be exercisable upon issuance thereof
and will continue to be exercisable through the date that is three years from
the date of initial issuance of the Warrants.
 
                                       74
<PAGE>   75
 
     The then outstanding Warrants may be redeemed, at the option of the
Company, at $.10 per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of such
Warrants, at any time after the average Daily Market Price (defined below) per
share of the Common Stock for a period of at least 10 consecutive trading days
ending not more than fifteen days prior to the date of the redemption notice
described below has equaled or exceeded $28.50. The Daily Market Price of the
Common Stock will be determined by the Company as of the end of each trading day
(or, if no trading in the Common Stock occurred on such day, as of the end of
the immediately preceding trading day in which trading occurred) and verified to
the Warrant Agent before the Company may give notice of redemption. All
outstanding Warrants must be redeemed if any are redeemed, and any right to
exercise an outstanding Warrant shall terminate at 5:00 p.m. (New York City
time) on the date fixed for redemption. Trading day means a day in which trading
of securities occurred on Nasdaq. Appropriate adjustment shall be made to the
redemption price and to the minimum Daily Market Price prerequisite to
redemption described herein, in each case on the same basis as provided with
respect to adjustment of the Warrant Price.
 
     If the Company exercises its right to redeem, it shall give notice to the
Warrant Agent and the registered holders of the outstanding Warrants by mailing
or causing the Warrant Agent to mail to such registered holders a notice of
redemption, first class, postage prepaid, at their addresses as they shall
appear on the records of the Warrant Agent. The notice of redemption must
specify the redemption price, the date fixed for redemption (which must be at
least 30 days after the date such notice is mailed), the place where the Warrant
certificates must be delivered and the redemption price paid, and that the right
to exercise the Warrant will terminate at 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the
date fixed for redemption.
 
     The term "Daily Market Price" means (i) if the Common Stock is quoted on
Nasdaq or the Nasdaq SmallCap Market or on a national securities exchange, the
daily per share closing price of the Common Stock as quoted on Nasdaq or the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market or on the principal stock exchange on which it is listed
on the trading day in question, as the case may be, whichever is the higher, or
(ii) if the Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and not quoted
on Nasdaq or the Nasdaq SmallCap Market nor on any national securities exchange,
the closing bid price of the Common Stock on the trading day in question, as
reported by Nasdaq or an equivalent generally accepted reporting service. The
closing price referred to in clause (i) above shall be the last reported sale
price or, in case no such reported sale takes place on such day, the average of
the reported closing bid and asked prices, in either case on Nasdaq or the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market or on the national securities exchange on which the
Common Stock is then listed. For purposes of clause (ii) above, if trading in
the Common Stock is not reported by Nasdaq, the bid price referred to in said
clause shall be the lowest bid price as quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or
reported in the "pink sheets" published by National Quotation Bureau,
Incorporated.
 
     The Warrants may be exercised in whole or in part by surrendering at the
office of the Warrant Agent in Los Angeles, California, or at the office of any
successor to the Warrant Agent, the Warrant certificate evidencing such
Warrants, together with the subscription form set forth on the reverse of the
Warrant Certificate, duly executed and endorsed, with signatures properly
guaranteed, and accompanied by payment of the Warrant Price in cash or by
certified or bank draft, payable in U.S. dollars to the order of the Warrant
Agent. As soon as practicable after such exercise, the Company will cause to be
issued and delivered to the holder or upon his order, in such name or names as
may be directed by him, a certificate or certificates for the number of full
shares of Common Stock to which he is entitled.
 
     If fewer than all of the Warrants evidenced by a Warrant certificate are
exercised, the Warrant Agent will deliver to the exercising Warrant holder a new
Warrant certificate representing the unexercised portion of the Warrant
certificate. Fractional shares will not be issued upon exercise of a Warrant,
and in lieu thereof, the Company will pay to the holder an amount in cash equal
to such fraction multiplied by the then Current Market Price per share,
determined in accordance with the Warrant Agreement.
 
     The person in whose name the stock certificate is to be issued will be
deemed to have become the holder of record of the stock represented thereby on
the date when the Warrant certificate with the subscription duly executed and
completed is surrendered and payment of the Warrant Price is made, unless the
stock transfer
 
                                       75
<PAGE>   76
 
books of the Company are closed on such date, in which case, the certificates
for the securities in respect of which the Warrants are exercised shall be
issuable as of the date on which such books shall next be opened.
 
     No service charge will be made for registration of transfer or exchange of
any Warrant certificate. The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to
cover any stamp or other tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection with any registration of transfer of Warrant certificates or the
issuance of a Warrant certificate in a name other than that of the registered
holder of the Warrants.
 
     The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the
Warrants and/or the Warrant Price are subject to adjustment if the Company pays
a dividend or makes a distribution in Common Stock, subdivides its outstanding
Common Stock into a greater number of shares, combines its Common Stock into a
smaller number of shares or issues by reclassification of its Common Stock,
other securities of the Company. For purposes of these adjustment mechanisms,
"Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company as of the date of execution
and delivery of the Warrant Agreement or any other class of stock or securities
resulting from successive changes or reclassifications of such Common Stock
consisting solely of changes in par value, or from par value to no par value, or
from no par value to par value. Upon any adjustment of the number of shares
issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, the Warrant Price will also be adjusted
proportionately.
 
     In the event that the Company consolidates with, merges into, or sells or
conveys its property, assets, or business as an entirety or substantially as an
entirety to, another corporation, the Company and such successor or purchasing
corporation shall execute with the Warrant Agent an agreement that the
registered holders of the Warrants shall have the right thereafter, upon payment
of the Warrant Price in effect immediately prior to the action, to purchase,
upon exercise of a Warrant, the kind and amount of shares and other securities
and property which it would have owned or been entitled to receive after the
happening of such action had the Warrant been exercised immediately prior to the
consolidation, merger, or sale of assets.
 
     In the event a bankruptcy or reorganization is commenced by or against the
Company, a bankruptcy court may hold that unexercised Warrants are executory
contracts which may be subject to rejection by the Company with approval of the
bankruptcy court. As a result, holders of the Warrants may not be entitled to
receive any consideration or may receive an amount less than they would be
entitled to if they had exercised their Warrants prior to the commencement of
any such bankruptcy or reorganization.
 
     The holders of unexercised Warrants are not entitled, by virtue of being
holders, to exercise any rights as stockholders of the Company.
 
     Subject to certain requirements, from time to time the Company and the
Warrant Agent, without the consent of the holders of the Warrants, may amend or
supplement the Warrant Agreement for certain purposes, including curing
ambiguities, defects, or inconsistencies, or to make other provisions in regard
to matters or questions arising under the Warrant Agreement which shall not be
inconsistent with the provisions of the Warrants, or which shall not adversely
affect the interests of holders of the Warrants (including reducing the Warrant
Price or extending the redemption or exercise date). In any situation where the
Warrant Agreement cannot be amended by the Company and the Warrant Agent as
described above, the Warrant Agreement can be amended by the Company, the
Warrant Agent, and the holders of a majority of the outstanding Warrants
representing a majority of the shares of Common Stock underlying such Warrants,
provided that, among other exceptions, without the consent of each holder of a
Warrant, except pursuant to the adjustment mechanisms of the Warrant Agreement,
there can be no increase of the Warrant Price, reduction of the number of shares
of Common Stock purchasable on exercise of the Warrants, or reduction of the
exercise period for the Warrants.
 
OTHER SECURITIES AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
     In connection with its initial public offering, the Company issued warrants
to SunAmerica to purchase 121,023 shares, as adjusted, of Common Stock at an
exercise price per share of $6.75 and to Cruttenden Roth to purchase 170,000
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price per share of $9.45. The agreements
with respect to the issuance of such warrants provide for certain registration
rights. The Company is required to use
 
                                       76
<PAGE>   77
 
its best efforts to effect such registrations, subject to certain conditions and
limitations, and is required to pay all expenses of SunAmerica and Cruttenden
Roth in connection with any registration of such securities, except for any
underwriting discounts and commissions.
 
     In conjunction with its initial public offering, the Company registered the
warrants issued to Cruttenden Roth and the shares underlying such warrants.
Under the terms of such warrants, however, Cruttenden Roth could not exercise
such warrants and sell the underlying Common Stock until June 21, 1997, and only
pursuant to a currently effective registration statement.
 
     In connection with the FMAC Senior Bank Debt purchase, the Company issued
warrants to the Bank Group members to purchase a total of 500,000 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $20.00 per share, until February 20, 2000,
subject to a call provision by the Company.
 
     The Company has authorized for issuance 1,800,000 shares of Common Stock
under its Incentive Plan, as amended. See "Management -- Long-Term Incentive
Plan." The Company has also authorized for issuance 50,000 shares of Common
Stock under its Director Incentive Plan. See "Management -- Director Fees and
Director's Incentive Plan."
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides that to the fullest
extent permitted by Delaware law, a director of the Company shall not be
personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for
breach of such director's fiduciary duty, except for liability: (i) for any
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders;
(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) in respect of certain unlawful
dividend payments or stock redemptions or repurchases; and (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derives an improper benefit. The effect of
the provision of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation is to eliminate the
rights of the Company and its stockholders (through stockholders' derivative
suits on behalf of the Company) to recover monetary damages against a director
for breach of the fiduciary duty of care as a director (including breaches
resulting from negligent or grossly negligent behavior), except in the
situations described in clauses (i) through (iv) above. This provision does not
limit or eliminate the rights of the Company or any stockholder to seek
nonmonetary relief such as an injunction or recision in the event of a breach of
a director's duty of care. In addition, the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation provides that the Company shall indemnify any person who is or was
a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Company, or who is or was serving
at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, or agent of
another corporation or entity, against expenses, liabilities, and losses
incurred by any such person by reason of the fact that such person is or was
acting in such capacity. The Company has also obtained insurance on behalf of
its directors and officers for any liability arising out of such person's
actions in such capacity.
 
     The Company has entered into agreements to indemnify its directors and
officers. These agreements, among other things, indemnify the Company's
directors and officers for certain expenses (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines, and settlement amounts incurred by any such person in any
action or proceeding, including any action by or in the right of the Company,
arising out of such person's services as a director or officer of the Company,
any subsidiary of the Company, or any other company or enterprise to which such
person provides services at the request of the Company. To the extent that the
Board of Directors or the stockholders of the Company may in the future wish to
limit or repeal the ability of the Company to provide indemnification as set
forth in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, such repeal or limitation
may not be effective as to directors or officers who are parties to the
indemnification agreements because their rights to full protection would be
contractually assured by such agreements. It is anticipated that similar
contracts may be entered into, from time to time, with future directors of the
Company. The Company believes that the indemnification provisions in its
Certificate of Incorporation and in the indemnification agreements are necessary
to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.
 
                                       77
<PAGE>   78
 
CERTAIN BYLAW PROVISIONS
 
     The Company's Bylaws, as amended, contain several provisions that regulate
the nomination of directors and the submission of proposals in connection with
stockholder meetings. The Company's Bylaws require that, subject to certain
exceptions, any stockholder desiring to propose business or nominate a person to
the Board of Directors at a stockholders meeting must give notice of any
proposals not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting. Such
notice is required to contain certain information as set forth in the Bylaws. No
business matter shall be transacted nor shall any person be eligible for
election as a director of the Company unless proposed or nominated, as the case
may be, in strict accordance with this procedure set forth in the Company's
Bylaws.
 
     Although the Bylaws do not give the Board of Directors any power to approve
or disapprove of stockholder nominations for the election of directors or of any
other business desired by stockholders to be conducted at an annual or any other
meeting, the Bylaws may have the effect of precluding a nomination for the
election of directors or the conduct of business at a particular annual meeting
if the proper procedures are not followed or may discourage or deter a third
party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of
directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company, even if the
conduct of such solicitation or such attempt might be beneficial to the Company
and its stockholders. The Company's procedures with respect to all stockholder
proposals and the nomination of directors will be conducted in accordance with
Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
     The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Stock of the Company is
Harris Trust Company of California, 601 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles, California
90017.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     Following confirmation of the Plan of Reorganization of FMAC in its
Bankruptcy Case, on the effective date of the Plan of Reorganization, the
Warrants will be issued to FMAC and distributed by FMAC to unsecured creditors
of FMAC. However, a portion of the Warrants may be reallocated and distributed
instead to equity holders of FMAC if the cost of curing the Alltel Licensing
Agreement is less than the Requested Cure Cost. See "FMAC
Transactions -- Additional Consideration." The Underlying Shares will be issued
from time to time upon exercise of the Warrants by the holders thereof in
accordance with the Warrant Agreement. See "Description of Capital
Stock-Warrants."
 
     The Distribution Shares will be issued by the Company, if at all, at such
time as collections under the Owned Contracts and B Pieces become distributable
under the Plan of Reorganization to unsecured creditors (or, in certain cases,
equity holders of FMAC) pursuant to the Excess Collections Split. See "FMAC
Transactions -- Senior Bank Debt Claims." At the option of the Company, the
Company may distribute the Distribution Shares to FMAC, or at the request of
FMAC and pursuant to its instructions, directly to the unsecured creditors of
FMAC, in lieu of FMAC's right to receive a portion of the distributions pursuant
to the Excess Collections Split in cash (the "Stock Option"). If the Company
decides to exercise the Stock Option, the Company must give FMAC at least 15
days advance written notice (the "Option Notice") (and make a public
announcement on the same date as the giving of the notice) of the date on which
the Company will exercise the Stock Option (the "Exercise Date") and the number
of Distribution Shares that the Company will issue on the Exercise Date. The
Company may exercise the Stock Option one time only, with exercise being the
actual delivery of the Distribution Shares. Revocation of the Option Notice
shall not be deemed to be an exercise of the Stock Option by the Company. On the
Exercise Date, the aggregate value of the Distribution Shares shall be
determined by multiplying the Distribution Shares by 98% of the average of the
closing prices for the previous 10 trading days of Company Common Stock on
Nasdaq or such other market on which such stock may be traded (the "Stock Option
Value"). After issuance and delivery of the Distribution Shares, the Company is
entitled to receive FMAC's 82 1/2% share of cash distributions under the Excess
Collections Split from and after the Exercise Date until the Company has
received cash distributions equal to the Stock Option Value. This is in addition
to the Company's right to receive its 17 1/2% share under
 
                                       78
<PAGE>   79
 
the Excess Collections Split. Once the Company has received cash distributions
equal to the Stock Option Value, FMAC will retain the remaining portion of its
82 1/2% share of cash distributions under the Excess Collections Split, if any,
in excess of the Stock Option Value. The Company shall not be entitled to
exercise the Stock Option unless (i) the value of its Common Stock on the
Exercise Date and the closing price for its Common Stock on each day during the
previous ten trading days shall be at least $8.00 per share, (ii) the Company
shall have caused (at its sole cost and expense) the Distribution Shares to be
registered under the Securities Act, unrestricted and fully transferable and
shall have taken all steps necessary to allow FMAC to distribute the
Distribution Shares to its unsecured creditors, and if applicable, shareholders,
and (ii) the Company shall not have purchased any of its common stock (except
upon the exercise of previously issued and outstanding options, warrants, SARs
or other rights) or announced any stock repurchase programs from and after the
delivery of the Option Notice through the Exercise Date.
 
     The Common Stock of the Company is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol
"UGLY." The Warrants will not be listed on any national securities exchange or
admitted for trading on Nasdaq.
 
     The Company is bearing the expenses of registration of the Warrants,
Underlying Shares, and Distribution Shares offered hereby, which the Company
estimates will be approximately $280,000.
 
     FMAC may be considered to be an underwriter of the Warrants, Underlying
Shares, and Distribution Shares, as such term is defined in Section 2(11) of the
Securities Act.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the securities offered hereby is being passed upon for the
Company by Snell & Wilmer L.L.P, Phoenix, Arizona.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31,
1996 and 1995 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 1996, have been included herein and in the Registration Statement in
reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
accountants, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     The combined balance sheet of Seminole Finance Corporation and Related
Companies as of December 31, 1996, and the related combined statements of
operations, stockholder's equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year then
ended have been included herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance
upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
accountants, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     KPMG Peat Marwick LLP's report dated March 18, 1997 on the combined
financial statements of Seminole Financial Corporation, contains an explanatory
paragraph that states: "the accompanying combined financial statements have been
prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As
discussed in Note 7 to the combined financial statements, the Company is
involved in a lawsuit that involves a material amount of damages that, if there
were an adverse outcome, raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue
as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to this matter are also
described in Note 7. The combined financial statements do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty."
 
     The combined financial statements of Seminole Finance Corporation as of
December 31, 1995 and for the year ended December 31, 1995, have been included
herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance upon the report of Barton &
Company, P.A., independent certified public accountants, appearing elsewhere
herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
 
     The financial statements of E-Z Plan, Inc. at December 31, 1996, and for
the year ended December 31, 1996, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration
Statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
 
                                       79
<PAGE>   80
 
independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere
herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority
of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     The consolidated financial statements of KARS-YES Holdings Inc. as of June
30, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the three years in the period ended June 30,
1997, included in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been included
herein in reliance on the report, which includes an explanatory paragraph
(discussed below), of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, given
on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.'s report dated November 6, 1997 on the
consolidated financial statements of KARS-YES Holdings, Inc., contains an
explanatory paragraph that states: "the accompanying financial statements have
been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As
described in Notes 6 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
defaulted on its debt obligations during 1997. As discussed in Notes 1 and 13,
the Company sold the majority of its operating assets and facilities to the Ugly
Duckling Corporation on September 15, 1997. The remaining assets will be
utilized to satisfy existing liabilities as dictated by amended debt agreements.
Based on management's estimated cash flow projections from the remaining assets
which have contractual lives through 2002, it is extremely unlikely that cash
collections will be adequate to satisfy all existing liabilities or result in
any distributions to preferred or common shareholders. These factors raise
substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might
result from the outcome of this uncertainty."
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form S-1 (the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act with respect to the Warrants, Underlying
Shares, and Distribution Shares offered hereby. This Prospectus constitutes a
part of the Registration Statement and does not contain all of the information
set forth therein and in the exhibits thereto, certain portions of which have
been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. For
further information with respect to the Company and the Warrants, Underlying
Shares, and Distribution Shares offered hereby, reference is hereby made to such
Registration Statement and exhibits. Statements contained in this Prospectus as
to the contents of any document are not necessarily complete and in each
instance are qualified in their entirety by reference to the copy of the
appropriate document filed with the Commission. The Registration Statement,
including the exhibits thereto, may be examined without charge at the
Commission's public reference facility at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, copies of all or any part of
the Registration Statement, including such exhibits thereto, may be obtained
from the Commission at its principal office in Washington, D.C., upon payment of
the fees prescribed by the Commission.
 
     The Company is subject to the reporting and informational requirements of
the Exchange Act and, in accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements,
and other information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements, and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the
principal office of the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549, and at the following regional offices of
the Commission: 7 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10048, and Northwestern
Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60601. Copies of
such material may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at its principal office at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C.
20549, upon payment of the fees prescribed by the Commission. The Commission
maintains a World Wide Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports,
proxy statements, and other information regarding registrants, such as the
Company, that file electronically with the Commission.
 
     The Company's Common Stock is traded on Nasdaq. Reports, proxy statements,
and other information filed by the Company may be inspected and copied at the
National Association of Securities Dealers, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20007.
 
                                       80
<PAGE>   81
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Independent Auditors' Report..........................................................   F-3
 
Consolidated Financial Statements:
 
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995........................   F-4
 
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
     and 1994.........................................................................   F-5
 
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31,
     1996, 1995 and 1994..............................................................   F-6
 
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
     and 1994.........................................................................   F-7
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................   F-8
</TABLE>
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
              INDEX TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
 
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -- September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996...  F-26
 
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations -- Three Months and Nine Months
     ended September 30, 1997 and September 30, 1996..................................  F-27
 
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Nine Months ended September 30,
     1997 and September 30, 1996......................................................  F-28
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements..................................  F-29
</TABLE>
 
               SEMINOLE FINANCE CORPORATION AND RELATED COMPANIES
 
                     INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Independent Auditors' Reports.........................................................  F-32
 
Combined Financial Statements:
 
  Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995............................  F-34
 
  Combined Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995....  F-35
 
  Combined Statements of Stockholder's Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December
     31, 1996 and 1995................................................................  F-36
 
  Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995....  F-37
 
Notes to Combined Financial Statements................................................  F-38
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   82
 
                                 E-Z PLAN, INC.
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Report of Independent Auditors........................................................  F-43
Financial Statements:
 
  Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1996...............................................  F-44
 
  Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1996........................  F-45
 
  Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the year ended December 31, 1996..............  F-46
 
  Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 1996........................  F-47
 
Notes to Financial Statements.........................................................  F-48
</TABLE>
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Report of Independent Accountants.....................................................  F-52
 
Consolidated Financial Statements:
 
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1997 and 1996............................  F-53
 
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and
     1995.............................................................................  F-54
 
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended June 30, 1997,
     1996 and 1995....................................................................  F-55
 
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and
     1995.............................................................................  F-56
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................  F-57
</TABLE>
 
                    INDEX TO PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations (unaudited) for the nine months
  ended September 30, 1997............................................................  F-73
 
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations (unaudited) for the year ended
  December 31, 1996...................................................................  F-74
 
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations..............  F-75
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   83
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ugly Duckling Corporation:
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ugly
Duckling Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996.
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ugly
Duckling Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Phoenix, Arizona
January 31, 1997, except
for Note 19 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements which is
as of February 13, 1997
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   84
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                          --------------------
                                                                            1996        1995
                                                                          --------     -------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                       <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents...............................................  $ 18,455     $ 1,419
Finance Receivables:
  Held for Investment...................................................    52,188      49,226
  Held for Sale.........................................................     7,000          --
                                                                          --------     -------
        Principal Balances, Net.........................................    59,188      49,226
  Less: Allowance for Credit Losses.....................................    (8,125)     (8,500)
                                                                          --------     -------
        Finance Receivables, Net........................................    51,063      40,726
                                                                          --------     -------
Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold...................................     9,889          --
Investments Held in Trust...............................................     3,479          --
Inventory...............................................................     5,752       6,329
Property and Equipment, Net.............................................    20,652       7,797
Goodwill and Trademarks, Net............................................     2,150         269
Other Assets............................................................     6,643       4,250
                                                                          --------     -------
                                                                          $118,083     $60,790
                                                                          ========     =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
  Accounts Payable......................................................  $  2,132     $   595
  Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities................................     6,728       5,557
  Notes Payable.........................................................    12,904      35,201
  Subordinated Notes Payable............................................    14,000      14,553
                                                                          --------     -------
     Total Liabilities..................................................    35,764      55,906
                                                                          --------     -------
Stockholders' Equity:
  Preferred Stock.......................................................        --      10,000
  Common Stock..........................................................    82,612         127
  Accumulated Deficit...................................................      (293)     (5,243)
                                                                          --------     -------
     Total Stockholders' Equity.........................................    82,319       4,884
Commitments, Contingencies and Subsequent Events........................
                                                                          --------     -------
                                                                          $118,083     $60,790
                                                                          ========     =======
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   85
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                -------------------------------
                                                                 1996        1995        1994
                                                                -------     -------     -------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS
                                                                      PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
Sales of Used Cars............................................  $53,768     $47,824     $27,768
Less:
  Cost of Used Cars Sold......................................   29,890      27,964      12,577
  Provision for Credit Losses.................................    9,811       8,359       8,140
                                                                -------     -------     -------
                                                                 14,067      11,501       7,051
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Interest Income...............................................   15,856      10,071       5,449
Gain on Sale of Loans.........................................    4,434          --          --
                                                                -------     -------     -------
                                                                 20,290      10,071       5,449
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Servicing Income..............................................      921          --          --
Other Income..................................................      650         308         556
                                                                -------     -------     -------
                                                                  1,571         308         556
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Income before Operating Expenses..............................   35,928      21,880      13,056
Operating Expenses:
  Selling and Marketing.......................................    3,585       3,856       2,402
  General and Administrative..................................   19,538      14,726       9,141
  Depreciation and Amortization...............................    1,577       1,314         777
                                                                -------     -------     -------
                                                                 24,700      19,896      12,320
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Income before Interest Expense................................   11,228       1,984         736
Interest Expense..............................................    5,262       5,956       3,037
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Earnings (Loss) before Income Taxes...........................    5,966      (3,972)     (2,301)
Income Taxes (Benefit)........................................      100          --        (334)
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Net Earnings (Loss)...........................................  $ 5,866     $(3,972)    $(1,967)
                                                                =======     =======     =======
Earnings (Loss) per Share.....................................  $  0.60     $ (0.67)    $ (0.35)
                                                                =======     =======     =======
Shares Used in Computation....................................    8,283       5,892       5,584
                                                                =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   86
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995, AND 1994
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               RETAINED
                                        SHARES               AMOUNT            EARNINGS          TOTAL
                                  ------------------   -------------------   (ACCUMULATED    STOCKHOLDERS'
                                  PREFERRED   COMMON   PREFERRED   COMMON      DEFICIT)     EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                                  ---------   ------   ---------   -------   ------------   ----------------
<S>                               <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>       <C>            <C>
Balances at December 31, 1993....       --    4,640    $     --    $    1      $    696         $    697
Issuance of Common Stock for
  Purchase of Subsidiary.........       --      174          --        15            --               15
Issuance of Common Stock for
  Cash...........................       --      708          --        61            --               61
Net Loss for the Year............       --       --          --        --        (1,967)          (1,967)
                                    ------    ------     ------    -------       ------          -------
 
Balances at December 31, 1994....       --    5,522          --        77        (1,271)          (1,194)
Issuance of Common Stock.........       --       58          --        50            --               50
Conversion of Subordinated Notes
  Payable to Preferred Stock.....    1,000       --      10,000        --            --           10,000
Net Loss for the Year............       --       --          --        --        (3,972)          (3,972)
                                    ------    ------     ------    -------       ------          -------
 
Balances at December 31, 1995....    1,000    5,580      10,000       127        (5,243)           4,884
Issuance of Common Stock for
  Cash...........................       --    7,281          --    79,335            --           79,335
Conversion of Debt to Common
  Stock..........................       --      444          --     3,000            --            3,000
Issuance of Common Stock to Board
  of Directors...................       --       22          --       150            --              150
Redemption of Preferred Stock....   (1,000)      --     (10,000)       --            --          (10,000)
Preferred Stock Dividend.........       --       --          --        --          (916)            (916)
Net Earnings for the Year........       --       --          --        --         5,866            5,866
                                    ------    ------     ------    -------       ------          -------
 
Balances at December 31, 1996....       --    13,327   $     --    $82,612     $   (293)        $ 82,319
                                    ======    ======     ======    =======       ======          =======
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   87
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                            -----------------------------------
                                                              1996          1995         1994
                                                            ---------     --------     --------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>          <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
  Net Earnings (Loss).....................................  $   5,866     $ (3,972)    $ (1,967)
     Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings (Loss) to Net
       Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
     Provision for Credit Losses..........................      9,811        8,359        8,140
     Gain on Sale of Finance Receivables..................     (4,434)          --           --
     Decrease (Increase) in Deferred Income Taxes.........        249          449         (461)
     Depreciation and Amortization........................      1,577        1,314          777
     Decrease (Increase) in Inventory.....................        577       (1,500)      (3,098)
     Finance Receivable Held for Sale.....................    (45,989)          --           --
     Proceeds from Sale of Finance Receivables............     38,989           --           --
     Increase in Other Assets.............................     (3,150)        (529)        (294)
     Increase in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and
       Other Liabilities..................................      2,949        3,035        1,064
     Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes
       Receivable/Payable.................................        534         (984)        (809)
     Other, Net...........................................         --          169           25
                                                             --------     --------     --------
          Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities.......      6,979        6,341        3,377
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
  Increase in Finance Receivables.........................    (67,803)     (53,023)     (27,196)
  Collections of Finance Receivables......................     49,201       19,795       12,202
  Increase in Investments Held in Trust...................     (3,479)          --           --
  Purchase of Property and Equipment......................     (6,111)      (3,195)      (5,334)
  Other, Net..............................................     (1,809)          --         (270)
                                                             --------     --------     --------
          Net Cash Used in Investing Activities...........    (30,001)     (36,423)     (20,598)
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
  Additions to Notes Payable..............................      1,000       22,259        9,942
  Repayments of Notes Payable.............................    (28,610)          --       (2,027)
  Net Issuance (Repayment) of Subordinated Notes
     Payable..............................................       (553)       6,262        9,350
  Redemption of Preferred Stock...........................    (10,000)          --           --
  Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock..................     79,435            5           61
  Other, Net..............................................     (1,214)       2,807          (16)
                                                             --------     --------     --------
          Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities.......     40,058       31,333       17,310
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents.................     17,036        1,251           89
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year............      1,419          168           79
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year..................  $  18,455     $  1,419     $    168
                                                             ========     ========     ========
Supplemental Statement of Cash Flows Information:
  Interest Paid...........................................  $   5,144     $  5,890     $  3,031
                                                             ========     ========     ========
  Income Taxes Paid.......................................  $     450     $    535     $    960
                                                             ========     ========     ========
  Conversion of Note Payable to Common Stock..............  $   3,000     $     --     $     --
                                                             ========     ========     ========
  Purchase of Property and Equipment with Notes Payable...  $   8,313     $     --     $     --
                                                             ========     ========     ========
  Purchase of Property and Equipment with Capital
     Leases...............................................  $      57     $    792     $    399
                                                             ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   88
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
(1)  ORGANIZATION AND PURPOSE
 
     Ugly Duckling Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company), was
incorporated in April 1996 as the successor to Ugly Duckling Holdings, Inc.
(UDH), an Arizona corporation, formed in 1992. Contemporaneous with the
formation of the Company, UDH was merged into the Company with each share of
UDH's common stock exchanged for 1.16 shares of common stock in the Company and
each share of UDH's preferred stock exchanged for one share of preferred stock
in the Company under identical terms and conditions. UDH was effectively
dissolved in the merger. The resulting effect of the merger was a
recapitalization increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock to
20,000,000 and a 1.16-to-1 common stock split effective April 24, 1996. The
stockholders' equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December
31, 1996 and 1995, reflects the number of authorized shares after giving effect
to the merger and common stock split. The Company's principal stockholder is
also the sole stockholder of Verde Investments, Inc. (Verde). The Company's
subordinated debt is held by, and the land for certain of its car dealerships
and loan servicing facilities was leased from, Verde until December 31, 1996,
see note 13.
 
(2)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Operations
 
     The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates sales finance
companies, used car sales dealerships, a property and casualty insurance
company, and is a franchiser of rental car operations. Additionally, Champion
Receivables Corporation, a "bankruptcy remote entity" is the Company's wholly-
owned special purpose securitization subsidiary. Its assets include residuals in
finance receivables sold, and investments held in trust, in the amounts of
$9,889,000 and $2,843,000, respectively, at December 31, 1996.
 
  Principles of Consolidation
 
     The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have
been eliminated in consolidation.
 
  Concentration of Credit Risk
 
     Champion Acceptance Corporation and Champion Financial Services (CFS)
provide sales finance services in connection with the sales of used cars to
individuals residing primarily in the metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson,
Arizona. The Company operated three, three and two dealerships in the Tucson
metropolitan area in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively; and five, five, and
three dealerships in the Phoenix metropolitan area in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively (company dealerships). As of December 31, 1996, CFS maintains
relationships with approximately 1,400 third party car dealers (third party
dealers) in twelve states from whom it purchases sales finance contracts from 35
branch offices.
 
     Periodically during the year, the Company maintains cash in financial
institutions in excess of the amounts insured by the federal government.
 
  Cash Equivalents
 
     The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents
generally consist of interest bearing money market accounts.
 
  Revenue Recognition
 
     Interest income is recognized using the interest method. Direct loan
origination costs related to contracts originated at company dealerships are
deferred and charged against finance income over the life of the related
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   89
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
installment sales contract as an adjustment of yield. Pre-opening and start-up
costs incurred on third party dealer branch offices are deferred and charged to
expense over a twelve-month period. The accrual of interest is suspended if
collection becomes doubtful generally 90 days past due, and is resumed when the
loan becomes current. Interest income also includes income on the Company's
residual interests from its securitization program.
 
     Revenue from the sales of used cars is recognized upon delivery, when the
sales contract is signed and the agreed-upon down payment has been received.
 
  Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold, Investments Held in Trust, and Gain on
Sale of Loans
 
     In 1996, the Company initiated a securitization program under which it
sells (securitizes) finance receivables to a trust which uses the finance
receivables to create asset backed securities (A certificates) which are
remitted to the Company in consideration for the sale. The Company then sells
senior certificates to third party investors and retains subordinated
certificates (B certificates). In consideration of such sale, the Company
receives cash proceeds from the sale of certificates collateralized by the
finance receivables and the right to future cash flows under the subordinated
certificates (residual in finance receivables sold, or residual) arising from
those receivables to the extent not required to make payments on the A
certificates sold to a third party or to pay associated costs.
 
     Residuals in finance receivables result from the sale of finance
receivables on which the Company retains servicing rights and the excess cash
flows on the A certificates, including any excess cash flows on the B
certificates. The residual is determined by computing the difference between the
weighted average yield of the finance receivables sold and the yield to the
certificate purchaser, adjusted for the normal servicing fee based on the
agreements between the Company and the investor and further adjusted for
anticipated prepayments, repossessions, liquidations, and charge offs.
 
     The Company is required to make an initial deposit into an account held by
the trustee (spread account) and to pledge this cash to the trust to which the
finance receivables were sold. The trustee in turn invests the cash in highly
liquid investment securities. In addition, the Company (through the trustee)
deposits additional cash flows from the residual to the spread account as
necessary to attain and maintain the spread account at a specified percentage of
the underlying finance receivable principal balances. These deposits are
classified as Investments Held in Trust.
 
     To the extent that the performance of the underlying finance receivable
portfolio differs from the Company's original estimates, the Company's residual
will be adjusted quarterly, with corresponding charges against income in the
period in which the adjustment is made. Such evaluations are performed on a
security by security basis, for each certificate or spread account retained by
the Company.
 
     Gains or losses are determined based upon the difference between the sales
proceeds for the portion of finance receivables sold and the Company's recorded
investment in the finance receivables sold. The Company allocates the recorded
investment in the finance receivables between the portion of the finance
receivables sold and the portion retained based on the relative fair values on
the date of sale.
 
  Servicing Income
 
     Servicing income is recognized when earned. Servicing costs are charged to
expense as incurred. In the event delinquencies and/or losses on the portfolio
serviced exceed specified levels, the trustee may require the transfer of
servicing of the portfolio to another servicer.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   90
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Finance Receivables, Allowance for Credit Losses and Nonrefundable Acquisition
Discount
 
     The Company originates installment sales contracts from its company
dealerships and purchases contracts from third party dealers. Finance
receivables consist of contractually scheduled payments from installment sales
contracts net of unearned finance charges, accrued interest receivable, direct
loan origination costs, and an allowance for credit losses, including
nonrefundable acquisition discount.
 
     Finance receivables held for investment represent finance receivables that
the Company expects to hold until they have matured. Finance receivables held
for sale represent finance receivables that the Company expects to securitize
within the next twelve months.
 
     Unearned finance charges represent the balance of finance income (interest)
remaining from the capitalization of the total interest to be earned over the
original term of the related installment sales contract. Direct loan origination
costs represent the unamortized balance of costs incurred in the origination of
contracts at the Company's dealerships.
 
     The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 91, "Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated with
Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases" for contracts
originated at its company dealerships.
 
     An allowance for credit losses (allowance) is established by charging the
provision for credit losses and the allocation of nonrefundable acquisition
discount. For contracts generated by the company dealerships, the allowance is
established by charging the provision for credit losses. Contracts purchased
from third party dealers are generally purchased with a nonrefundable
acquisition discount (discount). The discount is negotiated with third party
dealers pursuant to a financing program that bases the discount on, among other
things, the credit risk of the borrower and the amount to be financed in
relation to the car's wholesale value. The discount is allocated between
discount available for credit losses and discount available for accretion to
interest income. The portion of discount allocated to the allowance is based
upon historical performance and write-offs of contracts acquired from third
party dealers, as well as the general credit worthiness of the borrowers and the
wholesale value of the vehicle. The remaining discount, if any, is deferred and
accreted to income using the interest method. To the extent that the allowance
is considered insufficient to absorb anticipated losses on the third party
dealer portfolio, additions to the allowance are established through a charge to
the provision for credit losses. The evaluation of the discount and allowance
considers such factors as the performance of each third party dealer's loan
portfolio, the Company's historical credit losses, the overall portfolio quality
and delinquency status, the review of specific problem loans, the value of
underlying collateral, and current economic conditions that may affect the
borrower's ability to pay.
 
  Inventory
 
     Inventory consists of used vehicles held for sale and is valued at the
lower of cost or market. Vehicle reconditioning costs are capitalized as a
component of inventory cost. The cost of used vehicles sold is determined on a
specific identification basis. Repossessed vehicles are valued at market value.
 
  Property and Equipment
 
     Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using
straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the
assets which range from three to ten years for equipment and thirty years for
buildings. Leasehold and land improvements are amortized using straight-line and
accelerated methods over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful
lives of the related improvements.
 
     The Company has capitalized costs related to the development of software
products for internal use. Capitalization of costs begins when technological
feasibility has been established and ends when the software
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   91
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
is available for general use. Amortization is computed using the straight-line
method over the estimated economic life of five years.
 
  Trademarks, Trade Names, Logos, and Contract Rights
 
     The registered trade names, "Ugly Duckling Car Sales," "Ugly Duckling
Rent-A-Car," "America's Second Car," "Putting You on the Road to Good Credit"
and related trademarks, logos, and contract rights are stated at cost. The cost
of trademarks, trade names, logos, and contract rights is amortized on a
straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives of ten years.
 
  Goodwill
 
     Goodwill, which represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of
net assets acquired, is amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected
periods to be benefited, generally fifteen years. The Company assesses the
recoverability of this intangible asset by determining whether the amortization
of the goodwill balance over its remaining life can be recovered through
undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired operation. The amount
of goodwill impairment, if any, is measured based on projected discounted future
operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company's average cost
of funds. The assessment of the recoverability of goodwill will be impacted if
estimated future operating cash flows are not achieved.
 
  Post Sale Customer Support Programs
 
     A liability for the estimated cost of post sale customer support, including
car repairs and the Company's down payment back and credit card programs, is
established at the time the used car is sold by charging Cost of Used Cars Sold.
The liability is evaluated for adequacy through a separate analysis of the
various programs' historical performance.
 
  Income Taxes
 
     The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for
income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to
differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
 
  Advertising
 
     All costs related to production and advertising are expensed in the period
incurred or ratably over the year in relation to revenues or certain other
performance measures. The Company had no advertising costs capitalized as of
December 31, 1996.
 
  Stock Option Plan
 
     Prior to January 1, 1996, the Company accounted for its stock option plan
in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion
No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations.
As such, compensation expense would be recorded on the date of grant only if the
current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. On
January 1, 1996, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation, which permits entities to recognize as expense over the vesting
period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   92
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 also allows entities to continue to apply the
provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide pro forma net earnings and pro
forma earnings per share disclosures for employee stock option grants made in
1995 and future years as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123
had been applied. The Company has elected to continue to apply the provisions of
APB Opinion No. 25 and provide the pro forma disclosure provisions of SFAS No.
123.
 
     The Company uses one of the most widely used option pricing models, the
Black-Scholes model (the Model), for purposes of valuing its stock option
grants. The Model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded
options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In
addition, it requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the
expected stock price volatility, expected dividend yields, the risk free
interest rate, and the expected life. Because the Company's stock options have
characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and
because changes in subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair
value estimate, in management's opinion, the value determined by the Model is
not necessarily indicative of the ultimate value of the granted options.
 
  Earnings per Share
 
     Earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding plus dilutive common stock equivalents after giving effect to
the payment of dividends on preferred stock.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of
 
     The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of, on
January 1, 1996. The Statement requires that long-lived assets and certain
identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a
comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected
to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the
impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying
amount of the assets exceed the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed
of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to
sell. Adoption of this Statement did not have a materiel impact on the Company's
financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
 
  Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities
 
     In June 1996, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 125,
Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments
of Liabilities. SFAS No. 125 is effective for transfers and servicing of
financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities occurring after December 31,
1996 and is to be applied prospectively. This Statement provides accounting and
reporting standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets and
extinguishments of liabilities based on consistent application of a financial-
components approach that focuses on control. It distinguishes transfers of
financial assets that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings.
Management of the Company does not expect that adoption of SFAS No. 125 will
have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of
operations, or liquidity.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   93
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(3)  FINANCE RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
 
     A summary of net finance receivables at December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows
(in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ---------------------
                                                                   1996         1995
                                                                 --------     --------
        <S>                                                      <C>          <C>
        Contractually Scheduled Payments.......................  $ 77,982     $ 66,425
        Less: Unearned Finance Income..........................   (19,701)     (18,394)
                                                                 --------     --------
        Installment Sales Contract Principal Balances..........    58,281       48,031
        Add: Accrued Interest Receivable.......................       718          613
              Loan Origination Costs, Net......................       189          582
                                                                 --------     --------
        Principal Balances, Net................................    59,188       49,226
        Less: Allowance for Credit Losses......................    (8,125)      (8,500)
                                                                 --------     --------
        Finance Receivables, Net...............................  $ 51,063     $ 40,726
                                                                 ========     ========
        Held for Investment....................................  $ 52,188     $ 49,226
        Held for Sale..........................................     7,000           --
                                                                 --------     --------
                                                                   59,188       49,226
        Less: Allowance for Credit Losses......................    (8,125)      (8,500)
                                                                 --------     --------
                                                                 $ 51,063     $ 40,726
                                                                 ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     Allowance for credit losses as a percent of principal balances totaled
13.9% and 17.7% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
     The changes in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 follow (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                        -------------------------------
                                                         1996        1995        1994
                                                        -------     -------     -------
        <S>                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
        Balances, Beginning of Year...................  $ 8,500     $ 6,209     $ 2,876
          Provision for Credit Losses.................    9,811       8,359       8,140
          Allowance Acquired from Discount............    8,963       1,660         579
          Net Charge Offs.............................   (9,168)     (7,728)     (5,386)
          Sale of Finance Receivables.................   (9,981)         --          --
                                                        -------     -------     -------
        Balances, End of Year.........................  $ 8,125     $ 8,500     $ 6,209
                                                        =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
(4)  RESIDUALS IN FINANCE RECEIVABLES SOLD
 
     The valuation of the residual in finance receivables sold as of December
31, 1996 totaled $9,889,000 which represents the present value of the Company's
interest in the anticipated future cash flows of the underlying portfolio,
discounted at rates ranging from 16% to 25%, after taking into consideration
anticipated prepayments and net charge offs. For contracts originated at Company
Dealerships, net losses were estimated using total expected cumulative net
losses at loan origination of approximately 25.0%, adjusted for actual
cumulative net losses prior to securitization. For contracts purchased from
Third Party Dealers, net losses were estimated using total expected cumulative
net losses at loan origination of approximately 13.5%, adjusted for actual
cumulative net losses prior to securitization. Losses are discounted at an
assumed risk free rate. Prepayment rates were estimated to be 1.5% per month of
the beginning of month balance.
 
     At December 31, 1996, the Company serviced finance receivables totaling
$51,663,000 which serves as collateral on $40,770,000 in senior certificates
issued to one investor. Approximately 89% of these finance
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   94
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
receivables were originated in the state of Arizona. The future net charge offs
taken into consideration in arriving at the residual of $9,889,000 totaled
$7,593,000 at December 31, 1996. This represents 14.70% of the underlying
finance receivables of $51,663,000 at December 31, 1996.
 
(5)  INVESTMENTS HELD IN TRUST
 
     In connection with its securitization transactions, the Company is required
to provide a credit enhancement to the investor. The Company makes an initial
cash deposit, ranging from 3% to 4% of the initial underlying finance
receivables principal balance, of cash into an account held by the trustee
(spread account) and pledges this cash to the trust to which the finance
receivables were sold and then makes additional deposits from the residual cash
flow (through the trustee) to the spread account as necessary to attain and
maintain the spread account at a specified percentage, ranging from 6.0% to
8.0%, of the underlying finance receivables principal balance.
 
     In the event that the cash flows generated by the finance receivables sold
to the trust are insufficient to pay obligations of the trust, including
principal or interest due to certificate holders or expenses of the trust, the
trustee will draw funds from the spread account as necessary to pay the
obligations of the trust. The spread account must be maintained at a specified
percentage of the principal balances of the finance receivables held by the
trust, which can be increased in the event delinquencies or losses exceed
specified levels. If the spread account exceeds the specified percentage, the
trustee will release the excess cash to the Company from the pledged spread
account. Except for releases in this manner, the cash in the spread account is
restricted from use by the Company. Investments Held in Trust, which are funds
deposited in an interest-bearing, money market account, totaled $2,843,000 at
December 31, 1996.
 
     During 1996, the Company made initial spread account deposits totaling
$2,630,000. Additional net deposits through the trustee during 1996 totaled
$213,000 resulting in a total balance in the spread accounts of $2,843,000 as of
December 31, 1996. In connection therewith, the specified spread account balance
based upon the aforementioned specified percentages of the balances of the
underlying portfolios as of December 31, 1996 was $3,941,000, resulting in
additional funding requirements from future cash flows as of December 31, 1996
of $1,098,000. The additional funding requirement will decline as the trustee
deposits additional cash flows into the spread account and as the principal
balance of the underlying finance receivables declines.
 
     In connection with certain other agreements, the Company has deposited a
total of $636,000 in an interest bearing trust account.
 
(6)  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
     A summary of property and equipment as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   -------------------
                                                                    1996        1995
                                                                   -------     -------
        <S>                                                        <C>         <C>
        Land.....................................................  $ 7,811     $    15
        Buildings and Leasehold Improvements.....................    5,699       5,143
        Furniture and Equipment..................................    5,696       3,401
        Software Development Costs...............................      693         533
        Vehicles.................................................      156         133
        Construction in Process..................................    3,536          11
                                                                   -------     -------
                                                                    23,591       9,236
        Less Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization...........   (2,939)     (1,439)
                                                                   -------     -------
        Property and Equipment, Net..............................  $20,652     $ 7,797
                                                                   =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   95
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     No interest expense was capitalized in 1996. Interest expense capitalized
in 1995 and 1994 totaled $54,000 and $142,000, respectively
 
(7)  GOODWILL AND TRADEMARKS
 
     In October, 1996, the Company acquired the operating lease of a used car
dealership. In connection with this acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill
totaling $1,944,000.
 
     A summary of trademarks as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      ---------------
                                                                      1996      1995
                                                                      -----     -----
        <S>                                                           <C>       <C>
        Original Cost...............................................  $ 581     $ 581
        Accumulated Amortization....................................   (375)     (312)
                                                                      -----     -----
        Trademarks, Net.............................................  $ 206     $ 269
                                                                      =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
     Amortization expense relating to trademarks totaled $63,000 for each of the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
(8)  OTHER ASSETS
 
     A summary of other assets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                                     ------------------
                                                                      1996       1995
                                                                     -------    -------
        <S>                                                          <C>        <C>
        Note Receivable............................................  $ 1,063    $    --
        Pre-opening and Startup Costs..............................    1,242         --
        Escrow Deposits............................................      900         --
        Prepaid Expenses...........................................      796        643
        Deferred Income Taxes......................................      676        925
        Income Taxes Receivable....................................      316        850
        Property and Equipment Held for Sale.......................       --      1,086
        Other Assets...............................................    1,650        746
                                                                      ------     ------
                                                                     $ 6,643    $ 4,250
                                                                      ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
(9)  ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
 
     A summary of accrued expenses and other liabilities as of December 31, 1996
and 1995 follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                                     -----------------
                                                                      1996       1995
                                                                     ------     ------
        <S>                                                          <C>        <C>
        Sales Taxes................................................  $2,904     $2,258
        Others.....................................................   3,824      3,299
                                                                     ------     ------
                                                                     $6,728     $5,557
                                                                     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
     In connection with the retail sale of vehicles, the Company is required to
pay sales taxes to certain government jurisdictions. The Company has elected to
pay these taxes using the "cash basis", which requires the Company to pay the
sales tax obligation for a sale transaction as principal is collected over the
life of the related finance receivable contract.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   96
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(10)  NOTES PAYABLE
 
     A summary of notes payable at December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                                           --------------------
                                                                             1996        1995
                                                                           --------    --------
                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>
$50,000,000 revolving loan with a finance company, interest payable daily
  at 30 day LIBOR (5.40% at December 31, 1996) plus 3.60% through
  September 1997, at which time the Company retains the right to extend
  the loan for one additional year, secured by substantially all assets
  of the Company.........................................................  $  4,602    $ 32,201
 
Two notes payable to a finance company totaling $7,450,000, monthly
  interest payable at the prime rate (8.25% at December 31, 1996) plus
  1.50% through January 1998; thereafter, monthly payments of $89,000
  plus interest through January 2002 when balloon payments totaling
  $3,282,000 are due, secured by first deeds of trust and assignments of
  rents on certain real property.........................................     7,444          --
 
$3,000,000 note payable to an insurance company, interest payable
  quarterly at 12.5% per annum. Converted to common stock concurrent with
  the Company's initial public offering in 1996..........................        --       3,000
 
Others bearing interest at rates ranging from 9% to 11% due through April
  2007, secured by certain real property and certain property and
  equipment..............................................................       858          --
                                                                            -------     -------
          Total..........................................................  $ 12,904    $ 35,201
                                                                            =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     The aforementioned revolving loan agreement contains various reporting and
performance covenants including the maintenance of certain ratios, limitations
on additional borrowings from other sources, and a restriction on the payment of
dividends under certain circumstances. The Company was in compliance with the
covenants at December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
     A summary of future minimum principal payments required (assuming the
Company exercises its right to extend the revolving loan through September 1998)
under the aforementioned notes payable as of December 31, 1996 follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                       -----------------
        <S>                                                            <C>
        1997.........................................................       $    86
        1998.........................................................         5,673
        1999.........................................................         1,169
        2000.........................................................         1,179
        2001.........................................................         1,191
        Thereafter...................................................         3,606
                                                                            -------
                                                                            $12,904
                                                                            =======
</TABLE>
 
(11)  SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE
 
     The Company has executed two subordinated notes payable with Verde. As
discussed in the following paragraphs, the balance outstanding under these notes
totaled $14,553,000 at December 31, 1995. There was no accrued interest payable
related to these notes at December 31, 1995.
 
     In August 1993, the Company entered into a ten-year, subordinated note
payable agreement with Verde. This unsecured $15,000,000 note bears interest at
an annual rate of 18%, with interest payable monthly and is subordinated to all
other Company liabilities. The note also provides for suspension of interest
payments should the Company be in default with any other creditors. The Company
had $10,000,000 outstanding related to this note payable at December 31, 1995.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   97
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     In December 1995, the Company amended its five-year junior subordinated
revolving note payable agreement with Verde. The note was increased from
$3,000,000 to $5,000,000, bears interest at an annual rate of 18%, with interest
payable monthly, and is scheduled to mature in December 1999. The Company had
$4,553,000 outstanding related to this note payable at December 31, 1995.
 
     Interest expense related to the subordinated notes payable with Verde
totaled $1,933,000, $3,492,000 and $2,569,000 during the years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
     On December 31, 1995, Verde converted $10,000,000 of subordinated notes
payable to preferred stock of the Company. Verde agreed to waive any prepayment
penalties associated with the reduction of the subordinated notes payable in
connection with the conversion.
 
     In conjunction with the closing of the Company's initial public offering in
June 1996, the two previously outstanding subordinated notes payable were
exchanged for a new subordinated note payable. The new $14,000,000 unsecured
note bears interest at an annual rate of 10%, with interest payable monthly and
is subordinate to all other Company indebtedness. The note also calls for annual
principal payments of $2,000,000 through June 2003 when the loan will be paid in
full. The Company had $14,000,000 outstanding under this note payable at
December 31, 1996.
 
(12)  INCOME TAXES
 
     Income tax expense (benefit) amounted to $100,000, zero and $(334,000) for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively (an effective tax
rate of 1.7%, 0% and 14.5%, respectively). A reconciliation between taxes
computed at the federal statutory rate of 34% and at the effective tax rate on
earnings (loss) before income taxes follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------------------
                                                               1996        1995       1994
                                                              -------     -------     -----
    <S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
    Computed "Expected" Tax Expense (Benefit)...............  $ 2,028     $(1,350)    $(782)
    State Income Taxes, Net of Federal Effect...............       41          --       (30)
    Change in Valuation Allowance...........................   (2,315)      1,418       897
    Other, Net..............................................      346         (68)     (419)
                                                              -------     -------     -----
                                                              $   100     $    --     $(334)
                                                              =======     =======     =====
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   98
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 follow (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             CURRENT     DEFERRED     TOTAL
                                                             -------     --------     -----
    <S>                                                      <C>         <C>          <C>
    1996:
      Federal..............................................   $(149)      $  187      $  38
      State................................................      --           62         62
                                                              -----        -----      -----
                                                              $(149)      $  249      $ 100
                                                              =====        =====      =====
 
    1995:
      Federal..............................................   $(449)      $  449      $  --
      State................................................      --           --         --
                                                              -----        -----      -----
                                                              $(449)      $  449      $  --
                                                              =====        =====      =====
 
    1994:
      Federal..............................................   $  79       $ (367)     $(288)
      State................................................      48          (94)       (46)
                                                              -----        -----      -----
                                                              $ 127       $ (461)     $(334)
                                                              =====        =====      =====
</TABLE>
 
     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December
31, 1996 and 1995 are presented below (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        ------------------
                                                                         1996       1995
                                                                        ------     -------
    <S>                                                                 <C>        <C>
    Deferred tax assets:
      Finance Receivables, Principally Due to the Allowance for Credit
         Losses.......................................................  $  131     $ 2,987
      Federal and State Income Tax Net Operating Loss Carryforwards...     995         317
      Residual in Finance Receivables.................................     140          --
      Other...........................................................     279         443
                                                                         -----     -------
      Total Gross Deferred Tax Assets.................................   1,545       3,747
      Less: Valuation Allowance.......................................      --      (2,315)
                                                                         -----     -------
              Net Deferred Tax Assets.................................   1,545       1,432
                                                                         -----     -------
    Deferred Tax Liabilities:
      Acquisition Discount............................................    (112)         --
      Software Development Costs......................................    (192)        (96)
      Other Assets....................................................    (490)         --
      Loan Origination Fees...........................................     (75)       (198)
      Inventory.......................................................      --        (213)
                                                                         -----     -------
         Total Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities.........................    (869)       (507)
                                                                         -----     -------
              Net Deferred Tax Asset..................................  $  676     $   925
                                                                         =====     =======
</TABLE>
 
     The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 1996 and
1995 was zero and $2,315,000, respectively. The net change in the total
valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 1996 was a decrease of
$2,315,000, and an increase of $1,418,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers
whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax
assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   99
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
assets is dependent upon generation of future taxable income during the periods
in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the
scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income,
and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of
historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the
periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it
is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these
deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowance.
 
     At December 31, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for
federal income tax purposes of approximately $2,249,000, which, subject to
annual limitations, are available to offset future taxable income, if any,
through 2011 and net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes
of $3,543,000, which are available to offset future taxable income through 2001.
 
     A summary of the net operating loss carryforwards follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    YEAR OF EXPIRATION                                                   FEDERAL      STATE
    -------------------------------------------------------------------  -------     -------
    <S>                                                                  <C>         <C>
    2000...............................................................  $    --     $ 1,927
    2001...............................................................       --       1,616
    2006...............................................................      633          --
    2011...............................................................    1,616          --
                                                                         -------     -------
                                                                         $ 2,249     $ 3,543
                                                                          ======      ======
</TABLE>
 
(13)  LEASE COMMITMENTS
 
     The Company leases an operating facility, offices, a vehicle and office
equipment from unrelated entities under operating leases which expire through
April 2001. The leases require monthly rental payments aggregating approximately
$155,000 and contain various renewal options from one to ten years. In certain
instances, the Company is also responsible for occupancy and maintenance costs,
including real estate taxes, insurance, and utility costs.
 
     The Company purchased six car lots, a vehicle reconditioning center, and
two office buildings from Verde. These properties had previously been rented
from Verde pursuant to various leases which called for base monthly rents
aggregating approximately $123,000 plus contingent rents as well as all
occupancy and maintenance costs, including real estate taxes, insurance, and
utilities. In connection with the purchase, Verde returned security deposits
which totaled $364,000. The security deposits are included in Other Assets in
the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995.
 
     Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 1996 totaled $2,394,000. Rents
paid to Verde totaled $1,498,000 including contingent rents of $440,000. There
was no accrued rent payable to Verde at December 31, 1996.
 
     Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 1995 totaled $2,377,000. Rents
paid to Verde totaled $1,889,000, including contingent rents of $465,000, and
$113,000 of rent capitalized during the construction period of a facility.
Accrued rent payable to Verde totaled $101,000 at December 31, 1995 and is
included in Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities on the accompanying
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
     Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 1994 totaled $1,400,000. Rents
paid to Verde totaled $1,221,000 including contingent rents of $310,000, and
$127,000 of rent capitalized during the construction period of two used car
dealership facilities.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   100
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     A summary of future minimum lease payments required under noncancelable
operating leases with remaining lease terms in excess of one year as of December
31, 1996 follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                   -----------------
        <S>                                                        <C>
        1997.....................................................       $ 1,788
        1998.....................................................         1,547
        1999.....................................................         1,190
        2000.....................................................           533
        2001.....................................................           378
        Thereafter...............................................           104
                                                                         ------
                  Total..........................................       $ 5,540
                                                                         ======
</TABLE>
 
(14)  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
     On April 24, 1996, the Company effectuated a 1.16-to-1 stock split. The
effect of this stock split has been reflected for all periods presented in the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
     The Company has authorized 20,000,000 shares of $.001 par value common
stock. There were 13,327,000 and 5,580,000 shares issued and outstanding at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The common stock consists of $13,000
of common stock and $82,599,000 of additional paid-in capital at December 31,
1996. The common stock consists of $6,000 of common stock and $121,000 of
additional paid-in capital as of December 31, 1995.
 
     During 1996, the Company completed two public offerings in which it issued
a total of 7,245,000 shares of common stock for approximately $79,435,000 cash
net of stock issuance costs.
 
     Warrants to acquire 116,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $6.75
per share and 170,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $9.45 per share
were outstanding at December 31, 1996.
 
     The Company has authorized 10,000,000 shares of $.001 par value preferred
stock. There were zero and 1,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December
31, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
 
     On December 31, 1995, the Company exchanged 1,000,000 shares of Series A
preferred stock for $10,000,000 of subordinated notes payable with Verde.
Cumulative dividends were payable at a rate of 12% per annum through June 21,
1996, at which time the Series A preferred stock was exchanged on a share-for-
share basis for 1,000,000 shares of Series B preferred stock. The dividends were
payable quarterly upon declaration by the Company's Board of Directors. In
November 1996, the Company redeemed the 1,000,000 shares of Series B preferred
stock.
 
     The Company's Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends on preferred
stock totaling approximately $916,000 during the year ended December 31, 1996.
There were no cumulative unpaid dividends at December 31, 1996.
 
(15)  STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
     In June, 1995, the Company adopted a long-term incentive plan (stock option
plan). The stock option plan, as amended, set aside 1,300,000 shares of common
stock to be granted to employees at a price not less than fair market value of
the stock at the date of grant. Options are to vest over a period to be
determined by the Board of Directors upon grant and will generally expire ten
years after the date of grant. The options generally vest over a period of five
years.
 
     At December 31, 1996, there were 388,000 additional shares available for
grant under the Plan. The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options
granted during 1996 and 1995 was $8.39 and $1.10,
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   101
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
respectively on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model
with the following weighted-average assumptions: 1996 -- expected dividend yield
0%, risk-free interest rate of 6.3%, expected volatility of 56.5% and an
expected life of 7 years; 1995 -- expected dividend yield 0%, risk-free interest
rate of 6.1%, expected volatility of 56.5% and an expected life of 7 years.
 
     The Company applies APB Opinion 25 in accounting for its Plan, and
accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options in
the consolidated financial statements. Had the Company determined compensation
cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS
No. 123, the Company's net earnings and earnings per share would have been
reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1996           1995
                                                                ----------     -----------
<S>                            <C>                              <C>            <C>
Net Earnings (Loss)            As reported..................    $5,866,000     $(3,972,000)
                               Pro forma....................    $5,748,000     $(3,985,000)
Earnings (Loss) per Share      As reported..................    $     0.60     $     (0.67)
                               Pro forma....................    $     0.58     $     (0.68)
</TABLE>
 
     The full impact of calculating compensation cost for stock options under
SFAS No. 123 is not reflected in the pro forma net earnings (loss) amounts
presented above because compensation cost is reflected over the options' vesting
period of five years.
 
     A summary of the aforementioned stock plan follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   WEIGHTED
                                                                                    AVERAGE
                                                                                   PRICE PER
                                                                       NUMBER        SHARE
                                                                       -------     ---------
    <S>                                                                <C>         <C>
    Balance December 31, 1994........................................       --          --
    Granted..........................................................  459,000       $1.72
    Forfeited........................................................  (17,000)       2.16
                                                                       -------      ------
 
    Balance, December 31, 1995.......................................  442,000        1.70
    Granted..........................................................  539,000       13.41
    Forfeited........................................................  (30,000)       3.26
    Exercised........................................................  (39,000)       1.00
                                                                       -------      ------
 
    Balance, December 31, 1996.......................................  912,000       $8.60
                                                                       =======      ======
</TABLE>
 
     A summary of stock options granted at December 31, 1996 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                          OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                     --------------------------------------------------     -----------------------------
                       NUMBER         WEIGHTED-AVG.       WEIGHTED-AVG.       NUMBER        WEIGHTED-AVG.
    RANGE OF         OUTSTANDING        REMAINING           EXERCISE        EXERCISABLE       EXERCISE
 EXERCISE PRICES     AT 12/31/96     CONTRACTUAL LIFE         PRICE         AT 12/31/96         PRICE
-----------------    -----------     ----------------     -------------     -----------     -------------
<S>                  <C>             <C>                  <C>               <C>             <C>
 $  .50 to $ 1.00      130,000           8.0 years           $  0.86               --           $  --
 $ 1.50 to $ 2.60      247,000           8.5 years           $  2.16           51,000            2.15
 $ 3.45 to $ 9.40      192,000           9.5 years           $  6.73               --              --
 $11.88 to $17.69      343,000          10.0 years           $ 17.22               --              --
                       -------                                ------          -------            ----
                       912,000                               $  8.60           51,000           $2.15
                       =======                                ======          =======            ====
</TABLE>
 
(16)  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     The Company has executed an agreement to sell up to $50,000,000 in finance
receivable backed certificates through December 31, 1996 to an insurance
company. In addition, the purchaser has the right of
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   102
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
first refusal to purchase up to an additional $125,000,000 of finance
receivables through December 31, 1998. The Company completed the sale of
approximately $58,000,000 in receivable-backed certificates during the year
ended December 31, 1996.
 
     The Company is involved in various claims and actions arising in the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, based on consultation
with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a
materially adverse effect on the Company.
 
(17)  RETIREMENT PLAN
 
     During 1995, the Company established a qualified 401(k) retirement plan
(defined contribution plan) which became effective on October 1, 1995. The plan
covers substantially all employees having no less than one year of service, have
attained the age of 21, and work at least 1,000 hours per year. Participants may
voluntarily contribute to the plan up to the maximum limits established by
Internal Revenue Service regulations. The Company will match 10% of the
participants' contributions. Participants are immediately vested in the amount
of their direct contributions and vest over a five-year period, as defined by
the plan, with respect to the Company's contribution. Pension expense totaled
$23,000 and $5,000 during the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
(18)  DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures about
Fair Value of Financial Instruments," requires that the Company disclose
estimated fair values for its financial instruments. The following summary
presents a description of the methodologies and assumptions used to determine
such amounts.
 
  Limitations
 
     Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time and are based on
relevant market information and information about the financial instrument; they
are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties, matters of judgment and,
therefore, cannot be determined with precision. These estimates do not reflect
any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the
Company's entire holdings of a particular instrument. Changes in assumptions
could significantly affect these estimates.
 
     Since the fair value is estimated as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the
amounts that will actually be realized or paid in settlement of the instruments
could be significantly different.
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments Held in Trust
 
     The carrying amount is assumed to be the fair value because of the
liquidity of these instruments.
 
  Finance Receivables and Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold
 
     The carrying amount is assumed to be the fair value because of the relative
short maturity and repayment terms of the portfolio as compared to similar
instruments.
 
  Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and Notes Payable
 
     The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity
of these instruments. The terms of the Company's notes payable approximate the
terms in the market place at which they could be replaced. Therefore, the fair
market value approximates the carrying value of these financial instruments.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   103
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Subordinated Notes Payable
 
     The terms of the Company's subordinated notes payable approximate the terms
in the market place at which they could be replaced. Therefore, the fair value
approximates the carrying value of these financial instruments.
 
(19)  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
     Subsequent to year end, the Company acquired the operating assets of five
used car dealerships and a finance company for a total of approximately
$32,130,000. The acquisition, which was financed with cash and borrowings under
the company's revolving loan will be accounted for as a purchase.
 
     On February 13, 1997, the Company completed a private placement of
5,075,500 shares of unregistered common stock for approximately $88,850,000
cash, net of stock issuance costs.
 
(20)  BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
     Operating results and other financial data are presented for the principal
business segments of the Company for the years ended December 31, 1996, and
1995, and 1994, respectively. The Company has four distinct business segments.
These consist of retail car sales operations (Company dealerships), the income
generated from the finance receivables generated at the Company dealerships,
finance income generated from third party finance receivables, and corporate and
other operations. In computing operating profit by business segment, the
following items were considered in the Corporate and Other category: portions of
administrative expenses, interest expense and other items not considered direct
operating expenses. Identifiable assets by business segment are those assets
used in each segment of Company operations.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   104
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        COMPANY       THIRD
                                           COMPANY    DEALERSHIP      PARTY     CORPORATE
                                         DEALERSHIPS  RECEIVABLES  RECEIVABLES  AND OTHER   TOTAL
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  --------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
December 31, 1996:
  Sales of Used Cars....................   $53,768      $    --      $    --     $    --   $ 53,768
  Less: Cost of Cars Sold...............    29,890           --           --          --     29,890
         Provision for Credit Losses....     9,658           --          153          --      9,811
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
                                            14,220           --         (153)         --     14,067
  Interest Income.......................        --        8,426        7,259         171     15,856
  Gain on Sale of Loans.................        --        3,925          509          --      4,434
  Other Income..........................       195          921           --         455      1,571
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
     Income before Operating Expenses...    14,415       13,272        7,615         626     35,928
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
  Operating Expenses:
     Selling and Marketing..............     3,568           --           --          17      3,585
     General and Administrative.........     8,295        3,042        3,955       4,246     19,538
     Depreciation and Amortization......       318          769          195         295      1,577
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
                                            12,181        3,811        4,150       4,558     24,700
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
Income before Interest Expense..........   $ 2,234      $ 9,461      $ 3,465     $(3,932)  $ 11,228
                                           =======      =======      =======     =======   ========
Capital Expenditures....................   $ 4,530      $   455      $   621     $   505   $  6,111
                                           =======      =======      =======     =======   ========
Identifiable Assets.....................   $20,698      $12,775      $45,558     $39,052   $118,083
                                           =======      =======      =======     =======   ========
December 31, 1995:
  Sales of Used Cars....................   $47,824      $    --      $    --     $    --   $ 47,824
  Less: Cost of Cars Sold...............    27,964           --           --          --     27,964
         Provision for Credit Losses....     8,359           --           --          --      8,359
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
                                            11,501           --           --          --     11,501
  Interest Income.......................        --        8,227        1,844          --     10,071
  Other Income..........................        --           --           --         308        308
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
     Income before Operating Expenses...    11,501        8,227        1,844         308     21,880
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
  Operating Expenses:
     Selling and Marketing..............     3,856           --           --          --      3,856
     General and Administrative.........     8,210        2,681        1,163       2,672     14,726
     Depreciation and Amortization......       279          479           89         467      1,314
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
                                            12,345        3,160        1,252       3,139     19,896
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
Income before Interest Expense..........   $  (844)     $ 5,067      $   592     $(2,831)  $  1,984
                                           =======      =======      =======     =======   ========
Capital Expenditures....................   $ 1,195      $ 1,561      $   216     $   223   $  3,195
                                           =======      =======      =======     =======   ========
Identifiable Assets.....................   $11,452      $32,187      $13,419     $ 3,732   $ 60,790
                                           =======      =======      =======     =======   ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   105
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        COMPANY       THIRD
                                           COMPANY    DEALERSHIP      PARTY     CORPORATE
                                         DEALERSHIPS  RECEIVABLES  RECEIVABLES  AND OTHER   TOTAL
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
December 31, 1994:
  Sales of Used Cars.................... $  27,768    $      --    $      --    $     --   $ 27,768
  Less: Cost of Cars Sold...............    12,577           --           --          --     12,577
         Provision for Credit Losses....     7,190          834          116          --      8,140
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
                                             8,001         (834)        (116)         --      7,051
  Interest Income.......................        --        4,683          766          --      5,449
  Other Income..........................        --           --           --         556        556
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
     Income before Operating Expenses...     8,001        3,849          650         556     13,056
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
  Operating Expenses:
     Selling and Marketing..............     2,263           --           --         139      2,402
     General and Administrative.........     5,069        1,631          240       2,201      9,141
     Depreciation and Amortization......       131          159           64         423        777
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
                                             7,463        1,790          304       2,763     12,320
                                           -------      -------      -------     -------   --------
Income before Interest Expense.......... $     538    $   2,059    $     346    $ (2,207)  $    736
                                           =======      =======      =======     =======   ========
Capital Expenditures.................... $   3,905    $     757    $     302    $    370   $  5,334
                                           =======      =======      =======     =======   ========
Identifiable Assets..................... $   8,788    $  16,764    $   1,558    $  2,601   $ 29,711
                                           =======      =======      =======     =======   ========
</TABLE>
 
(21)  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA -- UNAUDITED
 
     A summary of the quarterly data for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1995 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           FIRST     SECOND      THIRD     FOURTH
                                          QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER      TOTAL
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------     -------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
    1996:
      Total Revenue.....................  $19,396    $20,081    $18,259    $17,893     $75,629
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
      Income before Operating
         Expenses.......................    8,442      9,005      8,741      9,740      35,928
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
      Operating Expenses................    5,694      6,296      5,522      7,188      24,700
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
      Income before Interest Expense....    2,716      2,721      3,157      2,634      11,228
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
      Net Earnings......................  $ 1,065    $ 1,083    $ 1,967    $ 1,751     $ 5,866
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
      Earnings Per Share................  $  0.13       0.13       0.19       0.14        0.60
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
 
    1995:
      Total Revenues....................  $11,546    $14,975    $16,944    $14,738     $58,203
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
      Income before Operating
         Expenses.......................    4,628      5,601      5,858      5,793      21,880
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
      Operating Expenses................    3,970      4,646      5,366      5,914      19,896
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
      Income before Interest Expense....      658        955        492       (121)      1,984
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
      Net Loss..........................  $  (465)   $  (283)   $(1,169)   $(2,055)    $(3,972)
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
      Loss Per Share....................  $ (0.08)   $ (0.05)   $ (0.20)   $ (0.35)    $ (0.67)
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   106
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           (UNAUDITED - IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         1997              1996
                                                                     -------------     ------------
<S>                                                                  <C>               <C>
                                              ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents..........................................    $   4,401         $ 18,455
Finance Receivables, net...........................................       36,346           51,063
Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold..............................       25,755            9,889
Investments Held in Trust..........................................       16,192            3,479
Notes Receivable...................................................       93,833            1,063
Income Taxes Receivable............................................        3,760              315
Inventory..........................................................       20,936            5,752
Property and Equipment, net........................................       37,892           20,652
Goodwill and Trademarks, net.......................................       17,181            2,150
Other Assets.......................................................       14,989            5,265
                                                                        --------         --------
                                                                       $ 271,285         $118,083
                                                                        ========         ========
 
                               LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
  Accounts Payable.................................................    $   3,765         $  2,132
  Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities...........................       19,344            6,728
  Notes Payable....................................................       58,781           12,904
  Subordinated Notes Payable.......................................       12,000           14,000
                                                                        --------         --------
          Total Liabilities........................................       93,890           35,764
                                                                        --------         --------
Stockholders' Equity:
  Common Stock.....................................................      171,943           82,612
  Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)..........................        5,452             (293)
                                                                        --------         --------
          Total Stockholders' Equity...............................      177,395           82,319
                                                                        --------         --------
                                                                       $ 271,285         $118,083
                                                                        ========         ========
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   107
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
          (UNAUDITED - IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               THREE MONTHS    THREE MONTHS        NINE            NINE
                                                   ENDED           ENDED       MONTHS ENDED    MONTHS ENDED
                                               SEPTEMBER 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                   1997            1996            1997            1996
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Sales of Used Cars...........................    $  33,530        $12,320        $  79,543       $  42,497
Cost of Used Cars Sold.......................      (18,537)        (6,977)         (42,537)        (23,835)
Provision for Credit Losses..................       (6,538)        (2,541)         (15,367)         (7,713)
                                                  --------        -------         --------        --------
                                                     8,455          2,802           21,639          10,949
                                                  --------        -------         --------        --------
Interest Income..............................       10,645          4,190           23,390          11,881
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Finance Receivables...       (2,487)         1,400           10,323           2,578
                                                  --------        -------         --------        --------
                                                     8,158          5,590           33,713          14,459
                                                  --------        -------         --------        --------
Other Income.................................        3,516            349            6,953             780
                                                  --------        -------         --------        --------
Income before Operating Expenses.............       20,129          8,741           62,305          26,188
Operating Expenses:
  Selling and Marketing......................        2,887            652            6,680           2,915
  General and Administrative.................       17,629          4,505           40,489          13,551
  Depreciation and Amortization..............        1,001            427            2,459           1,128
                                                  --------        -------         --------        --------
                                                    21,517          5,584           49,628          17,594
                                                  --------        -------         --------        --------
Operating Income (Loss)......................       (1,388)         3,157           12,677           8,594
Interest Expense.............................        1,578          1,190            2,914           4,479
                                                  --------        -------         --------        --------
Earnings (Loss) before Income Taxes..........       (2,966)         1,967            9,763           4,115
Income Taxes (Benefit).......................       (1,138)            --            4,018              --
                                                  --------        -------         --------        --------
Net Earnings (Loss)..........................    $  (1,828)       $ 1,967        $   5,745       $   4,115
                                                  ========        =======         ========        ========
Earnings (Loss) per Common Share.............    $   (0.10)       $  0.19        $    0.32       $    0.46
                                                  ========        =======         ========        ========
Shares Used in Computation...................       19,000          9,205           18,200           7,230
                                                  ========        =======         ========        ========
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   108
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996
                           (UNAUDITED - IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1997          1996
                                                                        ---------     --------
<S>                                                                     <C>           <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
  Net Earnings........................................................  $   5,745     $  4,115
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided by
     Operating Activities:
     Provision for Credit Losses......................................     15,367        7,713
     Gain on Sale of Finance Receivables..............................    (10,323)      (2,578)
     Purchase of Finance Receivables..................................   (195,127)     (70,847)
     Proceeds from Sale of Finance Receivables........................    193,823       29,029
     Collections of Finance Receivables...............................     37,157       31,107
     Decrease in Deferred Income Taxes................................      1,500           --
     Depreciation and Amortization....................................      2,459        1,128
     Decrease (Increase) in Inventory.................................     (8,869)         440
     Increase in Other Assets.........................................     (8,478)        (584)
     Increase in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and Other
      Liabilities.....................................................     11,497        1,430
     Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable/Payable...........     (3,445)         684
                                                                        ---------     --------
          Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities...................     41,306        1,637
                                                                        ---------     --------
Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities:
  Increase in Investments Held in Trust...............................    (12,713)      (8,963)
  Net Decrease (Increase) in Notes Receivable.........................    (29,485)         100
  Purchase of Property and Equipment..................................    (15,481)      (4,013)
  Payment for Acquisition of Assets...................................    (45,260)          --
                                                                        ---------     --------
          Net Cash Used in Investing Activities.......................   (102,939)     (12,876)
                                                                        ---------     --------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
  Issuance of Notes Payable, net......................................    (39,084)      (2,824)
  Net Repayment of Subordinated Notes Payable.........................     (2,000)        (553)
  Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock..............................     88,719       14,844
  Other, Net..........................................................        (56)        (963)
                                                                        ---------     --------
          Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities...................     47,579       10,504
                                                                        ---------     --------
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents.............................    (14,054)        (735)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period......................     18,455        1,419
                                                                        ---------     --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period............................  $   4,401     $    684
                                                                        =========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   109
 
                           UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION
 
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of
Ugly Duckling Corporation (Company) have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and
pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required
by generally accepted accounting principles for a complete financial statement
presentation. In the opinion of management, such unaudited interim information
reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments,
necessary to present the Company's financial position and results of operations
for the periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full fiscal year. The
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1996 was derived from
audited consolidated financial statements as of that date but does not include
all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
principles. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial
statements be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated
financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as
amended, for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
NOTE 2.  SUMMARY OF FINANCE RECEIVABLES, NET
 
     Following is a summary of Finance Receivables, net, as of September 30,
1997 and December 31, 1996 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   1997            1996
                                                               -------------   ------------
        <S>                                                    <C>             <C>
        Principal Balances....................................    $41,727        $ 58,281
        Add: Accrued Interest.................................        447             718
              Loan Origination Costs..........................        503             189
                                                                  -------         -------
        Finance Receivables...................................     42,677          59,188
        Less Allowance for Credit Losses......................     (6,331)         (8,125)
                                                                  -------         -------
        Finance Receivables, net..............................    $36,346        $ 51,063
                                                                  =======         =======
        Finance Receivables Held for Sale.....................    $42,677        $  7,000
        Finance Receivables Held for Investment...............         --          52,188
                                                                  -------         -------
                                                                  $42,677        $ 59,188
                                                                  =======         =======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 3.  RESIDUALS IN FINANCE RECEIVABLES SOLD
 
     As of September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, the Residuals in Finance
Receivables Sold were comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   1997            1996
                                                               -------------   ------------
        <S>                                                    <C>             <C>
        Retained interest in subordinated securities (B
          Certificates).......................................   $  41,700       $ 10,900
        Net interest spreads, less present value discount.....      29,055          6,839
        Reduction for estimated credit losses.................     (45,000)        (7,850)
                                                                  --------       --------
        Residuals in finance receivables sold.................   $  25,755       $  9,889
                                                                  ========       ========
        Securitized principal balances outstanding............   $ 228,996       $ 51,663
                                                                  ========       ========
        Estimated credit losses as a % of securitized
          principal balances outstanding......................       19.7%          15.2%
                                                                  ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   110
 
                           UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION
 
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
     The following table reflects a summary of activity for the Residuals in
Finance Receivables Sold for the three and nine month periods ended September
30, 1997 and 1996, respectively (in thousands).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED     NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                      SEPTEMBER 30,          SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                    ------------------     ------------------
                                                     1997        1996       1997        1996
                                                    -------     ------     -------     ------
    <S>                                             <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
    Balance, Beginning of Period..................  $27,441     $5,001     $ 9,889     $   --
    Additions.....................................   12,377      2,313      34,599      7,445
    Amortization..................................   (4,063)      (410)     (8,733)      (541)
    Write-down of Residual in Finance Receivables
      Sold........................................  (10,000)        --     (10,000)        --
                                                    -------     ------     -------     ------
    Balance, End of Period........................  $25,755     $6,904     $25,755     $6,904
                                                    =======     ======     =======     ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 4.  NOTES RECEIVABLE
 
     Following is a summary of Notes Receivable as of September 30, 1997 and
December 31, 1996 (in thousands).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             SEPTEMBER 30,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 1997              1996
                                                             -------------     ------------
        <S>                                                  <C>               <C>
        FMAC secured debt..................................     $63,599           $   --
        FMAC debtor in possession loan.....................       3,878               --
        Cygnet Dealer Program notes receivable.............      23,664               --
        Others.............................................       2,692            1,063
                                                                -------           ------
                                                                $93,833           $1,063
                                                                =======           ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 5.  NOTES PAYABLE
 
     Following is a summary of Notes Payable as of September 30, 1997 and
December 31, 1996 (in thousands).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             SEPTEMBER 30,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 1997              1996
                                                             -------------     ------------
        <S>                                                  <C>               <C>
        Revolving Facility with GE Capital.................     $   128          $  4,602
        Mortgage loan with finance company.................       7,450             7,450
        Note with Bank Group secured by FMAC secured
          debt.............................................      50,429                --
        Other..............................................         774               852
                                                                -------            ------
                                                                $58,781          $ 12,904
                                                                =======            ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 6.  COMMON STOCK EQUIVALENTS
 
     Net Earnings (Loss) per common share amounts are based on the weighted
average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding.
 
NOTE 7.  USE OF ESTIMATES
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statement and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>   111
 
                           UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION
 
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 8.  BANKRUPTCY REMOTE ENTITIES
 
     Champion Receivables Corporation ("CRC") and Champion Receivables
Corporation II ("CRC II") (collectively referred to as "Securitization
Subsidiaries"), are the Company's wholly-owned special purpose "bankruptcy
remote entities". Their assets include Residuals in Finance Receivables Sold and
Investments Held In Trust, in the amounts of $25.8 million and $16.2 million,
respectively, at September 30, 1997, which amounts would not be available to
satisfy claims of creditors of the Company on a consolidated basis.
 
NOTE 9.  RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
     Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported information
to conform to the current presentation.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>   112
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
Seminole Finance Corporation:
 
     We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheet of Seminole Finance
Corporation and Related Companies (the Company) as of December 31, 1996, and the
related combined statements of operations, stockholder's equity (deficit), and
cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audit.
 
     We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Seminole Finance
Corporation and Related Companies as of December 31, 1996, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
     The accompanying combined financial statements have been prepared assuming
that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 7 to the
combined financial statements, the Company is involved in a lawsuit that
involves a material amount of damages that, if there were an adverse outcome,
raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
Management's plans in regard to this matter are also described in Note 7. The
combined financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result
from the outcome of this uncertainty.
 
                                          /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Tampa, Florida
March 18, 1997
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>   113
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
Seminole Finance Corporation:
 
     We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheet of Seminole Finance
Corporation and Related Companies (the Company) as of December 31, 1995, and the
related combined statements of operations, stockholder's equity (deficit), and
cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audit.
 
     We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Seminole Finance
Corporation and Related Companies as of December 31, 1995, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ Barton & Company, P.A.
 
Tampa, Florida
February 10, 1997
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>   114
 
                          SEMINOLE FINANCE CORPORATION
                             AND RELATED COMPANIES
 
                            COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996             1995
                                                                  ------------     ------------
<S>                                                               <C>              <C>
                                            ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents.......................................  $    799,806     $     24,903
Finance receivables:
  Principal balance.............................................    34,126,855       62,347,472
  Less allowance for credit losses..............................   (10,600,000)     (12,247,949)
                                                                  ------------      -----------
  Finance receivables, net......................................    23,526,855       50,099,523
                                                                  ------------      -----------
Notes receivable................................................       881,408        1,896,123
Inventories.....................................................     4,243,962        7,085,231
Prepaid expenses................................................        13,930           50,799
Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of
  $728,206 and $502,858 in 1996 and 1995, respectively..........     1,451,891        1,501,002
Other assets....................................................     1,185,924          556,484
                                                                  ------------      -----------
                                                                  $ 32,103,776     $ 61,214,065
                                                                  ============      ===========
 
                        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Liabilities:
  Accounts payable..............................................  $    201,228     $  1,322,403
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities........................     1,323,070          350,744
  Due to affiliates.............................................     1,048,837          576,272
  Obligations under capital leases..............................        10,250           23,581
  Notes payable.................................................    31,152,844       49,475,517
  Subordinated note payable.....................................     1,000,000               --
                                                                  ------------      -----------
          Total liabilities.....................................    34,736,229       51,748,517
                                                                  ------------      -----------
Stockholder's equity (deficit):
  Common Stock..................................................        30,100           30,100
  Additional paid-in capital....................................     2,000,000        2,000,000
  Retained earnings (accumulated deficit).......................    (4,662,553)       7,435,448
                                                                  ------------      -----------
          Total stockholder's equity (deficit)..................    (2,632,453)       9,465,548
Commitments, contingencies and subsequent events................
                                                                  ------------      -----------
                                                                  $ 32,103,776     $ 61,214,065
                                                                  ============      ===========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>   115
 
                          SEMINOLE FINANCE CORPORATION
                             AND RELATED COMPANIES
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1996            1995
                                                                    -----------     -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>
Dealership revenues:
  Sales of used cars..............................................  $11,827,087     $57,584,506
  Income on finance receivables...................................   10,193,024      18,941,403
                                                                    -----------      ----------
                                                                     22,020,111      76,525,909
                                                                    -----------      ----------
Cost of dealership revenues:
  Cost of used cars...............................................    9,416,749      47,367,031
  Provision for credit losses.....................................    7,106,949       9,724,355
                                                                    -----------      ----------
                                                                     16,523,698      57,091,386
                                                                    -----------      ----------
          Net revenues from dealership activities.................    5,496,413      19,434,523
Other income......................................................    1,618,549       2,524,834
                                                                    -----------      ----------
          Income before operating expenses........................    7,114,962      21,959,357
                                                                    -----------      ----------
Operating expenses:
  Selling and marketing...........................................    3,316,874       3,670,667
  General and administrative......................................    7,108,540      10,489,390
  Depreciation and amortization...................................      296,548         257,863
                                                                    -----------      ----------
                                                                     10,721,962      14,417,920
                                                                    -----------      ----------
          Operating income (loss).................................   (3,607,000)      7,541,437
                                                                    -----------      ----------
Other expenses:
  Interest on subordinated note payable...........................       27,247              --
  Interest, other.................................................    3,714,905       5,170,330
  Loss on sale of finance receivables.............................    1,456,892              --
                                                                    -----------      ----------
                                                                      5,199,044       5,170,330
                                                                    -----------      ----------
          Net earnings (loss).....................................  $(8,806,044)    $ 2,371,107
                                                                    ===========      ==========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>   116
 
                          SEMINOLE FINANCE CORPORATION
                             AND RELATED COMPANIES
 
             COMBINED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         RETAINED             TOTAL
                                                        ADDITIONAL       EARNINGS         STOCKHOLDER'S
                                            COMMON       PAID-IN       (ACCUMULATED          EQUITY
                                             STOCK       CAPITAL         DEFICIT)           (DEFICIT)
                                            -------     ----------     ------------     -----------------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>            <C>              <C>
Balances at December 31, 1994.............  $30,100     $2,000,000     $ 7,178,674         $    9,208,774
Net earnings..............................       --             --       2,371,107              2,371,107
Distributions to shareholder..............       --             --      (2,114,333)            (2,114,333)
                                            -------      ---------      ----------             ----------
Balances at December 31, 1995.............   30,100      2,000,000       7,435,448              9,465,548
Net loss..................................       --             --      (8,806,044)            (8,806,044)
Distributions to shareholder..............       --             --      (3,291,957)            (3,291,957)
                                            -------      ---------      ----------             ----------
Balances at December 31, 1996.............  $30,100     $2,000,000     $(4,662,553)        $   (2,632,453)
                                            =======      =========      ==========             ==========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>   117
 
                          SEMINOLE FINANCE CORPORATION
                             AND RELATED COMPANIES
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996             1995
                                                                   -----------     ------------
<S>                                                                <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net earnings (loss)............................................  $(8,806,044)    $  2,371,107
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
     Provision for credit losses.................................    7,106,949        9,724,355
     Loss on sale of finance receivables.........................    1,456,892               --
     Loss on sale of property and equipment......................       17,744           34,239
     Depreciation and amortization...............................      296,548          257,863
     Decrease in notes receivable................................    1,014,715               --
     Decrease in inventory.......................................    2,841,269        1,063,019
     Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses.....................       36,869          (14,395)
     Decrease (increase) in other assets.........................     (629,440)         221,442
     Decrease in accounts payable................................   (1,121,175)        (975,581)
     Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other
       liabilities...............................................      972,326         (469,665)
                                                                   ------------    ------------
          Net cash provided by operating activities..............    3,186,653       12,212,384
                                                                   ------------    ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Decrease (increase) in finance receivables.....................   18,008,827      (13,975,390)
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment............       73,106               --
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment.....................     (338,287)      (1,063,584)
  Loans to related parties.......................................           --       (1,221,888)
  Repayments from related parties................................           --          387,372
  Other..........................................................           --          264,731
                                                                   ------------    ------------
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities....   17,743,646      (15,608,759)
                                                                   ------------    ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Repayment of obligations under capital leases..................      (13,331)         (12,243)
  Advances (repayments)of notes payable..........................  (17,273,836)       5,605,693
  Advances on subordinated note payable..........................    1,000,000               --
  Distributions to shareholder...................................   (3,291,957)      (2,114,333)
  Other..........................................................     (576,272)         (59,739)
                                                                   ------------    ------------
          Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities....  (20,155,396)       3,419,378
                                                                   ------------    ------------
          Net increase in cash...................................      774,903           23,003
Cash at beginning of year........................................       24,903            1,900
                                                                   ------------    ------------
Cash at end of year..............................................  $   799,806     $     24,903
                                                                   ============    ============
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>   118
 
                          SEMINOLE FINANCE CORPORATION
                             AND RELATED COMPANIES
 
                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
(1)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  (a) Principles of Combination
 
     The combined financial statements include the accounts of Seminole Finance
Corporation, Second Chance Finance, Inc., Second Chance Wholesale, Inc. and
Choice Auto Sales (collectively, the Company). These Companies operate used car
retail operations and a finance company in the state of Florida. All significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
  (b) Common Stock
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PAR      AUTHORIZED       SHARES
        COMPANY                                         VALUE       SHARES       OUTSTANDING
        ----------------------------------------------  -----     ----------     -----------
        <S>                                             <C>       <C>            <C>
        Seminole Finance Corporation..................   No            100           100
        Second Chance Finance, Inc....................   No            100           100
        Second Chance Wholesale, Inc..................   $1         10,000           100
        Choice Auto Sales.............................   $1         10,000           100
</TABLE>
 
  (c) Cash Equivalents
 
     The Company considers all cash and money market accounts, bank certificates
of deposits, and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity date
of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
  (d) Income Recognition
 
     Revenue from the sale of cars is recognized upon delivery, when the sales
contract is signed and the agreed-upon down payment has been received.
 
     Income on finance receivables is recognized using the interest method.
 
     Unearned finance charges represent the balance of finance income (interest)
remaining from the capitalization of the total interest to be earned over the
original term of the related installment sales contract.
 
     The Company has elected to suspend the accrual of interest income on
finance receivables when a loan has become delinquent generally after 90 days.
If one of these delinquent receivables becomes current, interest income is
recognized as if the account had not been delinquent. Late fees are charged on
these accounts and recognized when collected.
 
  (e) Allowance for Credit Losses
 
     The allowance for credit losses is primarily provided through discounts
charged by Seminole Finance Corporation when it purchases finance contracts from
third parties. Additional provisions for credit losses are charged against
income in amounts sufficient to maintain the allowance at a level considered
adequate to cover the losses of the existing loans. Seminole Finance Corporation
charges off loans based on a loan-by-loan review of the receivables. When a loan
is deemed uncollectible, the Company first seeks recovery by attempting to
repossess the vehicle financed. If the vehicle cannot be repossessed, then the
Company writes off the loan against the allowance account.
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>   119
 
                          SEMINOLE FINANCE CORPORATION
                             AND RELATED COMPANIES
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  (f) Inventories
 
     Inventories consist of used vehicles held for sale and is valued at the
lower of cost or market. Vehicle reconditioning costs are capitalized as a
component of inventory. The cost of used vehicles sold is determined on a
specific identification basis. Repossessed vehicles are valued at the estimated
net realizable value.
 
  (g) Property, Plant and Equipment
 
     Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed
using straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of
the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using straight-line and
accelerated methods over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful
lives of the related improvements. Expenditures that extend the useful lives of
property and equipment are capitalized. Maintenance and repair expenditures are
charged to expense when incurred.
 
  (h) Income Taxes
 
     Each Company, with consent of its shareholder, elected to be treated as an
S Corporation. As an S Corporation, the Company is generally not liable for
income taxes since all income, losses and credits are passed through to the
shareholder.
 
  (i) Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Estimates by management that are critical to the accompanying
financial statements include the appropriate level of allowance for credit
losses which can be significantly impacted by future industry, market, and
economic trends and conditions. Actual results could differ significantly from
these estimates.
 
  (j) Concentration of Credit Risk
 
     The Company provides finance services in connection with used car
dealerships to individuals residing primarily in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco
and Polk Counties, Florida.
 
  (k) Reclassifications
 
     Certain amounts in the 1995 combined financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the 1996 presentation.
 
                                      F-39
<PAGE>   120
 
                          SEMINOLE FINANCE CORPORATION
                             AND RELATED COMPANIES
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(2)  FINANCE RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
 
     A summary of net finance receivables at December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996             1995
                                                          ------------     ------------
        <S>                                               <C>              <C>
        Contractually scheduled payments................  $ 44,922,993     $ 80,820,358
          Less unearned finance income..................   (10,796,138)     (18,131,041)
          Less unearned discounts.......................            --         (341,845)
                                                          ------------      -----------
             Principal balances, net....................    34,126,855       62,347,472
          Less allowance for credit losses..............   (10,600,000)     (12,247,949)
                                                          ------------      -----------
                  Finance receivables, net..............  $ 23,526,855     $ 50,099,523
                                                          ============      ===========
</TABLE>
 
     Allowance for credit losses as a percent of principal balances totaled
31.06% and 19.6% as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
     The changes in the allowance for credit losses were as follows for the
years ended December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996             1995
                                                           -----------     ------------
        <S>                                                <C>             <C>
        Balances, beginning of year......................  $12,247,949     $ 11,419,769
        Provision for credit losses......................    7,106,949        9,724,355
        Discount acquired................................           --       10,510,600
        Net charge-offs..................................   (8,754,898)     (19,406,775)
                                                           -----------      -----------
        Balances, end of year............................  $10,600,000     $ 12,247,949
                                                           ===========      ===========
</TABLE>
 
(3)  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
     A summary of property and equipment at December 31 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                ESTIMATED
                                                                               USEFUL LIVES
                                                    1996           1995          (YEARS)
                                                 ----------     ----------     ------------
        <S>                                      <C>            <C>            <C>
        Land...................................  $   55,000     $   55,000           --
        Buildings and improvements.............     524,902        512,811         31.5
        Furniture and equipment................   1,600,195      1,436,049         5-10
                                                 ----------      ---------
                  Total cost...................  $2,180,097     $2,003,860
                                                 ==========      =========
</TABLE>
 
(4)  NOTES PAYABLE
 
     In May 1995, the Company amended its loan agreement for a revolving loan
with a credit corporation. The note calls for interest payable at an annual rate
of 30 day London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) plus 3.00%. The note is secured
by certain assets of the Company. As of December 31, 1996, the Company had a
maximum commitment of $75,000,000 through May 1997, at which time the loan may
be extended through a one-year automatic renewal. The Company borrowed
$28,253,844 and $46,543,517 under this loan as of December 31, 1996 and December
31, 1995, respectively. (See note 8)
 
     In May 1994, the Company executed a loan agreement for $2,500,000 with a
credit corporation. The note calls for interest at an annual rate of 30 day
LIBOR plus 6.75%. The note is secured by certain assets of the Company and
guaranteed by the owner of the Company. As of December 31, 1996, the Company had
a maximum commitment of $2,500,000 through May 1996, at which time the loan was
extended through a one-
 
                                      F-40
<PAGE>   121
 
                          SEMINOLE FINANCE CORPORATION
                             AND RELATED COMPANIES
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
year automatic renewal. The Company borrowed $2,500,000 under this loan as of
December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995. (See note 8)
 
     The Company owes $1,048,837 and $576,272 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, on borrowings from related companies owned by the same shareholder
as the Company. These companies are offshore insurance companies that are liable
for the losses on the credit insurance claims that result from insurance
policies sold with the financing contracts. These loans have no specific terms
for repayment or interest. (See note 8)
 
     On June 30, 1992, the Company purchased 50% of the office building it
occupied until the end of 1995 from the shareholder of the Company. The
shareholder of the Company purchased the office building on May 21, 1992 for
$550,000. The mortgage on the building is in the name of the Company; therefore,
100% of the mortgage is recorded on the books of the Company. As of December 31,
1996 and 1995, the balance on the mortgage payable was $399,000 and $432,000,
respectively, and the note bears interest at 9.25%.
 
     Aggregate installments of the mortgage payable are due as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31
            ----------------------------------------------------------
            <S>                                                         <C>
            1997......................................................  $ 36,000
            1998......................................................    36,000
            1999......................................................    36,000
            2000......................................................    36,000
            2001......................................................    36,000
            Thereafter................................................   219,000
                                                                        --------
                                                                        $399,000
                                                                        ========
</TABLE>
 
(5)  SUBORDINATED NOTE PAYABLE
 
     In July 1996, the Company executed a senior subordinated note payable for
$1,000,000. The note calls for interest payable at an annual rate of the prime
rate plus 2.00%. The note is secured by certain assets of the Company and
guaranteed by the owner of the Company.
 
(6)  LEASES
 
     The Company has several noncancelable operating leases, primarily for a
computer system and office and warehouse space. Rent expense under these leases
amounted to approximately $122,085 and $888,218 in 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31,
            ----------------------------------------------------------
            <S>                                                         <C>
            1997......................................................  $ 61,573
            1998......................................................    23,436
            1999......................................................    19,311
            2000......................................................    19,311
            2001......................................................    14,483
            Thereafter................................................        --
                                                                        --------
                                                                        $138,114
                                                                        ========
</TABLE>
 
     The Company's capital lease obligation is for computer equipment that is
recorded at a cost of $61,520 and has been depreciated by $54,343 through
December 31, 1996. Amortization expense related to the capital
 
                                      F-41
<PAGE>   122
 
                          SEMINOLE FINANCE CORPORATION
                             AND RELATED COMPANIES
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
lease is included in depreciation expense on the accompanying combined
statements of operations. The lease terminates in 1997.
 
(7)  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     In 1996, four companies that were former dealers from which the Company
purchased retail installment contracts have filed suits and/or counterclaims
against the Company and its related companies. The dealers seek to recover
approximately $20,000,000 in damages for alleged usury and breach of contract,
and to be indemnified for certain claims that may be made against them by the
Florida Department of Revenue in connection with sales tax refunds previously
paid to them. The Company has not yet responded to these claims and is in the
process of providing discovery information to the dealers. Management of the
Company intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims and believes
these claims to be without merit. Because these cases are in the early stages,
it is not possible to provide an evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable
outcome, nor an estimate of the amount or range of any potential loss. Any
unaccrued liability will not, in the opinion of management, have a material
adverse effect on the Company's combined financial statements.
 
(8)  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
     On January 10, 1997, Ugly Duckling Corporation purchased ninety-one
repossessed vehicles and certain new and used vehicle parts from the Company.
 
     On January 15, 1997, Ugly Duckling Corporation purchased certain assets and
assumed certain liabilities of the Company. The Company sold substantially all
of its finance receivables, certain inventory held for retail sale by the
seller, and certain furniture, fixed assets and equipment for approximately
$32,130,000. The proceeds from the sale of the assets were used to repay in full
the Company's notes payable.
 
                                      F-42
<PAGE>   123
 
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
E-Z Plan, Inc.
 
     We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of E-Z Plan, Inc. as of
December 31, 1996, and the related statements of operations, stockholders'
equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. The financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the financial statements based on our audit.
 
     We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of E-Z Plan, Inc. at December
31, 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then
ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
San Antonio, Texas
February 24, 1997, except for
  Note 8, as to which the date is
  February 28, 1997
 
                                      F-43
<PAGE>   124
 
                                 E-Z PLAN, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                               <C>
                                           ASSETS
 
Cash and cash equivalents ($320,580 restricted at December 31, 1996)............  $   630,938
Contracts in process of being collected from finance companies..................    1,374,072
Notes receivable under retail sales contracts...................................   27,891,311
Less allowance for repossession losses..........................................    1,964,108
                                                                                  -----------
Notes receivable under retail sales contracts, net..............................   25,927,203
Inventories -- used automobiles.................................................    5,402,706
Equipment and leasehold improvements:
  Furniture and equipment.......................................................      513,677
  Computer equipment............................................................      405,254
  Leasehold improvements........................................................      730,532
                                                                                  -----------
                                                                                    1,649,463
  Less accumulated depreciation.................................................      760,935
                                                                                  -----------
Net equipment and leasehold improvements........................................      888,528
Other assets....................................................................    1,048,272
                                                                                  -----------
Total assets....................................................................  $35,271,719
                                                                                  ===========
 
                            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Liabilities:
  Notes payable.................................................................  $13,132,959
  Due to stockholders...........................................................    8,765,351
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses.........................................    3,079,959
                                                                                  -----------
Total liabilities...............................................................   24,978,269
Commitments
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 1,000 issued and
     outstanding................................................................        1,000
  Additional paid-in capital....................................................    3,250,000
  Retained earnings.............................................................    7,042,450
                                                                                  -----------
Total stockholders' equity......................................................   10,293,450
                                                                                  -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......................................  $35,271,719
                                                                                  ===========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-44
<PAGE>   125
 
                                 E-Z PLAN, INC.
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                              <C>
Sales..........................................................................  $ 42,302,699
Cost of sales..................................................................    30,799,966
                                                                                 ------------
Gross profit before provision for repossession losses..........................    11,502,733
Provision for repossession losses..............................................     4,512,400
                                                                                 ------------
Gross profit...................................................................     6,990,333
Other operating income (expenses):
  Finance charge income........................................................     6,417,753
  Selling, general, and administrative expenses................................   (13,556,705)
  Other, net...................................................................     2,882,867
                                                                                 ------------
Income from operations.........................................................     2,734,248
Other income (expense):
  Interest expense.............................................................    (1,880,125)
  Interest income..............................................................        43,370
  Key man life insurance expense...............................................      (695,776)
                                                                                 ------------
Total other expense............................................................    (2,532,531)
                                                                                 ------------
Net income.....................................................................  $    201,717
                                                                                 ============
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-45
<PAGE>   126
 
                                 E-Z PLAN, INC.
 
                       STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         ADDITIONAL
                                              COMMON      PAID-IN        RETAINED
                                              STOCK       CAPITAL        EARNINGS         TOTAL
                                              ------     ----------     ----------     -----------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>
Balance at December 31, 1995................  $1,000     $3,250,000     $6,840,733     $10,091,733
  Net income................................     --              --        201,717         201,717
                                              ------     ----------     ----------     -----------
Balance at December 31, 1996................  $1,000     $3,250,000     $7,042,450     $10,293,450
                                              ======     ==========     ==========     ===========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-46
<PAGE>   127
 
                                 E-Z PLAN, INC.
 
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                              <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income.....................................................................  $    201,717
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
  activities:
  Provision for repossession losses............................................     4,512,400
  Depreciation.................................................................       226,760
  Decrease in cash surrender value of key man life insurance...................        64,021
  Loss from sale of property and equipment.....................................        13,434
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
     Contracts in process of being collected from finance companies............       485,077
     Inventories...............................................................           287
     Other assets..............................................................        49,414
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses.....................................        94,424
                                                                                 ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities......................................     5,647,534
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Retail sales and other costs financed..........................................   (22,758,165)
Collections on notes receivable under retail sales contracts...................    21,611,941
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment...................................        99,790
Purchases of property and equipment............................................      (432,595)
                                                                                 ------------
Net cash used in investing activities..........................................    (1,479,029)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from notes payable....................................................    21,147,893
Payments on notes payable......................................................   (21,494,913)
Due to stockholders, net.......................................................    (3,400,000)
                                                                                 ------------
Net cash used in financing activities..........................................    (3,747,020)
                                                                                 ------------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents........................................       421,485
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.................................       209,453
                                                                                 ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.......................................  $    630,938
                                                                                 ============
Supplementary cash flow information:
  Interest paid................................................................  $  1,789,537
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-47
<PAGE>   128
 
                                 E-Z PLAN, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
(1)  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Operations
 
     E-Z Plan, Inc. (the Company) began operations in January 1990 with the
opening of its first used automobile retail sales facility in San Antonio,
Texas. As of December 31, 1996, fourteen retail sales facilities were operating
under the names E-Z Motors, Red McCombs Superstores, and Red McCombs Star Cars
primarily in the San Antonio and central Texas areas. In addition to automobile
sales, the Company provides financing to its retail customers with terms
generally averaging 24-36 months at annual interest rates ranging from 18% to
26%. The Company retains a security interest in the related vehicles. During
1995 the Company also served as a financing source for motor vehicle contracts
arising from automobile sales by affiliated dealerships. Consideration paid by
the Company to these dealerships for such contracts was either 90% of the
principal financed on a non-recourse basis; or 100% of the principal financed
less a $200 fee on a recourse basis.
 
  Income Recognition
 
     The sales price and the related cost of the automobile are recognized in
the Company's operations at the time of sale. Notes receivable under retail
sales contracts arise from those sales for which the Company provides financing
and are collateralized by the titles to the automobiles sold. Finance charge
income related to these notes receivable is recognized using the interest method
over the term of the contract.
 
  Repossession Losses
 
     An allowance for repossession losses is maintained based on the Company's
loss experience and other factors. Upon customer default and repossession, the
remaining net note receivable balance, less the fair value or wholesale price of
the automobile, is charged to the allowance for repossession losses.
 
  Inventories
 
     The inventories of used automobiles are stated at the lower of cost, using
the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market. If the first-in, first-out
(FIFO) method of inventory accounting had been used by the Company, inventories
would have been approximately $1,264,000 higher than reported at December 31,
1996.
 
  Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
 
     Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation on
furniture and equipment and computer equipment is provided on straight-line and
accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which
generally range from three to seven years. Amortization of leasehold
improvements is provided on an accelerated method over the estimated lives of
the related assets, which range from 1 to 39 years.
 
  Advertising
 
     The Company expenses advertising costs as they are incurred. Total
advertising expenditures were approximately $1,160,000 in 1996.
 
  Federal Income Taxes
 
     No provision for federal income tax has been made since the Company elected
to be treated as an S Corporation as prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service
Code. Under the terms of this election, the
 
                                      F-48
<PAGE>   129
 
                                 E-Z PLAN, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Company generally pays no income tax and all stockholders will report their
proportionate share of the Company's tax items on their individual income tax
returns.
 
  Cash Flow
 
     For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all
highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be
cash equivalents.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
(2)  NOTES RECEIVABLE UNDER RETAIL SALES CONTRACTS
 
     Future contractual maturities of notes receivable under retail sales
contracts at December 31, 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
            <S>                                                       <C>
            1997....................................................  $14,587,156
            1998....................................................    7,976,915
            1999....................................................    4,072,131
            2000....................................................    1,255,109
                                                                      -----------
                                                                      $27,891,311
                                                                      ===========
</TABLE>
 
     A summary of the allowance for repossession losses is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
            <S>                                                        <C>
            Balance at December 31, 1995.............................  $1,586,801
              Provision for repossession losses......................   4,512,400
              Charge-offs............................................  (4,135,093)
                                                                       ----------
            Balance at December 31, 1996.............................  $1,964,108
                                                                       ==========
</TABLE>
 
(3)  BORROWINGS
 
     Notes payable at December 31, 1996 consist of five separate notes with a
remaining balance totaling $13,132,959. Three of the notes are due in 1997 and
the other two are due in 1998. Generally, payments are dependent on collections
of notes receivable under retail sales contracts. Based on expected collections,
approximately $11,619,509 of principal repayments are due in 1997, with the
remainder due in 1998. The notes carry fixed or variable interest rates of 8.75%
to 9.75% and are collateralized by notes receivable under retail sales
contracts.
 
     Certain of the note agreements contain covenants restricting the issuance
of additional debt obligations and prohibiting the payment of dividends, among
other matters. The note agreements also require the Company to maintain an
escrow deposit with the lenders which approximates the previous month's
collections on the notes receivable that collateralize the notes payable. The
amounts of these escrow deposits are disclosed as restricted cash on the balance
sheets. A former stockholder of the Company has personally guaranteed
substantially all of the debt obligations.
 
     The fair value of the Company's borrowings is estimated at the current rate
offered the Company for debt of the same approximate terms. The carrying value
of the Company's borrowings approximates fair value.
 
                                      F-49
<PAGE>   130
 
                                 E-Z PLAN, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(4)  COMMITMENTS
 
     The Company leases land and facilities at each of its retail sales
facilities and its corporate office under operating leases. Rental expense for
the year ended December 31, 1996 was approximately $1,061,000. Future lease
commitments as of December 31, 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
            <S>                                                        <C>
            1997.....................................................  $  990,586
            1998.....................................................     701,467
            1999.....................................................     370,640
            2000.....................................................     242,640
                                                                       ----------
                                                                       $2,305,333
                                                                       ==========
</TABLE>
 
(5)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     Entities in which the Company's stockholders and a related individual own a
controlling interest provided the Company with finance, accounting, and
management services for the year ended December 31, 1996. In addition, the
Company leases four retail sales facilities and its corporate office from
entities related to the stockholders by common ownership and other factors. The
accompanying statement of operations includes the following charges related to
these arrangements:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1996
                                                                        --------
            <S>                                                         <C>
            Finance, accounting, and management fees..................  $180,000
            Lease expense.............................................   400,875
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1996, the Company has receivables from affiliates totaling
$391,410 included in other assets.
 
     The stockholders have provided financing to the Company for use in
purchasing and reconditioning its used automobile inventory and in funding
operating expenses. The amounts due are unsecured, bear no interest except for
advances related to inventory purchases, and are payable on demand. Included in
interest expense in 1996 is $447,393, which the Company paid to stockholders for
advances related to inventory purchases.
 
(6)  RETIREMENT PLAN
 
     The Company has a 401(k) plan in which all employees who have completed one
year of service are eligible for participation. Employees may make contributions
to the plan in an amount equal to 1% to 15% of their salary. The Company's
matching contributions are made based on years of participation in the plan with
the maximum employer contribution equal to 100% of a maximum participant
contribution of $1,500. Employees are 100% vested in their own contributions at
all times and vest in employer contributions as follows:
 
<TABLE>
            <S>                                                            <C>
            Years 1 and 2................................................     0%
            Year 3.......................................................    50%
            Year 4.......................................................    75%
            Year 5.......................................................   100%
</TABLE>
 
     The Company made annual contributions to the plan of $27,336 during the
1996 plan year.
 
                                      F-50
<PAGE>   131
 
                                 E-Z PLAN, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(7)  KEY MAN LIFE INSURANCE
 
     The Company owns certain life insurance which insure the lives of the
Company's current and former owners and key officers with a combined benefit
value of $56,725,000. During 1996 premiums of $631,755 were paid and net cash
value decreased by $64,021 for a total expense of $695,776.
 
(8)  SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
     The Company has entered into a Letter of Intent dated February 28, 1997 to
sell substantially all the operating assets of the Company. The Letter of Intent
is subject to the execution of a definitive agreement. This transaction is
expected to close by March 31, 1997.
 
                                      F-51
<PAGE>   132
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
Board of Directors
KARS-YES Holdings Inc.
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of KARS-YES
Holdings Inc. (the "Company") and subsidiaries (formerly the YES Group, Inc.) as
of June 30, 1997 and 1996 and the related consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended June 30, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and
its subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
June 30, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
     The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As described in Notes 6 and 7 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company defaulted on its debt obligations
during 1997. As discussed in Notes 1 and 13, the Company sold the majority of
its operating assets and facilities to the Ugly Duckling Corporation on
September 15, 1997. The remaining assets will be utilized to satisfy existing
liabilities as dictated by amended debt agreements. Based on management's
estimated cash flow projections from the remaining assets which have contractual
lives through 2002, it is extremely unlikely that cash collections will be
adequate to satisfy all existing liabilities or result in any distributions to
preferred or common shareholders. These factors raise substantial doubt about
the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of
this uncertainty.
 
                                          /s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Dallas, Texas
November 6, 1997
 
                                      F-52
<PAGE>   133
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               JUNE 30,
                                                                         ---------------------
                                                                           1997         1996
                                                                         --------     --------
<S>                                                                      <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents..............................................  $  1,455     $  1,703
                                                                         --------     --------
Retail contracts, net of unearned finance charges (Note 2).............   118,090       70,109
Allowance for losses...................................................   (30,179)     (12,903)
                                                                         --------     --------
     Retail contracts, net.............................................    87,911       57,206
Assets held for sale, net (Note 13)....................................     5,520           --
Securitized receivables, retained interest.............................    10,072       19,352
Excess servicing asset.................................................        --        3,929
Interest-only strip....................................................       535           --
Automobile inventory...................................................     3,805       16,294
Income tax refund receivable...........................................     1,005          246
Fixed assets, net......................................................     1,318        5,064
Other assets, net......................................................       372        4,534
                                                                         --------     --------
          Total assets.................................................  $111,993     $108,328
                                                                         ========     ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Accounts payable.......................................................  $  6,446     $  4,815
Accrued liabilities....................................................     1,014        1,121
Servicing liability....................................................       823           --
Income taxes payable...................................................        --          404
Deferred income taxes, net.............................................        --        1,557
Subordinated notes payable.............................................    30,000       30,000
Senior line of credit..................................................    80,300       39,000
Mortgage payable.......................................................       973           --
                                                                         --------     --------
          Total liabilities............................................   119,556       76,897
                                                                         --------     --------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
Redeemable cumulative preferred stock of subsidiary....................     1,351        1,351
                                                                         --------     --------
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, no
     shares issued.....................................................        --           --
  Class A common stock, $.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized,
     issued: 1997 -- 120,017,180 shares; 1996 -- 120,308,251 shares....     1,200        1,203
  Class B common stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
     no shares issued..................................................        --           --
  Treasury stock, at cost: 30,000,000 shares...........................      (300)        (300)
  Additional paid-in capital...........................................    23,511       23,610
  Unrealized loss on securitization assets.............................    (1,087)          --
  Retained earnings (deficit)..........................................   (32,238)       5,567
                                                                         --------     --------
       Total shareholders' equity (deficit)............................    (8,914)      30,080
                                                                         --------     --------
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity (deficit).........  $111,993     $108,328
                                                                         ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-53
<PAGE>   134
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                              ---------------------------------
                                                                1997         1996        1995
                                                              --------     --------     -------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>
Automotive sales..........................................    $144,129     $118,176     $81,832
Cost of automotive sales..................................      98,433       73,969      50,939
                                                              --------      -------     -------
     Gross margin on automotive sales.....................      45,696       44,207      30,893
Provision for losses on retail contracts..................      62,353       29,499      18,003
                                                              --------      -------     -------
                                                               (16,657)      14,708      12,890
Gain on securitized retail contracts......................       4,888        8,090          --
Finance charge income.....................................      16,616       15,396      15,796
                                                              --------      -------     -------
     Operating profit before expenses.....................       4,847       38,194      28,686
Expenses:
  Selling and store.......................................      21,784       16,411      11,919
  Finance operations......................................       7,647        6,468       5,204
  General and administrative..............................       2,063        2,380       1,950
  Depreciation and amortization...........................       2,802        1,347         520
                                                              --------      -------     -------
     Operating earnings (loss) before interest, income
       taxes..............................................     (29,449)      11,588       9,093
Interest expense, net.....................................      10,586        6,991       5,536
                                                              --------      -------     -------
     Earnings (loss) before income taxes..................     (40,035)       4,597       3,557
Provision (benefit) for income taxes......................      (2,362)       1,839       1,388
                                                              --------      -------     -------
          Net earnings (loss).............................    $(37,673)    $  2,758     $ 2,169
                                                              ========      =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-54
<PAGE>   135
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    UNREALIZED
                            COMMON STOCK         TREASURY STOCK      ADDITIONAL      LOSS ON
                        --------------------   -------------------    PAID-IN     SECURITIZATION   RETAINED
                          SHARES      AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT    CAPITAL         ASSETS       EARNINGS    TOTAL
                        -----------   ------   ----------   ------   ----------   --------------   --------   --------
<S>                     <C>           <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>              <C>        <C>
Balance at June 30,
  1994................  120,056,587   $1,201   30,000,000   $(300)    $ 23,521       $     --      $    824   $ 25,246
Common stock issued
  under Managers Stock
  Purchase Plan,
  net.................      108,857        1           --      --           41             --            --         42
Dividends on preferred
  stock of
  subsidiary..........           --       --           --      --           --             --           (26)       (26)
Net earnings for the
  year ended June 30,
  1995................           --       --           --      --           --             --         2,169      2,169
                        -----------   ------   ----------   -----      -------        -------      --------    -------
Balance at June 30,
  1995................  120,165,444    1,202   30,000,000    (300)      23,562             --         2,967     27,431
Common stock issued
  under Managers Stock
  Purchase Plan,
  net.................      142,807        1           --      --           48             --            --         49
Dividends on preferred
  stock of
  subsidiary..........           --       --           --      --           --             --          (158)      (158)
Net earnings for the
  year ended June 30,
  1996................           --       --           --      --           --             --         2,758      2,758
                        -----------   ------   ----------   -----      -------        -------      --------    -------
Balance at June 30,
  1996................  120,308,251    1,203   30,000,000    (300)      23,610             --         5,567     30,080
Common stock redeemed
  under Managers Stock
  Purchase Plan,
  net.................     (291,071)      (3)          --      --          (99)            --            --       (102)
Dividends on preferred
  stock of
  subsidiary..........           --       --           --      --           --             --          (132)      (132)
Unrealized loss on
  securitization
  assets..............           --       --           --      --           --         (1,087)           --     (1,087)
Net loss for the year
  ended June 30,
  1997................           --       --           --      --           --             --       (37,673)   (37,673)
                        -----------   ------   ----------   -----      -------        -------      --------    -------
Balance at June 30,
  1997................  120,017,180   $1,200   30,000,000   $(300)    $ 23,511       $ (1,087)     $(32,238)  $ (8,914)
                        ===========   ======   ==========   =====      =======        =======      ========    =======
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-55
<PAGE>   136
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                             ----------------------------------
                                                               1997          1996        1995
                                                             ---------     --------     -------
<S>                                                          <C>           <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net earnings (loss)......................................  $ (37,673)    $  2,758     $ 2,169
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization.........................      2,802        1,347         520
     Loss on impairment of securitization assets...........     14,044           --          --
     Loss on write-down of assets held for sale............      1,309           --          --
     Provision for losses on retail contracts..............     62,353       29,499      18,003
     Gain on securitized retail contracts..................     (4,888)      (8,090)         --
     Deferred income taxes, net............................     (1,577)       1,361       5,284
     Decrease (Increase) in inventories....................      8,788       (7,745)     (2,466)
     (Increase) decrease in income tax refund receivable...       (759)       5,015          --
     (Increase) decrease in other assets, net..............     (7,506)      (2,141)        465
     Increase in accounts payable..........................      1,631          552       1,431
     (Decrease) increase in accrued liabilities............     (3,284)        (156)     (5,231)
     (Decrease) increase in income taxes payable...........       (404)          41        (958)
                                                              --------      -------     -------
          Net cash provided by operating activities........     34,836       22,441      19,217
                                                              --------      -------     -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Retail installment contracts financed, net...............   (122,476)    (104,263)    (75,621)
  Principal collections on retail installment contracts....     19,706       22,894      29,741
  Proceeds from securitized receivables....................     27,224       61,126          --
  Sale (purchase) of fixed assets, net.....................     (1,454)      (3,638)     (1,441)
                                                              --------      -------     -------
          Net cash used by investing activities............    (77,000)     (23,881)    (47,321)
                                                              --------      -------     -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from senior line of credit......................     68,895       63,150      27,500
  Retirements to senior line of credit.....................    (27,595)     (61,150)    (30,000)
  Proceeds from subordinated notes payable.................         --           --      30,000
  Proceeds from mortgage payable...........................      1,000           --          --
  Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock of
     subsidiary............................................         --           --       1,351
  Payments on mortgage payable.............................        (27)          --          --
  Issuance cost on preferred stock of subsidiary...........         --           --         (54)
  Debt issuance costs......................................       (123)          (4)     (1,378)
  Proceeds (redemptions) from Managers Stock Purchase Plan,
     net...................................................       (102)          49          42
  Dividends paid on preferred stock of subsidiary..........       (132)        (158)        (26)
                                                              --------      -------     -------
          Net cash provided by financing activities........     41,916        1,887      27,435
                                                              --------      -------     -------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents.......       (248)         447        (669)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.............      1,703        1,256       1,925
                                                              --------      -------     -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year...................  $   1,455     $  1,703     $ 1,256
                                                              ========      =======     =======
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Interest paid (includes unused line of credit fees)......  $   9,368     $  6,707     $ 5,088
                                                              ========      =======     =======
  Income taxes paid........................................  $     543     $    665     $ 2,462
                                                              ========      =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-56
<PAGE>   137
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(1)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  History of Operations
 
     KARS-YES Holdings Inc., formerly the YES Group Inc., (the "Company") was
formed on October 17, 1990. The Company operates through two subsidiaries:
KARS-YES Inc. (the "Retail Company"), incorporated on October 23, 1990 and
KARS-YES Financial Inc. (the "Finance Company"), incorporated on October 23,
1990. The Retail Company sells used automobiles and light trucks ("cars"). The
Finance Company provides financing to the Retail Company's customers who
typically would be unable to obtain financing from traditional sources. As of
June 30, 1997, the Company operated fifteen retail stores, seven located in
Southern California, three located in South Florida, three located in Atlanta,
Georgia, and two located in Dallas, Texas.
 
     On September 15, 1997 the Company entered into an agreement to sell the
majority of the operating assets and facilities of the finance and retail
operations (see Note 13) to the Ugly Duckling Corporation (the "Buyer"). The
Company retained all finance receivables, debt and certain other related assets
and liabilities. The finance receivables will be utilized to satisfy existing
liabilities. Concurrent with the sale, the Company renegotiated its borrowing
arrangements with the Senior and Subordinated lending groups (see Notes 6 and
7). Under the terms of the amended agreements, the outstanding securitized
investor principal will be repayable from future collections on the securitized
retail contracts. The senior line of credit will then be repayable from future
collections on the Company's retail contracts (non-securitized) and any
remaining collections associated with both (i) the interest-only strip
receivable and (ii) the retained interest in the securitized receivables. The
senior line of credit, as modified, earns interest at a rate of prime plus 1.5%.
The Subordinated notes will be repayable from any remaining collections after
both the securitized investors and the senior obligations have been paid in
full. Based upon management's estimated cash flow projections from remaining
assets which have contractual lives through 2002, it is extremely unlikely that
cash collections will be adequate to satisfy all existing liabilities and result
in any distributions to preferred or common shareholders. Management does not
currently intend to actively operate the Company beyond running off current
assets and servicing the outstanding debt.
 
  Basis of Consolidation
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its other majority-owned subsidiaries. YES Appliance & Furniture Inc.
("A&F"), a wholly-owned subsidiary, was sold effective the close of business on
December 31, 1996 (see Note 9). The results of A&F for the six months ended
December 31, 1996 are included in the Company's financial statements. The assets
acquired and liabilities assumed by Ugly Duckling Corporation have been
reclassified to "Assets held for sale" (see Note 13).
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
     Investments in highly liquid, low risk, short-term instruments with
original maturities of less than 90 days are included in cash and cash
equivalents.
 
     The Company maintains cash balances in banks which exceed federally insured
limits. The uninsured amounts as of June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1996 were
$1,061,000 and $639,000, respectively.
 
  Income Recognition
 
     Retail installment contracts are originated in connection with the sale of
cars and are collateralized by titles to the cars sold. Sales revenue and the
related cost of sales are recognized in operations at the time of sale.
 
                                      F-57
<PAGE>   138
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Finance charge income related to retail contracts is recognized using the
interest (actuarial) method. Finance charge income is not recognized on retail
contracts that are contractually delinquent in excess of 60 days. It is the
Company's policy to write-off retail contracts that are 120 days contractually
delinquent.
 
  Allowance for Losses
 
     A provision for losses is charged to operations in an amount sufficient to
maintain the allowance for losses at a level considered adequate to cover
anticipated losses in the existing retail contracts portfolio. The allowance for
losses is based upon periodic analysis of the portfolio, economic conditions and
trends, historical loss experience, borrowers' ability to pay and collateral
values. If the customer defaults on the payment terms of the retail contract and
the Company repossesses the car, the remaining contract balance, less the
unearned finance charge and fair value of the car, is charged to the allowance
for losses.
 
  Retail Contract Securitizations
 
     The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125,
Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments
of Liabilities ("FAS 125"), as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 127, Deferral of the Effective Date of Certain Provisions of FASB
Statement No. 125 -- An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 125 ("FAS 127"), on
January 1, 1997. FAS 125 applies a control-oriented, financial-components
approach to financial-asset-transfer transactions whereby the Company (1)
recognizes the financial and servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it
has incurred, (2) derecognizes financial assets when control has been
surrendered, and (3) derecognizes liabilities once they are extinguished. Under
FAS 125, control is considered to have been surrendered only if: (i) the
transferred assets have been isolated from the transferor and its creditors,
even in bankruptcy or other receivership (ii) the transferee has the right to
pledge or exchange the transferred assets, or, is a qualifying special-purpose
entity (as defined) and the holders of the beneficial interests in that entity
have the right to pledge or exchange those interests; and (iii) the transferor
does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an
agreement which both entitles and obligates it to repurchase or redeem those
assets prior to maturity, or through an agreement which both entitles and
obligates it to repurchase or redeem those assets if they were not readily
obtainable elsewhere. If any of these conditions are not met, the Company
accounts for the transfer as a secured borrowing.
 
     In accordance with FAS 125, the Company records a separate asset or
liability representing the right or obligation, respectively, to service loans
(or other financial assets that are being serviced) for others. Servicing
liabilities are recorded at their fair value as a reduction of the sale
proceeds. The fair value of the servicing liabilities is based on an analysis of
discounted cash flows that incorporates estimates of (1) market servicing costs,
(2) projected ancillary servicing revenue, (3) projected prepayment rates that
are based on changes in interest rates, and (4) market profit margins.
 
     Servicing liabilities are amortized in proportion to, and over the period
of, estimated net servicing income. Increases in fair values of servicing
liabilities (above carrying values) are evaluated through an assessment of the
fair value of those liabilities via a discounted cash flows method. The net
carrying value of the liability is compared to its discounted estimated future
net cash flows to determine whether adjustments should be made to carrying
values or amortization schedules. An increase in the fair value of a servicing
liability above its carrying value is recognized through an increase to the
liability and a charge to current-period earnings.
 
     The rate of prepayment of loans serviced is one of the most significant
estimate involved in the measurement process. Estimates of prepayment rates are
based on management's expectations of future prepayment rates, reflecting the
company's historical rate of loan repayment, industry trends, and other
considerations. Actual prepayment rates differ from those projected by
management due to changes in a variety of economic factors, including prevailing
interest rates and the availability of alternative financing sources to
borrowers. If actual prepayments of the loans being serviced were to occur more
quickly than
 
                                      F-58
<PAGE>   139
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
projected, the carrying value of servicing assets and liabilities might have to
be written down through a credit to earnings in the current period. Accordingly,
the servicing assets and liabilities actually incurred, could differ from the
amounts initially recorded.
 
     There were no unrecognized servicing liabilities or liabilities for which
it is not practicable to estimate fair value. The excess servicing asset
reported in the 1996 financial statements has been reclassified as a net
servicing liability and an interest-only strip to conform to the current year's
reporting requirements.
 
  Securitization Gains
 
     The calculation of gains on securitized retail contracts embody prepayment,
default and interest rate assumptions that market participants use for similar
financial instruments subject to prepayment, default and interest rate risks,
and are discounted assuming an estimated interest rate that a non-affiliated
purchaser of similar financial instruments would demand.
 
  Securitized Receivables
 
     Securitized receivables are considered available-for-sale investments and
are carried at fair market value.
 
  Inventories
 
     Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market, using specific
identification. Cost of sales includes the purchase price plus buying, delivery
and reconditioning costs.
 
  Fixed Assets
 
     Fixed assets are carried at cost. Depreciation expense is provided on a
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the term of the related lease. The cost of fixed
assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from
the accounts at the time of disposition, and any resulting gain or loss is
reflected in operations. Maintenance, repairs, and minor replacements are
charged to operations as incurred; major replacements and betterments are
capitalized.
 
  Reclassifications
 
     Certain items included in the prior years' consolidated financial
statements have been reclassified to conform with fiscal year 1997's
presentation.
 
  Income Taxes
 
     The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109").
Under SFAS No. 109, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax
consequences of "temporary differences" by applying enacted Federal and state
tax rates, applicable to future years, to differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities.
 
     A valuation allowance is established to the extent that future taxable
income will not be sufficient to realize the deferred tax asset.
 
  Derivative Financial Instruments
 
     Derivative financial instruments are utilized by the Company to manage
interest rate exposure. With interest rate swaps, the differentials to be
received or paid under contracts designated as hedges, are accrued over the life
of the contracts and are recognized as adjustments to interest expense. Costs of
interest rate caps
 
                                      F-59
<PAGE>   140
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
are offset against the gain on securitized retail contracts. The Company does
not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
 
  Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve matters
of judgment. The most significant estimates presented include the allowance for
losses, securitized receivables, interest-only strip, excess servicing asset,
and the servicing liability. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
(2)  RETAIL CONTRACTS
 
     Retail contracts consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                 ---------------------
                                                                   1997         1996
                                                                 --------     --------
        <S>                                                      <C>          <C>
        Retail installment contracts...........................  $158,547     $ 94,759
        Unearned finance charges...............................   (40,457)     (24,772)
        Allowance for losses...................................   (30,179)     (12,847)
                                                                 --------     --------
          Retail installment contracts, net....................    87,911       57,140
                                                                 --------     --------
        Retail lease contracts.................................        --          128
        Unearned finance charges...............................        --           (6)
        Allowance for losses...................................        --          (56)
                                                                 --------     --------
          Retail lease contracts, net..........................        --           66
                                                                 --------     --------
                  Retail contracts, net........................  $ 87,911     $ 57,206
                                                                 ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     As of June 30, 1997, automobile retail installment contracts include
unearned finance charges at an average annual percentage rate of 20.8% with
original financing terms ranging from 14 to 54 months. The average original
financing term of automobile retail installment contracts is 43 months.
 
     As of June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1996, there were 21,685 and 17,854
automobile retail installment contracts being serviced by the Company, including
contracts sold through securitization transactions.
 
     Concentration of Risk -- Retail contracts were originated in the following
markets:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          YEAR ENDED
                                                                           JUNE 30,
                                                                         -------------
                                                                         1997     1996
                                                                         ----     ----
        <S>                                                              <C>      <C>
        California.....................................................   53%      63% 
        Florida........................................................   14       18
        Georgia........................................................   23       19
        Texas..........................................................   10       --
                                                                         ---      ---
                                                                         100%     100% 
                                                                         ===      ===
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-60
<PAGE>   141
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Contractual maturities of installment contracts (including unearned finance
charges) for years ending June 30 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   RETAIL INSTALLMENT
                                                                       CONTRACTS
                                                                   ------------------
            <S>                                                    <C>
            1998.................................................       $ 53,466
            1999.................................................         51,551
            2000.................................................         41,861
            2001.................................................         11,497
            2002.................................................            172
                                                                        --------
                                                                         158,547
            Less unearned finance charges........................        (40,457)
                                                                        --------
                                                                        $118,090
                                                                        ========
</TABLE>
 
     A summary of the allowance for losses is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                     ----------------------------------
                                                       1997         1996         1995
                                                     --------     --------     --------
        <S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
        Balance at beginning of period.............  $ 12,903     $ 16,155     $ 14,274
        Provision for losses.......................    62,353       29,499       18,003
        Charge-offs, net of recoveries.............   (37,682)     (20,398)     (16,122)
        Securitization of retail contracts.........    (7,395)     (12,353)          --
                                                     --------     --------     --------
        Balance at end of period...................  $ 30,179     $ 12,903     $ 16,155
                                                     ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     Management provides an allowance for losses based on analysis of historical
loss results and consideration of current market conditions. In the fourth
quarter of fiscal year 1997 and after year end, loss trends increased
significantly. Based on these developments and trends in the industry,
management increased the allowance for losses by approximately $30 million.
 
     As of June 30, 1997 and 1996, 3.4% of the total retail installment
contracts serviced were greater than 60 days delinquent.
 
(3)  SECURITIZATION OF AUTOMOBILE INSTALLMENT CONTRACTS
 
     In October 1995, the Company commenced selling automobile installment
contracts to investors through securitization transactions. Installment
contracts originated by the Finance Company are pooled and sold to KARS-YES
Receivables Inc. ("KYRI"), a wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. KYRI
retains a subordinated interest in all loans pooled, with the remaining portion
sold to investors. The Company receives compensation monthly for performing
servicing functions on the entire pool of securitized installment contracts
("servicing fees"). In addition to the servicing fees collected, the Company
earns an interest rate spread equal to the difference between the interest rate
on the underlying retail contracts and the interest paid to investors. The
rights of KYRI as holder of the retained interest ("securitized receivables")
are subordinated to the rights of the investors. In the event that 100% of the
installment contracts fail to perform and the underlying collateral proved to be
of no value, the Company would incur losses to the extent of the securitized
receivables and the related interest-only strip.
 
     During the year ended June 30, 1997, KYRI completed three securitization
transactions with an aggregate principal balance of approximately $44,611,000.
In connection with the two securitization transactions completed before January
1, 1997, KYRI recorded securitized receivables of approximately $7,372,000,
recorded an excess servicing asset of approximately $2,374,000, and recognized a
gain of $4,022,000. In
 
                                      F-61
<PAGE>   142
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
connection with KYRI's third securitization which was completed after January 1,
1997, KYRI recorded securitized receivables of approximately $4,235,000,
recorded a servicing liability of $282,000, an interest-only strip of
$1,242,000, and recognized a gain of $866,000. During the year ended June 30,
1996, KYRI completed three securitization transactions with an aggregate
principal balance of approximately $94,400,000. In connection with these
transactions, KYRI recorded securitized receivables of approximately
$24,000,000, recorded an excess servicing asset of approximately $5,800,000, and
recognized a gain of $8,090,000.
 
     As noted in Note 1, the Company adopted FAS 125 on January 1, 1997. FAS 125
requires that the amounts carried previously as excess servicing assets be
reclassified between a servicing asset or liability and an interest-only strip
with the difference recognized as unrealized loss on securities, net of tax. On
January 1, 1997, in connection with the above reclassification, the Company
derecognized excess service asset of $4,399,000, recorded an interest-only strip
of $4,069,000, a servicing liability of $1,017,000, and an unrealized loss on
securities of $1,347,000.
 
     Changes in the balances of servicing liabilities for the year ended June
30, 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        SERVICING
                                                                       LIABILITIES
                                                                       -----------
            <S>                                                        <C>
            Balance at January 1, 1997...............................  $ 1,017,000
            Servicing liability additions............................      283,000
            Amortization.............................................     (477,000)
                                                                        ----------
            Balance at June 30, 1997.................................  $   823,000
                                                                        ==========
</TABLE>
 
     In connection with securitization transactions, for the years ended June
30, 1997 and 1996, the Company received cash proceeds totaling approximately
$27,224,000 and $61,100,000, respectively. These funds were used to pay down the
senior line of credit. As of June 30, 1997 and 1996, the company serviced 9,349
and 9,643 installment contracts respectively, with an aggregate principal
balance of approximately $61,413,000 and $69,091,000 under securitization
transactions. These contracts represent approximately 34% and 49% of the total
outstanding receivables serviced by the Company at June 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
 
     During the third and fourth quarter and after year-end, losses began to
increase significantly. Based on this and loss trends in the industry,
management recorded an impairment charge to finance income of $11 million on the
securitized receivables and $3 million on the interest only strip.
 
     Pursuant to a September 15, 1997 Purchase and Sale Agreement (see Note 13)
no further installment contracts will be securitized. The six outstanding loan
pools will be serviced by Ugly Duckling Corporation.
 
                                      F-62
<PAGE>   143
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(4)  FIXED ASSETS
 
     Fixed assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     YEAR ENDED JUNE
                                                                           30,
                                                                    ------------------
                                                                     1997       1996
                                                                    ------     -------
        <S>                                                         <C>        <C>
        Leasehold improvements....................................  $   --     $ 3,596
        Equipment.................................................      --       2,902
        Furniture and fixtures....................................      --       1,201
        Construction in progress..................................      --         223
        Buildings.................................................     973         196
        Vehicles..................................................      --          45
        Land......................................................     371         371
        Less: accumulated depreciation............................     (26)     (3,470)
                                                                    ------      ------
                                                                    $1,318     $ 5,064
                                                                    ======      ======
</TABLE>
 
     Fixed assets sold to Ugly Duckling Corporation have been reclassified to
"Assets held for sale" (see Note 13).
 
(5)  COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
 
     Leases -- Retail store locations are generally leased for up to five years
with certain rights to extend or terminate without penalty. Equipment leases are
for periods from one to three years. Lease expense was approximately $2,843,000
and $2,657,000 for the years ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Lease
commitments (excluding those assumed by Ugly Duckling Corporation, see Note 13)
for years ending June 30 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
            <S>                                                           <C>
            1998........................................................  $1,134
            1999........................................................     606
            2000........................................................     449
            2001........................................................      25
                                                                          ------
                                                                          $2,214
                                                                          ======
</TABLE>
 
     As of September 15, 1997, a majority of leases were assumed by the Ugly
Duckling Corporation. Leases not assumed in the sales transaction are reflected
in the above schedule. Of the $2.2 million in lease commitments not assumed by
Ugly Duckling Corporation, $1.2 million are being subleased.
 
     Legal Proceedings -- At June 30, 1997, the Company and its subsidiaries in
their normal course of business were involved in various legal proceedings. In
the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of such legal proceedings
will not have a material effect upon the Company's financial position, earnings
or liquidity.
 
(6)  SENIOR LINE OF CREDIT
 
     The Company had an $85,000,000 revolving line of credit with several
lending institutions (the "Senior Lending Group") which expired on April 30,
1997. The credit line was available for financing automobile installment
contracts and general corporate operations. Borrowings were made at a fixed rate
based on the Eurodollar Rate plus 3% (8.8% at June 30, 1997), or a variable rate
based on the lender's prime rate plus 2% (10.5% at June 30, 1997) at the
Company's discretion. For the year ended June 30, 1997, actual interest rates
ranged from 8.37% to 10.50%. The agreement required the Company to pay an annual
commitment fee of 0.375% for the unfunded portion of the line of credit.
 
                                      F-63
<PAGE>   144
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The line of credit is collateralized by the Company's retail installment
contracts, inventory, intangibles and equipment. The agreement also contains
various provisions, the most restrictive of which require that the Company
maintain certain tangible net worth, leverage, and interest coverage ratios, as
defined. It also restricts the Company from declaring and paying dividends. As
of June 30, 1997, the Company had drawn $80,300,000 on the revolving line of
credit and incurred interest expense of approximately $6,060,000 for the year
then ended.
 
     Effective April 30, 1997, the line of credit expired and was in technical
default. In addition, the Company was in violation of its tangible net worth and
earnings to fixed charges covenants at June 30, 1997. Pursuant to the September
15, 1997 Purchase and Sale Agreement (see Note 13), the Senior Lending Group
consented to the sale agreement which provides that Ugly Duckling Corporation
service the Company's unsecuritized retail installment contracts. The senior
line of credit will be repayable from future collections on the Company's retail
contracts (non-securitized) and any remaining collections associated with both
(i) the interest-only strip receivable and (ii) the securitized receivables. The
senior line of credit, as modified, earns interest at a rate of prime plus 1.5%.
Under the amended agreement, the Senior Lending Group retained the right to
demand payment in full.
 
(7)  SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE
 
     During October 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with two
financial institutions to borrow $30,000,000 through the issuance of
subordinated notes. The notes bear interest at an annual rate of 11.75%, payable
quarterly. In connection with the notes, the Company has issued detachable
warrants to purchase 9,047,958 shares of "Class B" common stock at an exercise
price of $.38 per share which was the estimated fair value at date of issuance.
As of June 30, 1997, all of these warrants were exercisable. For the year ended
June 30, 1997, the Company incurred interest expense related to the subordinated
notes of approximately $3,525,000.
 
     As a result of the technical default of the senior line of credit (see Note
6) and a cross-default provision, the subordinated notes were in technical
default as of April 30, 1997. The subordinated note holders consented to the
sale agreement which provides that Ugly Duckling Corporation service the
Company's unsecuritized retail installment contracts with all future collections
(net of servicing fees) going first to pay down the Senior Line of Credit. Any
remaining collections will be applied to repay the subordinated note holders.
 
(8)  CHANGE IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE
 
     On April 30, 1995, the Retail Company issued 13,500 shares of cumulative
preferred stock for cash. The preferred stock votes together with the
outstanding common stock as a single class on all actions to be voted on by the
stockholders of the Retail Company. The preferred stock was issued to some, but
not all existing shareholders of the Company. The preferred stock has a par
value of $100 per share, an annual dividend rate equal to $11.75 per share, and
is redeemable at either the holder's or Retail Company's option on or after
April 30, 2000 and April 30, 2001, respectively. The redemption price is set at
par unless the Retail Company elects to redeem all the shares at any time prior
to April 30, 2001, upon which the redemption price is set at $101 per share.
Cash proceeds from the issuance of the preferred stock was $1,351,350. In
connection with the preferred stock, the Retail Company has issued detachable
warrants to purchase 405,000 shares of the Company's "Class A" common stock at
an exercise price of $.38 per share, which was fair value at date of issuance.
The warrants expire if not exercised prior to December 31, 2004. As of June 30,
1997 all of these warrants were exercisable. Subsequent to year end the Company
discontinued dividends to the preferred shareholders.
 
                                      F-64
<PAGE>   145
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(9)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     During fiscal year 1997, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, A&F,
commenced operations and incurred an operating loss of approximately $1.1
million through December 31, 1996. On December 31, 1996, A&F was purchased by
the Edwin L. Cox Company (the "Acquirer"). A similar group of shareholders hold
a substantial ownership interest in both companies. The Acquirer assumed all
assets and liabilities of A&F which resulted in a gain of $1.1 million. The net
effect of these transactions had no material effect on the Company's
consolidated net loss for the year ended June 30, 1997.
 
     During 1997, the Company provided management services, including payroll
disbursement and customer payment collections for A&F. As of June 30, 1997, the
Company has a payable to A&F of approximately $214,000.
 
(10)  INCENTIVE PLANS
 
     The Company has a stock incentive plan (the "Plan") for key employees,
under which the maximum number of shares that may be granted in the aggregate is
10% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock subject to a cap of
12,000,000 shares. The Plan, which became effective April 1, 1991, provides for
the options to be granted, become exercisable, and terminate upon terms
established by the Board of Directors. Shares provided under the Plan vest at a
rate of one-sixth per year beginning on the second anniversary of the grant
date. Vested shares become exercisable at the earlier of the fifth anniversary
of the grant date, liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or the effective
date of an initial public offering. The Plan terminates April 1, 2001.
 
     A summary of stock option activity under this Plan is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                OPTIONS            OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
                                               AVAILABLE      ------------------------------
                                               FOR GRANT        SHARES       PRICE PER SHARE
                                               ----------     ----------     ---------------
        <S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>
        Balance at June 30, 1994.............   3,654,000      8,346,000
        Terminated...........................   1,200,000     (1,200,000)         $0.34
        Terminated...........................      54,000        (54,000)          0.38
        Granted..............................  (1,551,600)     1,551,600           0.38
                                               ----------     ----------
        Balance at June 30, 1995.............   3,356,400      8,643,600
        Terminated...........................   1,185,600     (1,185,600)         $0.38
        Granted..............................    (560,000)       560,000           0.41
                                               ----------     ----------
        Balance at June 30, 1996.............   3,982,000      8,018,000
        Terminated...........................     108,000       (108,000)         $0.38
        Granted..............................    (290,000)       290,000           0.41
                                               ----------     ----------
        Balance at June 30, 1997.............   3,800,000      8,200,000
                                               ==========     ==========
</TABLE>
 
     Of the options outstanding at June 30, 1997, 5,908,000 were exercisable.
The exercise price assigned on the grant date is determined by the Board of
Directors.
 
     Given that a majority of the Company's operating assets were subsequently
sold (see Note 13), management believes the estimated fair market value of the
shares is minimal. As a result, the Company views the potential for any option
to be exercised as highly improbable.
 
     In March 1994, the Company adopted a limited Managers Stock Purchase Plan
with respect to common stock of the Company for certain managers of the Retail
Company. The maximum number of shares of common stock which may be purchased
under this limited plan is 750,000 shares. This limited plan will afford each
manager to invest up to 50% of his or her full monthly after tax store net
profit bonus in common stock of
 
                                      F-65
<PAGE>   146
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
the Company. As of June 30, 1997, there were 17,180 shares of common stock
outstanding that have been issued pursuant to this plan at values ranging from
$.38 to $.41 per share. As a result of the sale mentioned above, all remaining
outstanding shares were repurchased in July 1997.
 
(11)  INCOME TAXES
 
     On April 30, 1995, the Retail Company issued 13,500 additional shares of
preferred stock which diluted the voting rights of its existing shareholders. As
a result, effective April 30, 1995, the Retail Company ceased to be a member of
the affiliated group ("deconsolidated" from KARS-YES Holdings Inc. and
subsidiaries) for Federal income tax purposes. Pursuant to California tax laws,
the Retail Company is required to continue to file on a combined basis with the
Company. The primary tax effect of the deconsolidation is the immediate
recognition of a loss resulting from discounts that arise upon the Retail
Company's sale of retail contracts ("retail contract discounts") to the Finance
Company. Because of the combined California filing requirement, retail contract
discounts will continue to be deferred for California tax purposes.
 
     The provision for income taxes is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                     ----------------------------------
                                                      1997          1996         1995
                                                     -------       ------       -------
        <S>                                          <C>           <C>          <C>
        Current tax provision (benefit)............  $  (785)      $  478       $(3,896)
        Deferred tax provision (benefit)...........   (1,577)       1,361         5,284
                                                     -------       ------        ------
                                                     $(2,362)      $1,839       $ 1,388
                                                     =======       ======        ======
</TABLE>
 
     Reconciliations of the differences between income taxes computed at the
federal statutory rate and the consolidated income tax provision/(benefit) are
as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                         ------------------------------
                                                           1997        1996       1995
                                                         --------     ------     ------
        <S>                                              <C>          <C>        <C>
        Provision/(benefit) at federal statutory
          rate.........................................  $(13,974)    $1,563     $1,209
        State taxes....................................    (2,465)       276        179
        Change in deferred tax valuation allowance.....    13,512         --         --
        Other nondeductible items......................       565         --         --
                                                         --------     ------     ------
                  Income tax provision/(benefit).......  $ (2,362)    $1,839     $1,388
                                                         ========     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
     The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows
(dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       JUNE 30, 1997
                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                            FEDERAL                       STATE
                                    ------------------------     -----------------------
                                     ASSETS      LIABILITIES     ASSETS      LIABILITIES      TOTAL
                                    --------     -----------     -------     -----------     --------
    <S>                             <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>             <C>
    Retail contracts..............  $     --       $  (901)      $    --       $  (289)      $ (1,190)
    Allowance for losses..........    10,261            --         3,250            --         13,511
    Securitized receivables.......        --        (3,424)           --            --         (3,424)
    Inventory.....................       464            --            28            --            492
    Fixed assets..................       708            --            56            --            764
    Other.........................       205            --            88            --            293
    Net operating loss............     3,217            --           201            --          3,418
                                    --------       -------       -------         -----       --------
    Deferred tax asset
      (liability).................    14,855        (4,325)        3,623          (289)        13,864
    Valuation allowance...........   (10,530)           --        (3,334)           --        (13,864)
                                    --------       -------       -------         -----       --------
    Net deferred tax liability....                                                           $      0
                                                                                             ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-66
<PAGE>   147
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       JUNE 30, 1996
                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                            FEDERAL                       STATE
                                    ------------------------     -----------------------
                                     ASSETS      LIABILITIES     ASSETS      LIABILITIES      TOTAL
                                    --------     -----------     -------     -----------     --------
    <S>                             <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>             <C>
    Retail contracts..............  $    672       $    --       $     6       $    --       $    678
    Allowance for losses..........     4,387            --         2,148            --          6,535
    Securitized receivables.......        --        (6,298)           --        (1,182)        (7,480)
    Excess servicing asset........        --        (1,336)           --          (251)        (1,587)
    Inventory.....................        --          (146)           --            (9)          (155)
    Fixed assets..................       318            --            32            --            350
    Retail lease contracts........        --           (49)           --            (9)           (58)
    Other.........................       412            --           100            --            512
                                    --------       -------       -------         -----       --------
    Deferred tax asset
      (liability).................     5,789        (7,829)        2,286        (1,451)        (1,205)
    Valuation allowance...........        --            --          (352)           --           (352)
                                    --------       -------       -------         -----       --------
    Net deferred tax liability....                                                           $ (1,557)
                                                                                             ========
</TABLE>
 
     As of June 30, 1997, the Company has a net operating loss of approximately
$10,900,000. This net operating loss will be carried forward to offset future
taxable income or if unused, will expire by June 30, 2012. Management believes
that given (i) the magnitude of the Company's net operating loss carryforward
and (ii) the Company's limited ability to generate future taxable income
sufficient to exceed the net operating loss carryforward, it is highly probable
that no further taxes will be incurred by the Company as it winds down
operations. Therefore, no further deferred tax assets on liabilities are
recognized.
 
(12)  RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     Risk Management -- The Company utilizes an interest rate swap to hedge
portions of its variable-rate debt outstanding (including advances under the
revolving line of credit and amounts advanced against securitized loan pools),
thereby allowing the Company to lock-in a fixed rate. As of June 30, 1997, the
notional amount of the swap contract was $50 million, upon which the Company
pays a fixed rate (5.77%) and receives the lesser of the quarterly beginning or
ending one-month commercial paper rate (5.45%) at June 30, 1997. The swap
agreement has no imbedded options or other terms that involve a higher level of
complexity or risk. In addition, the Company has interest rate caps (strike at
11% one-month commercial paper rate) intended to preserve the minimum spread
associated with each securitized pool of loans. As of June 30, 1997, the
notional amount of the interest rate caps was $61.4 million. The Company does
not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The swap was subsequently terminated on September 5, 1997, resulting in the
Company paying $258,700.
 
     Financial Instruments -- Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments" ("SFAS No. 107"),
requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments,
whether or not recognized on the balance sheet. Fair values are based on
estimates using present value or other valuation techniques in cases where
quoted market prices are not available. These techniques are significantly
effected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of
future cash flows. SFAS No. 107 excludes certain financial instruments and all
non-financial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the
aggregate fair value amounts presented in the accompanying table do not
represent the underlying value of the Company.
 
                                      F-67
<PAGE>   148
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as
follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   JUNE 30,
                                                  -------------------------------------------
                                                         1997                    1996
                                                  -------------------     -------------------
                                                  CARRYING     FAIR       CARRYING     FAIR
                                                  AMOUNT       VALUE      AMOUNT       VALUE
                                                  -------     -------     -------     -------
    <S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
    Financial Assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents...............    $ 1,455     $ 1,455     $ 1,703     $ 1,703
      Securitized receivables.................     10,072      10,072      19,352      17,865
      Excess servicing asset..................         --          --       3,929       3,410
      Interest-only strip.....................        535         535
      Retail contracts, net...................     87,911      87,911      57,206      66,116
    Financial Liabilities:
      Subordinated notes payable..............    $30,000     $18,569     $30,000     $33,166
      Senior line of credit...................     80,300      79,035      39,000      39,000
      Servicing liability.....................        823         823
    Off Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
      Interest rate swap......................    $    --     $  (191)    $    (9)    $   (26)
      Interest rate caps......................         --           2          --           3
</TABLE>
 
     The following fair value estimates, methods and assumptions were used to
measure each class of financial instruments for which it is practical to
estimate fair value:
 
     Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount is considered to be a
reasonable estimate of fair value.
 
     Securitized receivables, excess servicing asset, interest-only strip: The
fair value was estimated by discounting future cash flows using rates available
for instruments with similar risk and remaining maturities. In determining fair
value, the prepayment and loss factors utilized were not significantly different
from the Company's actual prepayment and loss experience.
 
     Retail contracts, net of unearned finance charges: Fair value was estimated
using investor yields associated with securitized sales currently entered into
by the Company, considering anticipated prepayment, losses and other factors.
 
     Subordinated notes payable: Fair value was estimated based on the net cash
flows (after repayment of Senior Line of Credit) ultimately available for debt
with similar terms and maturity. The net cash flows were based on an estimate of
future collections (net of servicing fees) on the Company's outstanding retail
contracts.
 
     Senior line of credit: Fair value was estimated based on the net cash flows
ultimately available to pay down the line of credit, discounted at rates
available for debt with similar terms and maturity, considering risks given the
current status of the Company. The net cash flows were based on an estimate of
future collections (net of servicing fees) on the Company's outstanding retail
contracts.
 
     Servicing liability: Fair value was estimated based on an analysis of
discounted cash flows that incorporates estimates of (1) market servicing costs,
(2) projected ancillary servicing revenue, (3) projected prepayment rates that
are based on changes in interest rates, and (4) market profit margin.
 
(13)  SALE OF CERTAIN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES TO UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION
 
     On September 15, 1997 the Company entered into an agreement with Ugly
Duckling Corporation (the "Buyer") to sell the majority of its operating assets
and facilities of the Finance and Retail operations. The
 
                                      F-68
<PAGE>   149
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
aggregate purchase price for the assets acquired and the assumption of certain
liabilities was approximately $5.5 million. The assets acquired and liabilities
assumed consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               CARRYING VALUE     ALLOWANCE     NET BOOK VALUE
                                               --------------     ---------     --------------
        <S>                                    <C>                <C>           <C>
        Automobile inventory...............        $3,701          $(1,181)         $2,520
        Fixed assets.......................         3,179               --           3,179
        Other assets.......................           259             (128)            131
        Accrued vacation...................          (310)              --            (310)
                                                   ------          -------          ------
                                                   $6,829          $(1,309)         $5,520
                                                   ======          =======          ======
</TABLE>
 
     Concurrent with the sale, the Company entered into an agreement whereby the
Buyer will service the outstanding retail contract portfolio (both securitized
and company owned) and remit all future collections (net of servicing fees) to
pay down the respective obligations. The Buyer is to be reimbursed for all
direct collection expenses in addition to a monthly servicing fee. Two of the
Company's existing retail stores were not acquired: one in Baldwin Park,
California and one in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition, the Company's retail store
in "Northeast Dallas" was not acquired, however, the Buyer is operating out of
this location and is leasing the facilities from the Company. All other retail
stores were acquired, and their corresponding leases assumed. The Company will
not operate out of the remaining store locations, and will pursue subleasing,
conveying or terminating the existing leases.
 
(14)  BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
     Operating results and other financial data are presented for the principal
business segments of the Company for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively. The Company has three distinct business segments. These
consist of retail car sales operations (Retail Operations), the income generated
from the finance receivables generated at the Retail Operations (Finance
Operations) and corporate and other operations. Identifiable assets by business
segment are those assets used in each segment of Company operations (dollars in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               RETAIL        FINANCE
                                             OPERATIONS     OPERATIONS     CORPORATE     CONSOLIDATED
                                             ----------     ----------     ---------     ------------
    <S>                                      <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
    Year ended or at June 30, 1997
      Revenue............................     $ 144,129      $  21,504           --        $165,633
      Depreciation and amortization......         2,162            640           --           2,802
      Operating income...................       (11,450)       (28,585)          --         (40,035)
      Identifiable assets................        10,599         99,978      $ 1,416         111,993
    Year ended or at June 30, 1996
      Revenue............................     $ 118,176      $  23,486           --        $141,662
      Depreciation and amortization......           968            379           --           1,347
      Operating income...................           119          4,478           --           4,597
      Identifiable assets................        23,006         81,470      $ 3,852         108,328
    Year ended or at June 30, 1995
      Revenue............................     $  81,832      $  15,796           --        $ 97,628
      Depreciation and amortization......           474             46           --             520
      Operating income...................         1,259          2,298           --           3,557
      Identifiable assets................        11,279         87,648      $ 2,954         101,881
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-69
<PAGE>   150
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(15)  QUARTERLY STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                        FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             FIRST     SECOND      THIRD      FOURTH
                                            QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER       TOTAL
                                            -------    -------    -------    --------     --------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Automotive sales..........................  $37,724    $31,742    $41,042    $ 33,621     $144,129
Cost of automotive sales..................   23,996     21,242     25,129      28,066       98,433
                                            -------    -------    -------    --------     --------
     Gross margin on automotive sales.....   13,728     10,500     15,913       5,555       45,696
Provision for losses on retail
  contracts...............................    7,161      6,549     10,895      37,748(1)    62,353
                                            -------    -------    -------    --------     --------
                                              6,567      3,951      5,018     (32,193)     (16,657)
Gain on sale of receivables...............    1,746      2,276        866          --        4,888
Finance charge income.....................    3,366      3,586      4,809       4,855       16,616
                                            -------    -------    -------    --------     --------
     Operating profit (loss) before
       expenses...........................   11,679      9,813     10,693     (27,338)       4,847
Expenses:
  Selling and store.......................    5,278      4,870      5,470       6,166       21,784
  Finance operations......................    1,689      1,729      2,026       2,203        7,647
  General and administrative..............      494        511        497         561        2,063
  Depreciation and amortization...........      440        462        500       1,400        2,802
                                            -------    -------    -------    --------     --------
     Earnings (loss) before interest and
       income taxes.......................    3,778      2,241      2,200     (37,668)     (29,449)
Interest expense, net.....................    1,923      2,366      2,425       3,872       10,586
                                            -------    -------    -------    --------     --------
     Earnings (loss) before income
       taxes..............................    1,855       (125)      (225)    (41,540)     (40,035)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes......      742        (50)       192      (3,246)      (2,362)
                                            -------    -------    -------    --------     --------
          Net earnings (loss).............  $ 1,113    $   (75)   $  (417)   $(38,294)    $(37,673)
                                            =======    =======    =======    ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(1) See Note 2 for discussion on changes in provision for losses.
 
                                      F-70
<PAGE>   151
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                        FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           FIRST      SECOND       THIRD      FOURTH
                                          QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER      TOTAL
                                          -------     -------     -------     -------     --------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Automotive sales........................  $26,851     $24,615     $32,118     $34,592     $118,176
Cost of automotive sales................   16,177      15,665      20,004      22,123       73,969
                                          -------     -------     -------     -------      -------
     Gross margin on automotive sales...   10,674       8,950      12,114      12,469       44,207
Provision for losses on retail
  contracts.............................    5,907       8,915       7,067       7,610       29,499
                                          -------     -------     -------     -------      -------
                                            4,767          35       5,047       4,859       14,708
Gain on sale of receivables.............       --       5,183       1,109       1,798        8,090
Finance charge income...................    4,688       4,359       2,955       3,394       15,396
                                          -------     -------     -------     -------      -------
     Operating profit before expenses...    9,455       9,577       9,111      10,051       38,194
Expenses:
  Selling and store.....................    3,434       4,047       4,248       4,682       16,411
  Finance operations....................    1,497       2,174       1,571       1,226        6,468
  General and administrative............      429         519         623         809        2,380
  Depreciation and amortization.........      286         363         539         159        1,347
                                          -------     -------     -------     -------      -------
     Operating earnings before interest
       and income taxes.................    3,809       2,474       2,130       3,175       11,588
Interest expense........................    1,968       1,638       1,546       1,839        6,991
                                          -------     -------     -------     -------      -------
     Earnings before income taxes.......    1,841         836         584       1,336        4,597
Provision for income taxes..............      736         334         235         534        1,839
                                          -------     -------     -------     -------      -------
          Net earnings..................  $ 1,105     $   502     $   349     $   802     $  2,758
                                          =======     =======     =======     =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-71
<PAGE>   152
 
                             KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(16)  KARS-YES HOLDINGS INC.
 
     The following are condensed balance sheets of KARS-YES Holdings Inc. as of
June 30 (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1997        1996
                                                                          --------     -------
<S>                                                                       <C>          <C>
                                            ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents.............................................    $  1,333     $ 1,452
Fixed assets, net.....................................................          --         612
Other assets, net.....................................................          83       1,788
Intercompany receivable...............................................      27,744      24,506
Investments in subsidiaries...........................................      (3,325)     35,567
                                                                          --------     -------
          Total assets................................................    $ 25,835     $63,925
                                                                          ========     =======
                        LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Accounts payable......................................................    $  4,107     $ 3,629
Accrued liabilities...................................................         641         215
Subordinated notes payable............................................      30,000      30,000
                                                                          --------     -------
          Total liabilities...........................................      34,748      33,844
                                                                          --------     -------
Redeemable cumulative preferred stock of subsidiary...................           1           1
                                                                          --------     -------
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
  Class A common stock................................................       1,200       1,203
  Treasury stock......................................................        (300)       (300)
  Additional paid-in capital..........................................      23,511      23,610
  Unrealized gain on investment.......................................      (1,087)
  Retained earnings...................................................     (32,238)      5,567
                                                                          --------     -------
          Total shareholders' equity (deficit)........................      (8,914)     30,080
                                                                          --------     -------
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity (deficit)........    $ 25,835     $63,924
                                                                          ========     =======
</TABLE>
 
     The ability of the Company's subsidiaries to transfer funds to the Company
in the form of dividends is restricted pursuant to the terms of the senior line
of credit entered into by the Company's Finance Operation.
 
                                      F-72
<PAGE>   153
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                  FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             HISTORICAL                                         PRO FORMA      PRO FORMA
                             COMPANY     SEMINOLE     EZ PLAN       KARS       ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED
                             -------     --------     -------     --------     -----------     ---------
<S>                          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>             <C>
Sales of Used Cars.........  $46,013      $4,430      $10,730     $ 84,993      $      --      $ 146,166
Less:
  Cost of Used Cars Sold...   24,000       4,392        7,675       60,382            291(a)      96,740
  Provision for Credit
     Losses................    8,829          --        5,316       50,914             --         65,059
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
                              13,184          38       (2,261)     (26,303)          (291)       (15,633)
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
Interest Income............   12,608         307        1,357       12,957        (12,957)(b)     14,272
Gain (Loss) on Sale of
  Loans....................   12,810          --           --          866           (866)(c)     12,810
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
                              25,418         307        1,357       13,823        (13,823)        27,082
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
Other income...............    3,574          20          977           --          2,806(d)       7,377
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
Income before Operating
  Expenses.................   42,176         365           73      (12,480)       (11,308)        18,826
Operating Expenses.........   28,111         374        3,561       22,576         (1,465)(e)     53,119
                             -------     -------      -------      -------                      --------
                                                                                     (155)(f)
                                                                                      (37)(g)
                                                                                      154(h)
Income (Loss) before
  Interest Expense.........   14,065          (9)      (3,488)     (35,056)        (9,805)       (34,293)
Interest Expense...........    1,336          --          359        8,303            169(i)       3,116
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
                                                                                   (7,051)(j)
Earnings (Loss) before
  Income Taxes.............   12,729          (9)      (3,847)     (43,359)        (2,923)       (37,409)
Income Taxes (Benefit).....    5,156          --           --       (3,054)        (2,102)(k)         --
                             -------     -------      -------      -------        -------       --------
Net Earnings (Loss)........  $ 7,573      $   (9)     $(3,847)    $(40,305)     $    (821)     $ (37,409)
                             =======     =======      =======      =======        =======       ========
Earnings (Loss) per
  Share....................    $0.43                                                              $(2.10)
                             =======                                                            ========
Shares Used in
  Computation..............   17,780                                                              17,780
                             =======                                                            ========
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma
                  condensed combined statement of operations.
 
                                      F-73
<PAGE>   154
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             HISTORICAL                                     PRO FORMA          PRO FORMA
                             COMPANY    SEMINOLE    EZ PLAN      KARS      ADJUSTMENTS         COMBINED
                             -------    --------    -------    --------    -----------         ---------
<S>                          <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>                 <C>
Sales of Used Cars........   $53,768    $ 11,827    $42,303    $136,176     $      --          $ 244,074
Less:
  Cost of Used Cars
     Sold.................    29,890       9,417     30,800      87,365            (2)(a)        157,470
  Provision for Credit
     Losses...............     9,811       7,107      4,512      28,387            --             49,817
                             -------     -------    -------    --------       -------           --------
                              14,067      (4,697)     6,991      20,424             2             36,787
                             -------     -------    -------    --------       -------           --------
Interest Income...........    15,856      10,193      6,418      13,301       (13,301)(b)         32,467
Gain (Loss) on Sale of
  Loans...................     4,434      (1,457)        --       6,929        (6,929)(c)          2,977
                             -------     -------    -------    --------       -------           --------
                              20,290       8,736      6,418      20,230       (20,230)            35,444
                             -------     -------    -------    --------       -------           --------
Other income..............     1,571       1,620      2,926          --         3,150(d)           9,267
                             -------     -------    -------    --------       -------           --------
Income before Operating
  Expenses................    35,928       5,659     16,335      40,654       (17,078)            81,498
Operating Expenses........    24,700      10,723     14,253      29,330        (1,581)(e)         77,645
                             -------     -------    -------    --------                         --------
                                                                                  211(f)
                                                                                  705(g)
                                                                                 (696)(h)
Income (Loss) before
  Interest Expense........    11,228      (5,064)     2,082      11,324       (15,717)             3,853
Interest Expense..........     5,262       3,742      1,880       7,674           477(i)          11,361
                             -------     -------    -------    --------                         --------
                                                                               (7,674)(j)
Earnings (Loss) before
  Income Taxes............     5,966      (8,806)       202       3,650        (8,520)            (7,508)
Income Taxes (Benefit)....       100          --         --       1,461        (1,561)(k)             --
                             -------     -------    -------    --------       -------           --------
Net Earnings (Loss).......   $ 5,866    $ (8,806)   $   202    $  2,189     $  (6,959)         $  (7,508)
                             =======     =======    =======    ========       =======           ========
Earnings (Loss) per
  Share...................     $0.60(l)                                                           $(1.02)(1)
                             =======                                                            ========
Shares Used in
  Computation.............     8,283                                                               8,283
                             =======                                                            ========
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma
                  condensed combined statement of operations.
 
                                      F-74
<PAGE>   155
 
                   UGLY DUCKLING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
                       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(1) BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
 
     The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information
of the Company presents the pro forma combined statements of operations for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997, and the year ended December 31, 1996. The
pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 1996
has been adjusted to give effect to (i) the Company's acquisition of Seminole
Finance Corporation and related companies ("Seminole"), (ii) E-Z Plan, Inc.
("E-Z Plan") and (iii) Kars-Yes Holdings Inc. ("Kars"), in each case as if the
transactions had occurred on January 1, 1996 (collectively referred to as the
"1997 Acquisitions" or "Acquired Companies"). The pro forma combined statement
of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 gives effect to the
1997 Acquisitions as if the 1997 Acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 1997.
 
     The combination of the Company's audited statement of operations for the
year ended December 31, 1996 with the audited statements of operations of
Seminole and E-Z Plan and the unaudited statement of operations of Kars for the
same period results in a combined loss of $7.5 million. In addition, the
combination of the Company's unaudited statement of operations for the nine
month period ended September 30, 1997 with the unaudited statements of
operations of the 1997 Acquisitions for the same period results in a combined
loss of $37.4 million. These pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of
the future results of operations of the Company or the results of operations
which would have resulted had the Company and the Acquired Companies been
combined during the periods presented. In addition, the pro forma results are
not intended to be a projection of future results.
 
     The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should be
read in conjunction with the historical Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Company and the Notes thereto and management's discussion and analysis contained
elsewhere in this Prospectus, and the respective audited financial statements of
the 1997 Acquisitions. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements and Notes thereto.
 
(2) PROFORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
(a) Adjustment to convert E-Z Plan inventory from last-in, first-out (LIFO) to
    specific identification basis of accounting.
 
(b) Adjustment to eliminate interest income on the Kars loan portfolio not
    purchased by Ugly Duckling.
 
(c) Adjustment to eliminate gain on sale on the Kars loan portfolio, as the loan
    portfolio was not purchased by Ugly Duckling.
 
(d) Adjustment to record servicing fee income for servicing fees generated by
    Ugly Duckling for the servicing of the loan portfolio retained by Kars and
    serviced by Ugly Duckling.
 
(e) Pursuant to the terms of the servicing agreement between Ugly Duckling and
    Kars, Kars is responsible for bearing the collection costs of its retained
    loan portfolio. Adjustment to decrease general and administrative expenses
    for vehicle repossession and reconditioning expenses related to the Kars
    loan portfolio not purchased by Ugly Duckling.
 
(f) Adjustment to rent expense for difference in lease rates for certain
    properties.
 
(g) Amortization of goodwill over a period ranging from 15 years to 20 years.
 
(h) Adjustment to reverse key man life insurance expense for policies retained
    by E-Z Plan.
 
(i) The former stockholders of E-Z Plan had provided financing to E-Z Plan for
    use in purchasing and reconditioning its inventory and in funding operating
    expenses. No interest was charged, except for
 
                                      F-75
<PAGE>   156
 
    advances related to inventory purchases. This pro forma adjustment is to
    charge interest at Ugly Duckling's average borrowing rate as if the entire
    balance of the advances from the shareholders had been charged interest.
 
(j) Adjustment to reduce interest expense for the carrying cost of the loan
    portfolio retained by Kars.
 
(k) Adjust income tax expense for the impact of the pro forma adjustments.
 
(l) Earnings per share calculated after giving effect to payment of $916,000 in
    preferred stock dividends in 1996.
 
                                      F-76
<PAGE>   157
 
======================================================
 
  NO DEALER, SALESPERSON, OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND,
IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY OTHER PERSON. NEITHER THE DELIVERY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE
COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THOSE TO WHICH IT RELATES OR AN
OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, TO ANY PERSON IN ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PAGE
                                             ----
<S>                                          <C>
Prospectus Summary.........................    3
Risk Factors...............................   10
The Company................................   18
FMAC Transaction...........................   18
Use of Proceeds............................   22
Price Range of Common Stock................   22
Dividend Policy............................   22
Capitalization.............................   23
Selected Consolidated Financial Data.......   24
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
  Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations...............................   30
Business...................................   53
Management.................................   63
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
  Owners and Management....................   71
Certain Relationships and Related
  Transactions.............................   73
Description of Capital Stock...............   74
Plan of Distribution.......................   78
Legal Matters..............................   79
Experts....................................   79
Available Information......................   80
Index to Financial Statements..............  F-1
</TABLE>
 
======================================================
======================================================
                                5,325,000 Shares
 
                                  Common Stock
 
                                    325,000
                         Common Stock Purchase Warrants
 
                              [UGLY DUCKLING LOGO]
                            -----------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
                            -----------------------
 
                                            , 1997
 
======================================================
<PAGE>   158
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     Other expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the
securities to be registered hereunder, all of which will be paid by the
registrant, will be substantially as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       ITEM                                  AMOUNT
        ------------------------------------------------------------------  --------
        <S>                                                                 <C>
         SEC Registration Fee.............................................  $ 13,948
         Nasdaq Filing Fee................................................    17,500
        *Blue Sky Fees and Expenses (including legal fees)................    10,000
        *Accounting Fees and Expenses.....................................    80,000
        *Legal Fees and Expenses..........................................    90,000
        *Printing and Engraving...........................................    50,000
        *Registrar and Transfer Agent's Fees..............................     5,000
        *Miscellaneous Expenses...........................................    13,552
                                                                            --------
                  Total...................................................  $280,000
                                                                            ========
</TABLE>
 
---------------
* Estimated
 
ITEM 14.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides that a director of the
Company shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders
for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for
liability for: (i) any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company
or its stockholders; (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) liability for
payments of dividends or stock purchases or redemptions in violation of Section
174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or (iv) any transaction from which
the director derived an improper personal benefit. In addition, the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company shall to the fullest
extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or
may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the
extent that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader
indemnification rights than such law permitted the corporation to provide prior
to such amendment), indemnify and hold harmless any person who was or is a
party, or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that such person
is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including
service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an "Indemnitee")
against expenses, liabilities and losses (including attorneys' fees, judgments,
fines, excise taxes or penalties paid in connection with the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and amounts paid in settlement)
reasonably incurred or suffered by such Indemnitee in connection therewith;
provided, however, that except as otherwise provided with respect to proceedings
to enforce rights to indemnification, the Company shall indemnify any such
Indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such
Indemnitee only if such proceeding or part thereof was authorized by the board
of directors of the Company.
 
     The right to indemnification set forth above includes the right to be paid
by the Company the expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in defending
any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however,
that, if the Delaware General Corporation Law requires, an advancement of
expenses incurred by an Indemnitee in his capacity as a director or officer (and
not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such
Indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan)
shall be made only upon delivery to the Company of an undertaking, by or on
behalf of such Indemnitee,
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   159
 
to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final
judicial decision from which there is not further right to appeal that such
Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this
section or otherwise. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of
expenses conferred herewith are contract rights and continue as to an Indemnitee
who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and inure to the
benefit of the Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators.
 
     The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that indemnification is
permissible only when the director, officer, employee, or agent acted in good
faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful. The
Delaware General Corporation Law also precludes indemnification in respect of
any claim, issue, or matter as to which an officer, director, employee, or agent
shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company unless and only to the
extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was
brought shall determine that, despite such adjudication of liability but in view
of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such
other court shall deem proper.
 
     For information regarding the Company's undertaking to submit to
adjudication the issue of indemnification for violation of the securities laws,
see Item 17 hereof.
 
ITEM 15.  RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
     On May 31, 1994: (i) Steven P. Johnson purchased 290,000 shares of Common
Stock from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000; (ii) Scott A.
Allen and Wm. Don Gray each purchased 116,000 shares of Common Stock from the
Company for an aggregate purchase price of $10,000; (iii) Steven T. Darak and
Nancy V. Young each purchased 58,000 shares of Common Stock from the Company for
an aggregate purchase price of $5,000; (iv) Peter R. Fratt purchased 46,400
shares of Common Stock from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of
$4,000; (v) and Eric J. Splaver and Mary E. Reiner each purchased 11,600 shares
of Common Stock from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of $1,000.
 
     On March 22, 1995, Walter T. Vonsh purchased 58,000 shares of Common Stock
from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of $5,000.
 
     On August 31, 1995, SunAmerica purchased $3 million of the Company's
convertible subordinated debt. This indebtedness was due December 31, 1998, and
bore interest at a per annum rate of 12.5%, payable quarterly. Effective June
21, 1996, SunAmerica converted the note into Common Stock of the Company at the
initial public offering price per share (444,444 shares at the initial public
offering price of $6.75 per share).
 
     On December 31, 1995, Verde Investments converted $10,000,000 of
subordinated debt into 1,000,000 shares of the Company's Preferred Stock. In
November 1996, the Preferred Stock was redeemed by the Company.
 
     On April 24, 1996, the Company reincorporated from Arizona to Delaware by
way of a merger in which the Company, an Arizona corporation, merged with and
into a newly created Delaware subsidiary of the Company. In the merger, each
share of the Arizona corporation's issued and outstanding common stock was
exchanged for 1.16 shares of the Delaware corporation's common stock and each
option to purchase shares of the Arizona corporation's common stock was
exchanged for 1.16 options to purchase shares of the Delaware corporation's
common stock. All share figures set forth above give effect to this exchange
ratio.
 
     On February 13, 1997, the Company sold 5,075,500 shares of Common Stock to
approximately 115 institutional purchasers for an aggregate purchase price of
$94,531,188. Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. acted as placement agent in
the transaction. The total proceeds to the Company, net of discounts and
commissions, was $89,804,629 before deducting offering expenses.
 
     On August 6, 1997, the Company entered into an employment agreement with
Steven A. Tesdahl, Senior Vice President -- Chief Information Officer of the
Company, which agreement contains a commitment to grant on January 15, 1998 a
number of shares of Common Stock of the Company valued at $100,000 as of
September 1, 1997 (approximately 7,692 shares).
 
     In two separate transactions in August and December, 1997, the Company
issued warrants to purchase 389,800 and 110,200 shares of Common Stock,
respectively, to members of the Bank Group in connection with the Company's
purchase of the Senior Bank Debt in the FMAC Bankruptcy Case.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   160
 
     Exemption from registration for each transaction described above was
claimed pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act regarding transactions by
an issuer not involving any public offering and/or pursuant to Rule 145 under
the Securities Act regarding transactions the sole purpose of which is to change
an issuer's domicile solely within the United States.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE.
 
     (a) Exhibits:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                  DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
--------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>
 3.1       Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant Amended and Restated as of May 15,
           1997(5)
 3.2       Bylaws of the Registrant(5)
 4.1       Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3.1)
 4.2       Form of Warrant Agreement between the Registrant and Harris Trust Company of
           California, as warrant agent, with respect to the Warrants (to be filed by
           Pre-Effective Amendment)
 4.3       Form of Certificate representing Common Stock(1)
 4.4       10% Subordinated Debenture of the Registrant issued to Verde Investments, Inc.
 4.5       Form of Warrant issued to Cruttenden Roth Incorporated as Representative of the
           several underwriters(1)
 4.6       Form of Warrant issued to SunAmerica Life Insurance Company(1)
 4.7       Warrant Agreement between the Registrant and Harris Trust Company of California,
           as warrant agent, with respect to bank group warrants issued in August of 1997(6)
 4.8       Warrant Agreement between the Registrant and Harris Trust Company of California,
           as warrant agent, with respect to bank group warrants issued in December of 1997
 5         Opinion of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. regarding the legality of the securities being
           registered
10.1       Amended and Restated Motor Vehicle Installment Contract Loan and Security
           Agreement between Registrant and General Electric Capital Corporation(8)
10.1(a)    Assumption and Amendment Agreement between the Registrant and General Electric
           Capital Corporation(2)
10.1(b)    Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Motor Vehicle Installment Contract Loan
           and Security Agreement between Registrant and General Electric Capital Corporation
           dated December 22, 1997
10.2       Note Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and SunAmerica Life Insurance
           Company(1)
10.2(a)    First Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and SunAmerica
           Life Insurance Company(1)
10.2(b)    Second Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and SunAmerica
           Life Insurance Company(1)
10.2(c)    Third Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and SunAmerica
           Life Insurance Company(1)
10.2(d)    Fourth Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and SunAmerica
           Life Insurance Company(1)
10.2(e)    Commitment Letter entered into between the Registrant and SunAmerica Life
           Insurance Company(1)
10.2(f)    Letter Agreement regarding Note Conversion between the Registrant and SunAmerica
           Life Insurance Company(1)
10.3       Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement between the Registrant and
           SunAmerica Life Insurance Company(1)
10.4       Loan Purchase Agreement dated as of August 20, 1997 among the Registrant and
           certain banks(6)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   161
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                  DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
--------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>
10.4(a)    Assignment of Loan and Bank Claim dated as of August 20, 1997 among the Registrant
           and certain banks, as assignors(6)
10.4(b)    Security Agreement dated as of August 20, 1997 among the Registrant, as obligor,
           and certain banks(6)
10.4(c)    Payment Guaranty dated as of August 20, 1997 of certain affiliates of the
           Registrant, as guarantors(6)
10.5       Restated (as of March 14, 1997) Ugly Duckling Corporation Long-Term Incentive
           Plan(5)
10.6       Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Ernest C. Garcia, II(1)
10.7       Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Steven T. Darak(1)
10.8       Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Wally Vonsh(1)
10.8(a)    Modification of Employment Agreement between Registrant and Wally Vonsh
10.9       Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Donald L.
           Addink(8)
10.10      Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Russell Grisanti(5)
10.11      Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Steven A. Tesdahl(8)
10.12      Land Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Verde Investments, Inc. for
           property located at 5104 West Glendale Avenue in Glendale, Arizona(1)
10.13      Building Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Verde Investments, Inc. for
           property and buildings located at 9630 and 9650 North 19th Avenue in Phoenix,
           Arizona(1)
10.14      Land Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Verde Investments, Inc. for
           property located at 330 North 24th Street in Phoenix, Arizona(1)
10.15      Land Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Verde Investments, Inc. for
           property located at 333 South Alma School Road in Mesa, Arizona(1)
10.16      Lease Agreements between the Registrant and Blue Chip Motors, the Registrant and S
           & S Holding Corporation, and the Registrant and Edelman Brothers for certain
           properties located at 3901 East Speedway Boulevard in Tucson, Arizona(1)
10.17      Real Property Lease between the Registrant and Peter and Alva Keesal for property
           located at 3737 South Park Avenue in Tucson, Arizona(1)
10.18      Land Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Verde Investments, Inc. for
           property located at 2301 North Oracle Road in Tucson, Arizona(1)
10.19      Related Party Transactions Modification Agreement between the Registrant and Verde
           Investments, Inc.(1)
10.20      Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Registrant and its directors and
           officers(1)
10.21      Ugly Duckling Corporation 1996 Director Incentive Plan(1)
10.22      Purchase Agreement, dated February 10, 1997 between the Registrant and Friedman,
           Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. (10)
10.23      Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Assets dated as of December 31, 1996(3)
10.23(a)   First Amendment to Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Assets dated as of June 6,
           1997(5)
10.24      Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Assets among the Registrant E-Z Plan, Inc.,
           shareholders of E-Z Plan, Inc., and certain lessors, dated as of March 5, 1997(4)
10.25      Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Certain Assets among Registrant, Kars-Yes
           Holdings Inc. and certain other parties, dated as of September 15, 1997(7)
10.26(a)   Portfolio Servicing Agreement among Registrant, Kars-Yes Financial, Inc., and
           certain other parties, dated as of September 15, 1997(7)
10.26(b)   Subservicing Agreement among Registrant, Kars-Yes Financial, Inc., and certain
           other parties, dated as of September 15, 1997(7)
10.27      Binding Agreement to Propose and Support Modified Plan Agreement dated as of
           December 12, 1997 among the Registrant, FMAC and the Official Committee of
           Unsecured Creditors of FMAC (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   162
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                  DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
--------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>
10.27(a)   Binding Agreement to Propose and Support Modified Plan Agreement dated as of
           November 14, 1997 among the Registrant, FMAC and the Official Committee of
           Unsecured Creditors of FMAC (8) (expected to be superseded by Exhibit 10.27)
10.28      Purchase Agreement by and among Contract Purchaser, Registrant and Lasalle
           National Bank (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)
10.29      Guaranty by Registrant in favor of Contract Purchaser (to be filed by
           Pre-Effective Amendment)
10.30      Servicing Agreement by and among Registrant, Contract Purchaser, FMAC, and LaSalle
           National Bank, as Agent (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)
10.31      FMAC Guaranty and Stock Pledge Agreement among FMAC, Registrant and certain banks
           (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)
10.32      Contribution Agreement between Registrant and FMAC (to be filed by Pre-Effective
           Amendment)
10.34      Order Approving FMAC's Sale of Bank Group Accounts Free and Clear of Liens, Claims
           and Encumbrances and Authorizing Debtor to Enter into a Contribution Agreement and
           Guaranty and Pledge Agreement (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)
11         Earnings (Loss) per Share Computation (8)
21         List of Subsidiaries
23.1       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
23.2       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
23.3       Consent of Barton & Company, P.A.
23.4       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.5       Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
23.6       Consent of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5)
24         Power of Attorney (included in signature pages)
27         Financial Data Schedule
99.1       Joint Plan under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code of First
           Merchants Acceptance Corporation and First Merchants Residential Credit
           Corporation (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)
99.2       Joint Disclosure Statement of Debtors in Connection with Solicitation of Ballots
           with respect to Joint Plan under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code
           (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)
</TABLE>
 
---------------
 (1) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
     S-1 (Registration No. 333-3998), effective June 18, 1996.
 
 (2) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
     S-1 (Registration No. 333-13755), effective October 30, 1996.
 
 (3) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K,
     filed January 30, 1997.
 
 (4) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K,
     filed March 31, 1997.
 
 (5) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q,
     filed August 14, 1997.
 
 (6) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K,
     filed September 5, 1997.
 
 (7) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K,
     filed October 3, 1997.
 
 (8) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q,
     filed November 14, 1997.
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   163
 
 (9) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K,
     filed November 20, 1997.
 
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
     S-1 (Registration No. 333-22237).
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
        (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
            a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
           (i)  To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
                Securities Act of 1933;
 
           (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
                 the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
                 recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or
                 in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
                 information set forth in the registration statement.
                 Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
                 volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
                 securities offered would not exceed that which was registered)
                 and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
                 maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of
                 prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b)
                 if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent
                 no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering
                 price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table
                 in the effective registration statement;
 
           (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
                 distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
                 statement or any material change to such information in the
                 registration statement;
 
        (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
            Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
            deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
            offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
            shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
        (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
            any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
            termination of the offering.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
 
     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
          (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
     this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
     form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
     (4), or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
     Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   164
 
          (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
     prospectus shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to
     the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
     time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>   165
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-1 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Phoenix, State of Arizona, on December 21, 1997.
 
                                          Ugly Duckling Corporation
 
                                          By:   /s/  ERNEST C. GARCIA, II
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                    Ernest C. Garcia, II
                                                 Chairman of the Board and
                                                  Chief Executive Officer
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Ernest C. Garcia, II, Gregory B. Sullivan, Steven
P. Johnson and Steven T. Darak, and each of them, in his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Form S-1 Registration
Statement and to sign any registration statement for the same offering that is
to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act, and
to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection
therewith, with the Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents,
and each of them, in full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as
fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person hereby
ratifying and confirming that all said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             NAME AND SIGNATURE                           TITLE                     DATE
---------------------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------
<C>                                            <S>                           <C>
          /s/ ERNEST C. GARCIA, II             Chief Executive Officer and   December 21, 1997
---------------------------------------------  Director (Principal
            Ernest C. Garcia, II               executive officer)
 
             /s/ STEVEN T. DARAK               Senior Vice President and     December 21, 1997
---------------------------------------------  Chief Financial Officer
               Steven T. Darak                 (Principal financial and
                                               accounting officer)
           /s/ ROBERT J. ABRAHAMS              Director                      December 21, 1997
---------------------------------------------
             Robert J. Abrahams
 
         /s/ CHRISTOPHER D. JENNINGS           Director                      December 21, 1997
---------------------------------------------
           Christopher D. Jennings
 
           /s/ JOHN N. MACDONOUGH              Director                      December 21, 1997
---------------------------------------------
             John N. MacDonough
 
            /s/ ARTURO R. MORENO               Director                      December 21, 1997
---------------------------------------------
              Arturo R. Moreno
 
             /s/ FRANK P. WILLEY               Director                      December 21, 1997
---------------------------------------------
               Frank P. Willey
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>   166
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                               DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT                             PAGE
--------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----
<S>        <C>                                                                           <C>
 3.1       Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant Amended and Restated as of
           May 15, 1997(5).............................................................
 3.2       Bylaws of the Registrant(5).................................................
 4.1       Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3.1).......
 4.2       Form of Warrant Agreement between the Registrant and Harris Trust Company of
           California, as warrant agent, with respect to the Warrants (to be filed by
           Pre-Effective Amendment)....................................................
 4.3       Form of Certificate representing Common Stock(1)............................
 4.4       10% Subordinated Debenture of the Registrant issued to Verde Investments,
           Inc.........................................................................
 4.5       Form of Warrant issued to Cruttenden Roth Incorporated as Representative of
           the several underwriters(1).................................................
 4.6       Form of Warrant issued to SunAmerica Life Insurance Company(1)..............
 4.7       Warrant Agreement between the Registrant and Harris Trust Company of
           California, as warrant agent, with respect to bank group warrants issued in
           August of 1997(6)...........................................................
 4.8       Warrant Agreement between the Registrant and Harris Trust Company of
           California, as warrant agent, with respect to bank group warrants issued in
           December of 1997............................................................
 5         Opinion of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. regarding the legality of the securities
           being registered............................................................
10.1       Amended and Restated Motor Vehicle Installment Contract Loan and Security
           Agreement between Registrant and General Electric Capital Corporation(8)....
10.1(a)    Assumption and Amendment Agreement between the Registrant and General
           Electric Capital Corporation(2).............................................
10.1(b)    Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Motor Vehicle Installment Contract
           Loan and Security Agreement between Registrant and General Electric Capital
           Corporation dated December 22, 1997.........................................
10.2       Note Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and SunAmerica Life Insurance
           Company(1)..................................................................
10.2(a)    First Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and
           SunAmerica Life Insurance Company(1)........................................
10.2(b)    Second Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and
           SunAmerica Life Insurance Company(1)........................................
10.2(c)    Third Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and
           SunAmerica Life Insurance Company(1)........................................
10.2(d)    Fourth Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and
           SunAmerica Life Insurance Company(1)........................................
10.2(e)    Commitment Letter entered into between the Registrant and SunAmerica Life
           Insurance Company(1)........................................................
10.2(f)    Letter Agreement regarding Note Conversion between the Registrant and
           SunAmerica Life Insurance Company(1)........................................
10.3       Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement between the Registrant
           and SunAmerica Life Insurance Company(1)....................................
10.4       Loan Purchase Agreement dated as of August 20, 1997 among the Registrant and
           certain banks(6)............................................................
10.4(a)    Assignment of Loan and Bank Claim dated as of August 20, 1997 among the
           Registrant and certain banks, as assignors(6)...............................
10.4(b)    Security Agreement dated as of August 20, 1997 among the Registrant, as
           obligor, and certain banks(6)...............................................
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   167
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                               DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT                             PAGE
--------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----
<S>        <C>                                                                           <C>
10.4(c)    Payment Guaranty dated as of August 20, 1997 of certain affiliates of the
           Registrant, as guarantors(6)................................................
10.5       Restated (as of March 14, 1997) Ugly Duckling Corporation Long-Term
           Incentive Plan(5)...........................................................
10.6       Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Ernest C. Garcia, II(1).....
10.7       Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Steven T. Darak(1)..........
10.8       Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Wally Vonsh(1)..............
10.8(a)    Modification of Employment Agreement between Registrant and Wally Vonsh.....
10.9       Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Donald
           L. Addink(8)................................................................
10.10      Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Russell Grisanti(5).........
10.11      Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Steven A. Tesdahl(8)........
10.12      Land Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Verde Investments, Inc. for
           property located at 5104 West Glendale Avenue in Glendale, Arizona(1).......
10.13      Building Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Verde Investments, Inc.
           for property and buildings located at 9630 and 9650 North 19th Avenue in
           Phoenix, Arizona(1).........................................................
10.14      Land Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Verde Investments, Inc. for
           property located at 330 North 24th Street in Phoenix, Arizona(1)............
10.15      Land Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Verde Investments, Inc. for
           property located at 333 South Alma School Road in Mesa, Arizona(1)..........
10.16      Lease Agreements between the Registrant and Blue Chip Motors, the Registrant
           and S & S Holding Corporation, and the Registrant and Edelman Brothers for
           certain properties located at 3901 East Speedway Boulevard in Tucson,
           Arizona(1)..................................................................
10.17      Real Property Lease between the Registrant and Peter and Alva Keesal for
           property located at 3737 South Park Avenue in Tucson, Arizona(1)............
10.18      Land Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Verde Investments, Inc. for
           property located at 2301 North Oracle Road in Tucson, Arizona(1)............
10.19      Related Party Transactions Modification Agreement between the Registrant and
           Verde Investments, Inc.(1)..................................................
10.20      Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Registrant and its directors and
           officers(1).................................................................
10.21      Ugly Duckling Corporation 1996 Director Incentive Plan(1)...................
10.22      Purchase Agreement, dated February 10, 1997 between the Registrant and
           Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. (10).................................
10.23      Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Assets dated as of December 31, 1996(3)...
10.23(a)   First Amendment to Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Assets dated as of June
           6, 1997(5)..................................................................
10.24      Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Assets among the Registrant E-Z Plan,
           Inc., shareholders of E-Z Plan, Inc., and certain lessors, dated as of March
           5, 1997(4)..................................................................
10.25      Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Certain Assets among Registrant, Kars-Yes
           Holdings Inc. and certain other parties, dated as of September 15,
           1997(7).....................................................................
10.26(a)   Portfolio Servicing Agreement among Registrant, Kars-Yes Financial, Inc.,
           and certain other parties, dated as of September 15, 1997(7)................
10.26(b)   Subservicing Agreement among Registrant, Kars-Yes Financial, Inc., and
           certain other parties, dated as of September 15, 1997(7)....................
10.27      Binding Agreement to Propose and Support Modified Plan Agreement dated as of
           December 12, 1997 among the Registrant, FMAC and the Official Committee of
           Unsecured Creditors of FMAC (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)........
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   168
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                               DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT                             PAGE
--------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----
<S>        <C>                                                                           <C>
10.27(a)   Binding Agreement to Propose and Support Modified Plan Agreement dated as of
           November 14, 1997 among the Registrant, FMAC and the Official Committee of
           Unsecured Creditors of FMAC (8) (expected to be superseded by Exhibit
           10.27)......................................................................
10.28      Purchase Agreement by and among Contract Purchaser, Registrant and Lasalle
           National Bank (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)......................
10.29      Guaranty by Registrant in favor of Contract Purchaser (to be filed by
           Pre-Effective Amendment)....................................................
10.30      Servicing Agreement by and among Registrant, Contract Purchaser, FMAC, and
           LaSalle National Bank, as Agent (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)....
10.31      FMAC Guaranty and Stock Pledge Agreement among FMAC, Registrant and certain
           banks (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)..............................
10.32      Contribution Agreement between Registrant and FMAC (to be filed by
           Pre-Effective Amendment)....................................................
10.34      Order Approving FMAC's Sale of Bank Group Accounts Free and Clear of Liens,
           Claims and Encumbrances and Authorizing Debtor to Enter into a Contribution
           Agreement and Guaranty and Pledge Agreement (to be filed by Pre-Effective
           Amendment)..................................................................
11         Earnings (Loss) per Share Computation (8)...................................
21         List of Subsidiaries........................................................
23.1       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP. ..........................................
23.2       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP. ..........................................
23.3       Consent of Barton & Company, P.A. ..........................................
23.4       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. ..............................................
23.5       Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. ........................................
23.6       Consent of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5)....................
24         Power of Attorney (included in signature pages).............................
27         Financial Data Schedule.....................................................
99.1       Joint Plan under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code of First
           Merchants Acceptance Corporation and First Merchants Residential Credit
           Corporation (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)........................
99.2       Joint Disclosure Statement of Debtors in Connection with Solicitation of
           Ballots with respect to Joint Plan under Chapter 11 of the United States
           Bankruptcy Code (to be filed by Pre-Effective Amendment)....................
</TABLE>
 
---------------
 (1) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
     S-1 (Registration No. 333-3998), effective June 18, 1996.
 
 (2) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
     S-1 (Registration No. 333-13755), effective October 30, 1996.
 
 (3) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K,
     filed January 30, 1997.
 
 (4) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K,
     filed March 31, 1997.
 
 (5) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q,
     filed August 14, 1997.
 
 (6) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K,
     filed September 5, 1997.
 
 (7) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K,
     filed October 3, 1997.
 
 (8) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q,
     filed November 14, 1997.
 
 (9) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K,
     filed November 20, 1997.
 
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
     S-1 (Registration No. 333-22237).